Business

Master of Science (Applied Marine and Coastal Resources Management)

The Master of Science in Applied Marine and Coastal Resources Management is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in marine resource management, coastal zone management, and ocean conservation. The programme combines marine science with resource management and environmental policy.

Core areas include oceanography, marine ecology, marine biology, fisheries management, coastal zone management, marine pollution, climate change and marine environments, legal frameworks, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both marine science theory and practical resource management application.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University at its Mombasa campus. KU is a public university offering the programme over two academic years through full-time mode.

Students develop competencies in marine resource assessment, coastal zone management, fisheries management, marine pollution control, climate change adaptation, marine conservation, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, field work, examinations, and thesis.

KU charges approximately KES 295,800/year (East Africans) or KES 369,750/year (non-East Africans). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, environmental science, marine science, or related fields with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division.

Graduates pursue careers as marine resource managers, fisheries officers, coastal zone managers, environmental consultants, marine conservation specialists, research officers, and lecturers in marine science and environmental management.

Skills Required

Marine Resource Assessment and Management
Coastal Zone Planning and Management
Fisheries Management and Conservation
Marine Ecology and Biological Assessment
Marine Pollution Monitoring and Control
Climate Change Adaptation in Marine Environments
Oceanographic Data Analysis
Marine Conservation Planning
Research Methods in Marine Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Advanced Oceanography
Advanced Marine Ecology
Marine Biology and Biodiversity
Fisheries Exploitation and Management
Coastal Zone Management
Marine Pollution and Management
Climate Change and Marine Environments
Legal Framework in Marine and Coastal Resources Management
Research Methods in Marine Science
Thesis Research

Certifications

WIOMSA Professional Membership
KMFRI Professional Membership

Specializations

Fisheries Management

Focuses on fisheries management, covering fish stock assessment, fisheries policy, sustainable fishing, and managing fisheries resources.

Coastal Zone Management

Examines coastal zone management, covering coastal planning, coastal development, coastal conservation, and managing coastal resources.

Marine Conservation

Covers marine conservation, covering marine protected areas, biodiversity conservation, conservation planning, and managing marine conservation programmes.

Marine Pollution Management

Focuses on marine pollution, covering pollution monitoring, pollution assessment, pollution control, and managing marine pollution.

Climate Change and Marine Environments

Examines climate change impacts on marine environments, covering sea level rise, ocean acidification, climate adaptation, and managing climate risks.

Marine Policy and Governance

Covers marine policy, covering legal frameworks, marine governance, policy analysis, and managing marine resource policy.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Oceanography
Advanced Marine Ecology
Marine Biology and Biodiversity
Fisheries Exploitation and Management
Coastal Zone Management
Marine Pollution and Management
Climate Change and Marine Environments
Legal Framework in Marine and Coastal Resources Management
Research Methods in Marine Science
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Oceanography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, biological oceanography, ocean dynamics, and managing oceanographic data.
Advanced Marine Ecology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers marine ecosystems, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, marine biodiversity, and managing marine ecological research.
Marine Biology and Biodiversity
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines marine organisms, marine biodiversity, marine taxonomy, marine populations, and managing marine biological research.
Research Methods in Marine Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting marine science research, preparing students for their thesis.
Fisheries Exploitation and Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers fish stock assessment, fisheries policy, sustainable fishing, fisheries economics, and managing fisheries resources.
Coastal Zone Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines coastal planning, coastal development, coastal erosion, coastal communities, and managing coastal zone resources.
Marine Pollution and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers pollution sources, pollution monitoring, pollution impact, pollution control, and managing marine pollution.
Climate Change and Marine Environments
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines sea level rise, ocean acidification, climate impacts, climate adaptation, and managing climate risks in marine environments.
Legal Framework in Marine and Coastal Resources Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers marine law, international conventions, coastal legislation, maritime law, and managing marine resource policy.
Marine Conservation and Protected Areas
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines marine protected areas, biodiversity conservation, conservation planning, community conservation, and managing marine conservation.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal and thesis, including research design, literature review, methodology, and presentation.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a marine or coastal resource management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and marine science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Fisheries Management
Focuses on fisheries management, covering fish stock assessment, fisheries policy, sustainable fishing, and managing fisheries resources.
Coastal Zone Management
Examines coastal zone management, covering coastal planning, coastal development, coastal conservation, and managing coastal resources.
Marine Conservation
Covers marine conservation, covering marine protected areas, biodiversity conservation, conservation planning, and managing marine conservation programmes.
Marine Pollution Management
Focuses on marine pollution, covering pollution monitoring, pollution assessment, pollution control, and managing marine pollution.
Climate Change and Marine Environments
Examines climate change impacts on marine environments, covering sea level rise, ocean acidification, climate adaptation, and managing climate risks.
Marine Policy and Governance
Covers marine policy, covering legal frameworks, marine governance, policy analysis, and managing marine resource policy.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Applied Marine and Coastal Resources Management programme combines lectures, field work, laboratory sessions, seminars, and independent study. The programme is based at KU Mombasa campus, providing direct access to marine environments. Sessions cover oceanography, marine ecology, fisheries management, coastal zone management, and marine pollution. Oceanography sessions examine physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, biological oceanography, and managing oceanographic data. Marine ecology sessions cover marine ecosystems, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and managing marine ecological research. Fisheries sessions cover fish stock assessment, fisheries policy, sustainable fishing, and managing fisheries resources. Coastal zone sessions cover coastal planning, coastal development, coastal erosion, and managing coastal resources. Marine pollution sessions cover pollution sources, pollution monitoring, pollution impact, and managing marine pollution. Climate change sessions cover sea level rise, ocean acidification, climate impacts, and managing climate risks in marine environments. Legal framework sessions cover marine law, international conventions, coastal legislation, and managing marine resource policy. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Field work provides hands-on experience with marine sampling, coastal surveys, fisheries assessment, and field data collection. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience with marine sample analysis, water quality analysis, and laboratory techniques. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in marine resource management. Guest lectures from experienced marine scientists, fisheries officers, and conservation managers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a marine or coastal resource management topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for marine resource professionals under Kenya's Blue Economy strategy and expanding maritime sector.
Programme based at KU Mombasa campus, providing direct access to marine environments for field work.
Programme combines marine science with policy and management, providing versatile skills.
Access to KMFRI and WIOMSA research collaboration and training opportunities.

Against it

Programme is offered by only one university (KU), limiting institutional choice.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Programme requires relocation to Mombasa, which may be challenging for some students.
Field work may involve marine environments, which may require swimming or boating skills.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public296k to 296k

296k at Kenyatta University296k at Kenyatta University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 295,800/yr verified (mawese.com). Private unverified - no specific private institution confirmed.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. WIOMSA provides training support for marine science professionals in the Western Indian Ocean region. KMFRI may provide training support for marine research staff. Some conservation organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
WIOMSA Training Support
KMFRI Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
WIOMSA Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 250,000
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association provides training support for marine science professionals in the region.
KMFRI Training Support
GrantKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute supports training for marine research staff.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in biological sciences, environmental science, or marine science. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, field reports, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Written examinations covering oceanography, marine ecology, fisheries management, coastal zone management, and marine pollution.
Practical and Field Assessment
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment through field exercises, marine sampling, laboratory analysis, coastal surveys, and demonstrating marine science skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a marine or coastal resource management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and marine science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University (public) offers MSc in Coastal and Marine Resources Management at its Mombasa campus. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in marine science. Graduates are eligible for WIOMSA and KMFRI professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University (public) offers MSc in Coastal and Marine Resources Management at its Mombasa campus. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in marine science. Graduates are eligible for WIOMSA and KMFRI professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Marine Resource Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages marine resources in organisations, overseeing resource assessment, resource planning, and managing marine resource use.
Fisheries Officer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages fisheries resources, overseeing stock assessment, fisheries regulation, fisheries licensing, and managing fisheries operations.
Coastal Zone Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages coastal zones, overseeing coastal planning, coastal development, coastal conservation, and managing coastal resources.
Marine Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Consults on marine environmental management, providing advisory services, environmental assessment, and technical guidance.
Marine Conservation Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages marine conservation programmes, overseeing conservation planning, protected area management, and managing conservation initiatives.
Marine Science Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts marine science research, overseeing research design, data collection, analysis, and managing research activities.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for marine science research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
GIS Software
Software
GIS software for marine mapping, covering spatial analysis, marine mapping, coastal mapping, and managing geographic data.
Oceanographic Instruments
Equipment
Oceanographic instruments for marine data collection, covering water quality monitoring, current measurement, and managing oceanographic data.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for marine data management, fisheries data, and managing marine resource data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Marine science is just about studying fish.
Marine science covers comprehensive ocean and coastal management including oceanography, ecology, pollution, climate change, fisheries, and policy.
This programme is only for those who want to work at the coast.
Marine resource management skills are valuable in government, research, policy, conservation, and any organisation dealing with marine and coastal resources.
Marine science has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With Kenya's Blue Economy strategy and growing maritime sector, demand for marine resource management professionals is increasing.
This programme is not relevant to landlocked areas.
Marine resources affect national economy, food security, climate, and trade, making marine management relevant nationally.
Coastal management is just about beaches.
Coastal management covers comprehensive coastal zone planning including development, conservation, pollution, erosion, and community livelihoods.
Marine science requires swimming and diving skills.
While field work may involve marine environments, many career paths focus on data analysis, policy, management, and research that don't require diving.