Over 30 Years of Experience in
Environmental Impact Assessment,
Site Appraisals, Eco-Audit & Monitoring Programmes and Research.
MSc Placements
MSc Placements
MSc placements are available on an ongoing basis for students currently enrolled on an MSc in Marine Biology or related discipline. If you would like a placement with Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd please contact Bryony Pearce (Research Director) to discuss your particular needs (01225 442211).
MSc Placements 2011
- Kirsty Ball - MSc Aquatic Resource Management, Kings College, University of London
- Alice Cornthwaite - MSc Environmental Consultancy, University of York
- Robert Goodchild - MSc Environmental Consultancy, University West of England
- Layla Lidster - MSc Environmental Consultancy, University of Plymouth
- Tania Woodcock – MSc Environmental Consultancy, University York
MSc Placements 2009/2010
Angela de Burgh-Thomas – MSc Environmental Consultancy, University of Plymouth 
Thesis Title: Impacts of the invasive species, Crepidula fornicata, on benthic macrofauna assemblage in the English Channel: Current implications and future uncertainty
Angie carried out a 3 month placement with MES where she gained basic taxonomic training in our benthic laboratory as well as experience in a wide variety of office based consultancy activities.
Where is Angie now?
Angie was awarded a distinction for her MSc and went on to be offered a permanent position with Marine Ecological Surveys Limited. She has gained excellent GIS skills working on a series of large-scale biotope mapping projects and has recently been promoted to Commercial Assistant where she is working on a number of marine infrastructure projects. Angie continues to develop her benthic taxonomy skills and is soon to participate in the “Discovering Amphipod Families” workshop with the MES School of Taxonomy in February.
‘My training with MES covered all aspects of marine consultancy ranging from working on faunal samples in the laboratory to tendering and producing final reports for clients. This training presented me with an excellent understanding of the workings of a marine consultancy and the experience gained has helped me profoundly to develop into my current role at MES’. Angela de Burgh-Thomas, 2010
Victoria Dallas – MSc International Marine Environmental Consultancy, Newcastle University
Thesis Title: Carbon sequestration of benthic macrofauna within marine aggregate dredge sites
Victoria was awarded a bursary grant to undertake her MSc thesis by the Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (MALSF). A joint placement with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and MES was set-up to provide Victoria with both the commercial and academic expertise required to complete her Thesis on the carbon sequestration of benthic macrofauna.
Where is Victoria now?
Having been awarded a Merit for her MSc, Victoria has decided to take some well earned rest and is currently travelling across the globe. On her return Victoria intends to pursue a career in Marine Environmental Consultancy.
‘I want to say a massive thanks for all your help during the past few months. I really enjoyed coming down to MES and getting an insight into what you guys do. All the information you provided really enhanced my project and you went over and above anything I asked for with your ongoing correspondence and I can't thank you enough!’. Victoria Dallas, 2010
MSc Placements 2008/2009
Ross Griffin - MSc Applied Marine Science, University of Plymouth
Thesis Title: The feeding ecology of the common dragonet, Callionymus lyra, with particular reference to the impacts of marine aggregate extraction in the UK.
Ross was awarded a bursary grant to undertake his MSc thesis by the Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (MALSF). Having already established an interest in the links between the benthos and higher levels of the food web, Ross applied to MES to undertake his MSc placement under the supervision of our Research Director (Bryony Pearce). Whilst at MES Ross carried out gut content analysis on the common dragonet, Callionymus lyra, and was taught how to identify partially digested prey items by our experienced taxonomists.
Where is Ross now?
Ross was awarded a distinction for his MSc and went on to be offered a permanent position with Marine Ecological Surveys Limited. He has continued his work examining the diet of demersal fish species and is undergoing further on-the job training in Benthic taxonomy. Ross has recently returned from a 4 month benthic survey in the North Sea for which he acted as the Scientist In Charge.
‘My period of taxonomic training at MES was invaluable providing me with an insight into working in the commercial and research components of the marine sector and essentially providing the stepping stone I needed to progress from university to the workplace’. Ross Griffin, 2010