Study Overseas

1998 was the United Nations International Year of the Ocean. The aim was to focus attention on the ocean resource, which covers 70% of the planet's surface, yet remains relatively unexplored and unexploited. Postgraduate qualification opportunities are available in Southampton to help enable key individuals to lead the development and subsequent implementation of scientific research and management policies for maritime nations.

Ratification of the Third United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), in 1994, has placed a management obligation on maritime nations with different levels of management sophistication. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the coastal zone which extends to 200 miles offshore. Key marine resources lie within EEZs, and as a result nations exercise fishing, mining, navigation, cable laying, research and recreation rights. As well as resource exploration and exploitation, nations are required to discharge a number of other responsibilities in managing their EEZs, such as the conservation and management of resources. These responsibilities are particularly important to nations with economies which have a vested interest in the sustainable development of coastal areas. Increasing economic, human and environmental pressures are impacting on EEZs and therefore are creating a demand for qualified managers and policymakers.

Southampton has a proud maritime heritage. It is Europe's main departure point for cruise passengers, and is among the UK's busiest freight ports, with leading edge companies in oceanography, offshore mineral resources, salvage, submarine pipelines and cables, marine engineering and construction all to be found in the city region. Southampton is also the headquarters of the UK Marine Coastguard Agency, Marine Pollution Control Unit and the Oil Spill Response Centre. The City Council is keen to build on maritime expertise and has been instrumental in consolidating the City's role as a world capital for ocean sailing. All of these factors make Southampton a great place to specialize in maritime studies.

Understanding the oceans is a vital pre-requisite to their sustainable management. The £48 million Southampton Oceanography Centre, opened in 1996, provides a focus for all aspects of research, training, technology and support services in marine and earth sciences. Southampton is also the home port for the National Environmental Research Council's fleet of Royal Research Vessels. The November 1996 launch of Autosub 1, a pioneering deep ocean research instrument, heralded a new era in deep sea technology, which will open up previously unexplored regions to scientists. The University of Southampton enjoys an outstanding reputation for science and engineering, research and training, with the opening of the Oceanography Centre placing the University at the forefront of world ocean study. In addition, the new Graduate School of Earth and Ocean Science provides a range of opportunities for professional development and postgraduate study.

The Maritime Faculty of Southampton Institute, the country's 16st college of higher education, has extensive experience of serving the needs of British shipping and international maritime clients worldwide. It offers comprehensive educational, training, research and consultancy services, with Postgraduate opportunities including an MSc in Exclusive Economic Zone Management and, jointly with the University, an MSc in Marine Engineering. The MSc in EEZ Management is a unique course. It is both multi-disciplinary and vocational, aiming to provide students with the broad range of understanding and skills necessary to manage conflicting ocean management pressures. The course integrates the subject areas of law, safety, environmental management and science, conservation and exploration. Prospective employers include any organisation which has an interest in EEZs, and consequently range from companies involved in exploiting resources, such as the oil and gas industry, to regulatory and enforcement authorities, and departments in central and local government.

Addresses:

Maritime Faculty,
Southampton Institute,
East Park Terrace,
Southampton, SO14 0YN, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1703 31900
Fax: +44 (0) 1703 319739

Graduate School of Earth and Ocean Science,
University of Southampton,
Southampton Oceanography Centre,
Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1703 596100
Fax: +44 (0) 1703 596101

Economic Development Service,
Southampton City Council, Civic Centre,
Southampton, SO14 7NG, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1703 832587
Fax: +44 (0) 1703 832962