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Master's Programme in Marine Biology

On our Master’s programme in Marine Biology you will learn about the rich marine ecosystems in the Baltic sea and oceans beyond. The programme aims to provide an in-depth theoretical background in marine ecology along with applied practical training, to give you a range of skills and a competetive edge.

Reasons to choose a Master in Marine Biology

  • Teaching by internationally renowned researchers
  • Field stations Askö and Tjärnö provide excellent research facilities for practical courses and degree projects
  • Freedom to create your own programme from the broad range of available courses
  • Programme overview

    The Master’s programme in Marine Biology offers broad training within a range of subjects including ecosystem dynamics and marine conservation ecology, spanning systems from the Baltic to the tropics.

    There is space within the programme for you to choose from a selection of additional elective or optional courses so you can create a programme adapted to your chosen career path. You are required to choose 15 credits of courses from the list of elective courses (updated each year). You can also include at least 15 credits of optional courses, these can be in other subjects.

    Year 1

    Compulsory courses

    Marine Ecosystem Dynamics

    Statistics for biologists II

    Marine microbial ecology: from genomes to biomes

    Elective courses

    Baltic Sea Ecosystem: Applications, Modeling and Management

    Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics

    Year 2

    Compulsory courses

    Degree project in Marine Biology
    (instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)

    Independent project

    Master’s degree projects, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences. It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.

    Recent degree projects

    • Ontogenetic influences on endothermy in the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
    • Opposing latitudinal patterns on coral reef browsing rates and related fish assemblages in two subtropical bays with low functional redundancy
    • Investigating epifauna community assembly in shallow bays using traits

     

  • How to apply

    The Master's programme in Marine Biology is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.

    The Marine Biology programme requires a solid background in Biology, and a basic understanding in Ecology as well as species knowledge. Specifically we expect the equivalent of a Bachelor in Biology in Biology, including half a semester in total of Ecology, Floristics and Faunistics.

    Selection process

    Additional eligibility criteria

    Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following four selection criteria, with equal weight:

    • relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
    • grades of academic courses
    • motivation letter
    • research ideas

     

    Required supporting documentation

    To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form (updated yearly, only latest version accepted).

    Cover letter/Motivation letter
    Note! Must be submitted by the supporting documentation deadline. The form is only available during the application period, up to the supporting documentation deadline.

    Recommendation letters and CVs are not concidered.

  • Career opportunities

    The Master’s degree in Marine Biology opens career possibilities both in academic research or a future career working with aquatic environmental questions within for example, an environmental agency, county administrative and local district administrative authorities or consulting firms.

  • Contact

    Student office
    Study counsellor at master's level