Freshwater and Marine Ecology

Aquatic ecosystems and species are under intense anthropogenic threats. These threats directly affect services such as sustainable fisheries, drinking water or ecosystem resilience. To adequately respond to these 21st century challenges and conserve these goods and services, a fundamental understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystem processes is needed, as without knowledge there can be no application or effective management. Considering both freshwater and marine ecosystems and species, we have designed a programme to equip you with the interdisciplinary practical skills and theoretical understanding to pursue a career in aquatic research, consultancy or environmental protection, and give you a good understanding of applying scientific understanding to science policy. This programme balances the latest in ecological theory, conservation biology and evolutionary biology with practical application. If you take the Postgraduate Certificate rather than the MSc in Freshwater and Marine Ecology, you will take four taught modules (15 credits each) over one term.

Students travel to QMUL from some 150 countries around the world, creating a truly global community. Their website contains country specific information as well as information for students before they apply to the university. Once students are in London, there are various resources to help them adjust to their new life including a blog focusing on international students and their requirements. This is all run through the International Office who also offer help on matters such as immigration advice, scholarships and funding and help with accommodation during their stay. The Queen Mary Students’ Union (QMSU) is the heart of student life and is based in the newly refurbished Students’ Hub. It operates a range of services including a bar, café, shop and student media including a newspaper, magazine, radio station and TV station. Students can also use the facilities at the Student Central in Bloomsbury, 15 minutes away by tube, the former University of London Union. They also offer support and representation services for students as part of the National Union of Students (NUS). There are over 190 different societies and clubs on offer for students ranging from sports to theatre and everything in the middle. There are also a number of volunteering opportunities for those who wish to give something back to the community. There is a health and fitness centre called QMotion as well as various sports facilities and team take part in the BUCS leagues. A busy social calendar means there are plenty of performing arts opportunities for students and the Drapers Bar is one of the best entertainment venues in the country.