Marine Sciences, M.Sc.

  • Application Deadline
  • 24 months
    Duration

About

The Marine Sciences programme delivered by Utrecht University offers multidisciplinary cutting-edge knowledge and research in this rapidly developing field.

Seas and oceans play an important role in our day-to-day lives, and over 65% of the world’s population lives or works in coastal areas. Vital for our economy and health – as well as for climate, food, and biodiversity – seas and oceans have immense societal significance. However, the oceans are changing rapidly as human-induced pollution and CO2 emissions lead to warming, acidification and deoxygenation of seas and oceans. The impact on organisms, ocean chemistry, and currents on short to long timescales is uncertain, affecting ecosystems, but also the economy and policymaking. 

Multidisciplinary approach

Essentially, all outstanding issues in Marine Sciences are multidisciplinary. A broad, holistic research approach to this rapidly developing field is therefore necessary to identify risks, improve future scenarios, and to make the transition towards sustainable interactions between man and seas and oceans.

Crucial questions you will investigate during your studies include: 

  • How does global warming and changing ocean circulation impact ecosystem functioning?
  • How do changing ecosystems affect ocean chemistry?
  • How does a change in ocean chemistry affect biology?

Careers

As a Utrecht University Marine Sciences graduate you will be able to work in a highly specialised research field. You will also be equipped with a complete set of skills to work in diverse positions in organisations focussing on marine processes in the public or private sectors. This Master’s programme also provides a solid basis for a PhD if your ambition is to become an independent scientific researcher.

Job opportunities in the private sector may be at companies focussing on hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and production or offshore and other engineering firms or consultancies. You may also find employment at international organisations that are active in coastal areas and oceans, such as the United Nations. 

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

  • Microbes and Biogeochemistry
  • Paleoceanography and Climate Variability
  • Ocean Waves
  • Aquatic and Environmental Chemistry
  • Introduction to Marine Sciences
  • Making, Analyzing and Interpreting Observations
  • Simulation of Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate
  • Astronomical Climate Forcing and Time Scales

Detailed Programme Facts

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    93

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

  • Minimum required score (Grade B2):

    176

    C1 Advanced is a Cambridge English Qualification. It reports on the Cambridge English Scale between 142 and 210. You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and for Use of English. These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. Universities and colleges may ask you to achieve a specific score, either overall or for a particular skill.

    Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

Academic Requirements

The programme Marine Sciences is open to students with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (e.g. earth sciences, biology, physics, chemistry, physical geography, civil or environmental engineering, applied mathematics) or a bachelor’s degree from a University College .

Tuition Fee

  • International

    19900 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 19900 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.

  • EU/EEA

    2083 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 2083 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Utrecht

  • 900 - 1450 EUR/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Utrecht University, the Dutch Government and other organisations offer scholarships, fellowships and grants. Below is a list of the scholarships that are most often used by international students studying in Utrecht. Note that the scholarship options for programmes starting in February are limited.

  • Utrecht Excellence Scholarships
  • Bright Minds Fellowships
  • Holland Scholarship
  • Orange Tulip Scholarship - for Chinese students only
  • Utrecht Sylff Scholarships - for outstanding graduates from University College Utrecht and Economics and Business Economics (UU)
  • Student grant and loan system
  • Tuition fee loan
  • Erasmus+ Master loans
  • Canadian student loans
  • US Federal Loans

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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