The role of internships in Marine Policy and Integrated Coastal Management higher education

The paper analyses internship practice in Marine Policy (MP) and Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) higher education within the EU and the US based on a questionnaire survey of relevant institutions and a detailed case study. The industrial internship (placement) is generally acknowledged to be an extremely valuable component of university education, particularly for professional courses. The survey reinforced this view for courses in MP/ICM, but highlighted the immense variability in the approach to internship practice within both the EU and US. Based on a discussion of a range of issues associated with the internship programmes, the paper presents the results of the survey and a review of best practice. In addition, suggestions are made for the future development and monitoring of internship programmes in ICM.