Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in Marine Biology

The Master's degree in Marine Biology at the University of Groningen is a two-year international programme that delves into the biology of our oceans and seas. This selective programme is designed for students interested in contributing to the science that protects our oceans.

Programme Overview

• The programme is research-focused, allowing students to design their own research programme with a dedicated mentor.
• Students study topics like marine ecology, conservation, oceanography, and evolution.
• Fieldwork and research are conducted in world-class labs, including NIOZ and GELIFES.
• Students can choose from two tracks: Research profile or Science, Business & Policy.

Tracks

• Research profile: A 2-year programme of 60 credits per year, starting with 4 mandatory courses: Principles of Biological Oceanography, Principles of Marine Biology, Marine Conservation, and Principles of Population Genetics in Natural Populations.
• Science, Business & Policy: Combines the Master's programme with a six-month internship as a scientific advisor.

Curriculum

• The 2-year programme consists of 60 ECTS per year.
• Introductory and specialized courses in Marine sciences (20-30 ECTS) are offered to facilitate students from various backgrounds.
• Courses cover topics including chemical, physical, and biological oceanography, marine conservation, marine community ecology, applied marine biology, and marine evolution.
• After completing compulsory and facultative courses, students start their first research project.

Extracurricular Activities

• Students can apply for the extracurricular FSE High Tech Systems and Materials Honours Master (1.5 years, 20 ECTS), which offers multidisciplinary collaboration, hands-on product development, masterclasses, and workshops.

Programme Options

• Research profile
• Science, Business & Policy

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is recommended for an average of 20 weeks, with a maximum of 60 EC.
• Exchange opportunities are available at top-100 universities in Europe, the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America.

Entry Requirements

• An academic Bachelor's degree in any field of Biological Sciences, including a major in biology, ecology, evolution, theoretical biology, behaviour, marine biology, molecular biology, or genetics.
• Holders of a Dutch HBO Bachelor's degree must apply for a pre-master programme Biology and may be selected for Marine Biology after completion of the pre-master programme.

Admission Requirements

• The Marine Biology research master is selective, with selection based on academic performance and motivation.
• Applicants must provide two reference letters (non-EU applicants) or the names of those who may be contacted for reference (EU applicants).
• A bachelor thesis or another individually written report of an academic assignment is required.

Registration Procedure

• The Board of Admissions decides whether an applicant can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
• A checklist must be filled out to describe why the applicant is applying for the Master's degree programme.

Application Deadlines

• Dutch students: 15 March 2026
• EU/EEA students: 15 March 2026
• non-EU/EEA students: 15 March 2026

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA students: € 2601 (2026), € 2695 (2027)
• non-EU/EEA students: € 24900 (2026 and 2027)

After Graduation

• About one-third of graduates continue in academic research with the pursuit of their PhD degree.
• About one-third of graduates work in research and management related to fisheries and coastal zone management.
• About one-third of graduates work in the public sector.

Job Examples

• PhD research position
• Research and Management related to marine biology
• Work in the public sector

Research

• Students conduct two research projects supervised by experienced staff in the relevant research field.
• The first project is placed at UG or NIOZ, while the second project can be undertaken anywhere in the world or be an internship at a governmental organization, company, or NGO.