Module Directory

In this module, students can obtain the opportunity to experience working with an organisation on policies for the sustainable development of marine resources.

In consultation with the module supervisor, you may choose one of our existing placements (subject to availability) or pro-actively engage with a wide range of potential providers in our extended network, for example, from industry, government, NGOs, conservation bodies, or charitable trusts. A member of academic staff will provide guidance and your placement can range from mostly remote activities to in-person interaction for up to 12-weeks duration, and no less than 3 or 4 weeks. Note that placement provision can be subject to changes. While we provide every support we reasonably can, obtaining a placement with a provider is the student’s responsibility. If no placement is obtained by the student, and the student does not wish to take up any of the placements we offer, there are alternative approaches to policy-related work such as meta-analysis of available data on a specialist subject.

The aim of this module is:

• To provide a vocational experience in an organisation involved with identifying need, gathering information, drafting, consulting and review of policies for the sustainable development of marine resources.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence in approaching a range of organisations (e.g. industry, government, NGOs, conservation bodies, or charitable trusts) to obtain a placement (written and/or oral experience related to selling yourself and your key skills).


2. Gain work-based learning experience and key skills in a work placement of up to 12 weeks (skills gained will vary greatly depending on specific placement).


3. Demonstrate training and experience in the formulation of research ideas and in designing a research project.


4. Demonstrate skills in the critical evaluation and interpretation of data.


5. Demonstrate the ability to write a report and development of a range of skills including information acquisition, self-learning.


6. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of marine science (irrespective of disciplinary background), and be able to integrate cross-disciplinary analyses of related issues.

Depending on your choice, the placement may incur additional costs to you in order to cover travel to and living costs at the location of your placement. As well as obtaining vocational experience, you will disseminate the results of the experience in an outward-facing report and presentation.

This module will be delivered via:

• Meeting with module supervisor in autumn term to discuss placement opportunities.
• Meeting with placement provider in autumn or spring terms to inform planning the placement and preparation of coursework.
• Placement activities including vocational training of up to 12 weeks during the summer term.
• Ten hours of seminars.
• Ten hours of drop-in sessions.

To support the work-based learning, students will participate in seminars that cover the planning of the placement, health-and-safety aspects of your work and initial engagement with the placement provider.

The drop-in sessions will be used to monitor progress with the Essex supervisor.