Launch of NEW MSc in Coastal & Marine Environments in NUI Galway
It is clear that Ireland has many challenges to face in regards to the sustainable use of our
coasts, as was highlighted recently by the extensive damage to coastal infrastructure during
several months of severe winter storms. In light of this definite socio-economic and
environmental need, the timing of one of NUI Galway’s newest taught Masters course
couldn’t be more appropriate.
“Coastal and Marine Environments: Physical Processes, Policy and Practice”, put together by
staff in Geography and the Ryan Institute is a new, full-time, 1 year, taught MSc starting in
September. As part of this programme, students will be trained to conduct socially relevant
research using best scientific practices and short field courses, and will participate in work
placements that will aid in their professional development giving them realistic and
desirable career opportunities. Students will be mentored by staff who are active in
international field science research and who will integrate them into research projects.
Dr. Aaron Potito, Head of the School of Geography and Archaeology says “Staff in
Geography recognise that there is an immediate need for this type of innovative programme
that provides students with relevant academic qualifications. At a local level, national
policies that control how the Irish coastal and marine environments are managed and
achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2020 require personnel trained in both science
and policy.” He adds “ Most new coastal and marine policies at national and European levels
- like Harnessing our Ocean Wealth and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive - include
commitments to consider the natural environment and the implications of climate change in
our decisions, yet scientific training is rarely offered in conjunction with these new policies.
The new MSc programme is designed to fill some of these gaps.”
The EU has agreed its funding framework for the next decade (Horizon 2020) and one of the
core 7 research themes is Marine and Maritime activities. This means that there are
currently a series of large research projects coming to fruition requiring PhD candidates with
strong foundations in the coastal and marine sciences. This programme aims to make NUI
Galway students competitive in this market.
Prof. Colin Brown, Director of the Ryan Institute says “The level of commitment of so many
environment, marine and energy researchers to generate real, positive sustainable change
in our society continually astounds me. Staff members in Geography are an excellent
example. They have agreed to offer this course on top of existing workloads, in spite of
current constraints on funding and resources, because they see the need. NUI Galway,
located on Europe’s Atlantic seaboard, has the capacity to develop a leading role in marine
and maritime activities in Ireland and can make a unique contribution to some of the major
trends in marine education and training in the EU.”. He adds “The MSc will be greatly
enhanced through partnership with the Ryan Institute and this will improve student
opportunities, research collaborations within NUIG and promotion of coastal and marine
research in Ireland.”
The official launch of this innovative MSc will took place on Tuesday 23rd of September 2014
aboard the Celtic Voyager in Galway’s Docks.