COAST Laboratory
The COAST (Coastal, Ocean And Sediment Transport) Laboratory provides physical model testing with combined waves, currents and wind, offered at scales appropriate for environmental modelling and coastal engineering studies.
10 October 2025, starts at 12:00 noon (UK time)
COUE506
Port and Harbour Engineering
20 credits
Ports and harbours play a crucial role in supporting our economy and daily life. This module examines the key environmental loadings, operational requirements, design solutions and port layouts. The work spans applications from international container ports to local marinas. The module makes use of our unique COAST laboratories, and site visits to understand their design.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
COUE508
Advanced Coastal Engineering Modelling
20 credits
This hands-on module introduces you to the cutting-edge modelling techniques and software tools used by today’s coastal and offshore engineers. You will learn how to simulate waves, currents, and sediment transport—and how to assess the real-world impact of engineering designs on the coastal and offshore environments.
100% Coursework
COUE510
Coastal and Offshore Engineering
How are coastal communities protected from the impacts of flooding, erosion and climate change? In this module you will learn about the role of the coastal engineer. From an exploration of water wave theory through to your own breakwater design your skills and knowledge are developed through examples and classroom activities. The module includes a visit to our COAST research lab and a coastal structures boat trip.
MAR513Z
Research Skills and Methods
This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.
PROJ517
MSc Dissertation
60 credits
This module enables students to undertake an independent research project, applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout their MSc studies. Under academic supervision, students will apply appropriate methodologies, carry out in-depth analysis, and present their findings in a well-structured dissertation that demonstrates critical thinking, technical ability, and academic rigour.
100% Coursework
PRCE514
Sustainable Engineering Scheme Design
20 credits
This module immerses learners in a real-world interdisciplinary design project, tackling interconnected challenges in Civil and Coastal Engineering. Working in managed teams, students will refine sustainable solutions and present progress in simulated design meetings. The project spans the full lifecycle from concept to construction, equipping students with collaborative problem-solving skills.
100% Coursework
MAR518
Remote Sensing and GIS
20 credits
This module introduces the principles of geographical information systems and remote sensing of marine, polar and coastal environments. Field data will be acquired using GPS and radiometric instrumentation. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of remote sensing data and analysis tools in varied scenarios and on developing practical computing skills.
100% Coursework
GEES506
Climate Change: Science and Policy
20 credits
This module explores the science and policy of climatic change, including lessons from the past and the relevance of past climates to the global warming debate. We question climate change detection and attribution, feedbacks and uncertainty in climate change. We explore political actions through international political agreements and national policies and adaptation strategies and management of change in the UK
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MAR541
Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems
20 credits
Discover how offshore renewable energy systems work in this module. You'll explore the mechanics behind wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy converters and investigate the engineering challenges they face. Develop practical skills through modelling and simulation using industry-standard software, and test designs in the cutting-edge COAST laboratory for real-world insight.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
2025-2026 | 2026-2027 | |
---|---|---|
Home | £11,350 | £11,700 |
International | £20,400 | £21,000 |
Part time (Home) | £630 | £650 |
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
International progression routes
The COAST (Coastal, Ocean And Sediment Transport) Laboratory provides physical model testing with combined waves, currents and wind, offered at scales appropriate for environmental modelling and coastal engineering studies.
From dedicated computer laboratories to a wealth of electronic information, you’ll benefit from a range of facilities and resources that will help your learning and development.
"The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole." – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.