About Hydrography, MSc - at University of Plymouth
Aim of the programmeThis programme provides you with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific and technological basis of hydrography, relevant to research and development needs in the exploration and management of marine resources. Hydrography is the branch of marine science concerned with the measurement, description and depiction of the nature and form of the seabed. It has been crucial to the development of world trade and to offshore expansion in the search for hydrocarbons. This programme has been developed in response to expressed commercial need and graduates are sought after throughout the industry. It will provide the foundation for a career in hydrographic research and development, port and offshore/nearshore surveying and environmental support. You will develop an understanding of the present state of knowledge relating to hydrography in the fields of marine geophysics, oceanography, acoustics, geodesy, and marine resource management. You will consider the wider aspects of hydrography and the implications for data capture, data management, processing, and information systems. Plymouth benefits from the local marine environment and the programme places great emphasis on learning via original practical research. You will experience a variety of techniques and methods of data collection and analysis relevant to careers in hydrography. As well as benefiting from our close links with industry, you will gain an appreciation of the relationships between the different areas of study as the programme is composed from a number of different disciplines. Finally, you will gain the knowledge and skills to enable you to design, develop and implement a research project at postgraduate level.
General programme structureThe programme is split into three periods. In period one you will concentrate on basic hydrographic theory, including the education in geodesy, land survey techniques, bathymetric surveying, tides, oceanography, acoustic theory and marine geophysics. A typical programme is 80% lectures/seminars and 20% practicals, either within the laboratory or afloat. All modules in period one are assessed by coursework. In period two you will specialise in advanced studies by choosing three option modules from a choice of eight, with a specific combination of modules conforming to the academic requirements of the Federation Internationale des Geometres and International Hydrographic Organisation (FIG/IHO). The selection of modules would be chosen with respect to your future areas of interest and/or career aspirations. Within period two, teaching is typically 70% lectures/seminars, 30% practical whilst assessment is 50/50 coursework/formal examination. During period three you will undertake a self-managed research dissertation under the supervision of an assigned academic. This may comprise a desk study, laboratory experimentation or include field observations, data acquisitions and processing, often using the university`s research vessel.
