Marine Biology
How does climate change affect whales, algae, or coral reefs? Can we restore marine biodiversity in environments ranging from the Wadden Sea to the tropics? Are you ready to contribute to the science that protects our oceans? The Master's degree in Marine Biology at the University of Groningen is for you.
What to expect from the Master's programme in Marine Biology
✔ Design your own research-focused programme with a dedicated mentor
✔ Study topics like marine ecology, conservation, oceanography, and evolution
✔ Conduct fieldwork and research in world-class labs — including NIOZ and GELIFES
✔ Choose an academic, industry, or policy-oriented track
This selective two-year international Master's programme dives deep into the biology of our oceans and seas. Whether you're interested in polar phytoplankton, marine mammals, tropical reefs, or carbon cycles, you'll build advanced expertise in marine systems.
You'll work closely with top scientists from the University of Groningen and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) to explore real-world issues like overfishing, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The programme has a strong interdisciplinary foundation and practical focus, thus preparing you for PhD research or high-level careers in marine conservation, consultancy, and policy.
Choose from the following tracks
- Research profile
- Science, Business & Policy
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
This Master's degree programme has a selection procedure; read the information below.
An academic Bachelor's in any field of Biological Sciences including a major in any of the following domains: biology, ecology, evolution, theoretical biology, behaviour, marine biology, molecular biology, genetics. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The admissions board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied.
The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on your application, after which the Board will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge.
The Marine Biology master is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme.
- Checklist to complete
Curriculum Vitae
Provide contact details of two referees in the application form (for EU applicants)
Job prospects
- About one third of the graduates continue in academic research with the pursuit of their PhD degree in The Netherlands or abroad.
- About one third of the graduates continue in various kinds of research and management related to fisheries and coastal zone management.
- About one third of the graduates work in the public sector, for example in journalism, teaching or communication.
Job examples
- PhD research position
- Research and Management related to marine biology
- Work in the public sector
