The course provides an understanding of the relevant science and the human activities that affect the coast as a basis for development of management approaches; the programme is aimed at physical sciences and life sciences graduates, and also those who have demonstrable past or current coastal management responsibilities; case studies are used to provide examples of coastal management issues and responses at local to international level and in both coastal land areas and coastal waters; students who progress to the Master's element carry out a research project on a topic related to coastal management which draws upon the material covered in the taught diploma modules.