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
Cambridge C1 CAE or Cambridge C2 CPE Certificate with a min. score of 180
IELTS (Academic): overall score 6.5 (min. 6.5 in every category)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 90 (min. 21 in Reading, Listening, and Speaking, 24 in Writing)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 4.5 (min. 4 in Reading and Speaking, 4.5 in Listening, 5 in Writing)
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
