Introduction to the AOS-SAMOS MSc Course

The South African Master of Ocean Sciences (SAMOS) is a joint Master programme organised by nine leading South African universities and three European universities in the field of marine sciences, supported by the EU ERASMUS+ CBHE programme. The SAMOS Masters programme builds upon the strengths from the UCT Applied Ocean Sciences (AOS) Masters with coursework and minor-dissertation, and helps to prepare students for the rapidly evolving demands of the blue bio-economy as well as research on the sustainable use of marine biological resources and conservation of marine ecosystems along and offshore of South Africa's coastline.

Course Structure

The 2026 AOS cohort will participate in the SAMOS programme, with teaching contributions from all the SAMOS partners. The course provides interdisciplinary vocational training in applied aspects of oceanography and marine biology for future ocean professionals. The course is designed for both recent graduates as well as those with minimum five years' work experience. Students will gain skills to operate in the ocean services sector, focusing on operational and conservational activities, consulting in ocean system's characterization, food, water quality and recreation preservation and other aspects of the Blue Economy.

The course code BIO5012W represents the overall coursework component and will reflect the overall coursework result. This full-time Master with coursework and minor dissertation is offered over one or two years, with SAMOS-funded students being able to defer the minor dissertation component to the second year.

The curriculum offers a choice of two streams:

• Applied Marine Biology (BIO5014Z)
• Operational Oceanography (SEA5011Z), both of 40 NQF credits, with a common course in Foundations of Applied Ocean Sciences (BIO5013Z) of 50 NQF credits.

Foundational Modules

The following modules cover the foundational aspects of AOS-SAMOS:

1. Whole-of-systems approach to ocean sustainability, which focuses on paths to achieving sustainability in marine social-ecological systems.
2. Dynamics of African marine ecosystems, which ensures all students have basic knowledge of key physical, chemical, geological and biological concepts to help them understand how marine ecosystems function.
3. Quantitative skills for ocean sciences, which provides introductory numerical skills in handling and analysing data.

Admission Requirements

• 4 years Bachelor degree (with research project) or Honours degree.
• Previous specialised knowledge of oceanography or marine biology is not essential.
• Students from both the natural and social sciences/humanities (+hons) are eligible, with a preference for students with a Science background and those who have proven numerical skills.
• An average of 65% in science subjects or >70% in other pertinent subjects.
• Non-science students are required to write in their motivation letter how they will compensate for knowledge gaps in science subjects and numerical skills.

Programme Details

• The AOS-SAMOS programme is competitive and limited to a maximum of 30 students.
• External and self-funded students can opt for the 13-month degree with the minor dissertation carried out at UCT, while SAMOS-funded students must choose the two-year curriculum, with the minor dissertation carried out on the second year at one of the SAMOS partner universities.
• Students can choose to register for the minor dissertation worth 90 NQF credits in a number of disciplines offered by UCT or the SAMOS partner universities.

Partner Institutions

The SAMOS programme includes:

• Nine South African Universities:
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
  • University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • University of Fort Hare (UFH)
  • University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN)
  • University of the Western Cape (UWC)
  • University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
  • Nelson Mandela University (Mandela University)
  • Rhodes University (RU)
  • Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
• Two institutions hosting national research infrastructures:
  • South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
  • South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
• International partners:
  • University of Bretagne Occidentale (SAMOS project coordinator)
  • French Institute for Sustainable Research and Development
  • Nansen Environmental Remote Sensing Center
  • University of Bergen
  • University of Montpellier

Course Conveners and Coordinators

• UCT Course Conveners:
  • Prof Marcello Vichi (UCT, Department of Oceanography)
  • Dr Louise Gammage (UCT, Department of Biological Sciences)
• NMU on-site coordinator:
  • Dr Denise Schael (NMU, Department of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences)

University of Cape Town: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

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Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

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Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.