Programme structure Master's Programme in Marine Science
On this web page you will find themes and suggested courses for a Master's Degree in Marine Science for the Academic year 2025-2026. The following themes are available: Marine Chemistry, Marine Biology, Marine Geology, and Physical Oceanography.
The Master's Degree in Marine Science (two years, 120 credits) is achieved after the students have completed the course requirements of 120 credits of which at least 60 credits at advanced level in marine science, including a degree project of at least 30 credits.
Degree projects sizes may be 30, 45 or 60 credits, depending on availability and on the selected subject. A master's degree may include no more than 30 first-cycle credits.
Theme Marine Chemistry, suggested courses
First year
Period 1: 28 August - November
Marine project - From idea to action (MAR440), 15 credits
Period 2: November - January
Atmospheric Chemistry (KEM170), 15 credits
Period 3: January – March
Applied Analytical Chemistry in Marine Sciences (MAR455), 15 credits, or Biogeochemical cycles in the sea (MAR210), 15 credits
Period 4: March– 2 June
Chemical Dynamics in the Sea (MAR450) 15 credits
Second year
Degree project 30, 45 or 60 credits + elective courses or internship.
Theme Marin Biology, suggested courses
First year
Period 1: 2 September - November
Marine project - From idea to action (MAR440), 15 credits
Period 2: November - January
Evolutionary Ecology (BIO426) 15 credits, or Naturvård i vattenmiljöer (BIO283), 15 credits (course only in Swedish) or an elective course, or an internship.
Period 3: January – March
Primary Producers of the Sea (BIO458) 15 credits, or Conservation and the genetics of populations (BIO418) 15 credits, or an elective course, or an internship.
Period 4: March – 8 June
Experimental marine ecology* (BIO451) 15 credits, or Comparative Physiology of Marine Animals including Applications for Aquaculture (BIO484) 15 credits, or Stream Ecology and Fish ConservationBIO566, 15 credits.
* Please note, Experimental marine ecology* (BIO451) takes place at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory which results in additional mandatory costs for you as a student student (around 9000 SEK/person)
Second year
Degree project 30, 45 or 60 credits + elective courses or internship.
Theme Marine Geology, suggested courses
First year
Period 1: 28 August - November
Environmental Earth Sciences with a focus on water quality (GV2003)7.5 credits + Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (GVG300) 7,5 credits, or Marine project - From idea to action (MAR440) 15 credits
Period 2: November - January
Marine Environmental Geology (GVM510) 15 credits
Period 3: January – March
Marine Micropaleontology and Paleooceanography (GVM460), 15 credits
Period 4: mars – 2 juni
Elective courses or an internship.
Second year
Period 1, if note taken during first year
Marine project - From idea to action (MAR440), 15 credits
Period 1 - 4
Degree project 30, 45 or 60 credits + elective courses or internship.
Theme Physical Oceanography, suggested courses
Additional requirements: At least 60 credits in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Physical Oceanography, Meteorology or equivalent.
First year
Period 1: 28 August - November
Physical Oceanography (IOCM100), 15 credits
Period 2: November - January
Physical Oceanography II (OCM210), 15 credits
Period 3: January – March
Ocean Models (OC6310, offered 2026, 2028) or take an elective course, 15 credits, or seek an internship 15 credits.
Period 4: March – 8 June
Elective course, internship or start the degree project (45 credits)
Second year
Period 1
Marine project - From idea to action (MAR440), 15 credits
Period 2 & 3
Degree project
Period 4
Observing the Ocean from Micro to Macro Scale (OC4920), 15 credits, offered 2025, 2027
Degree project (thesis) for master in Marine sciences
The work can be done at the Department of Marine Sciences, at another institution in a relevant discipline, or externally at a company, institution or authority, and is supervised by scientifically trained researchers.
To be registered on the course requires an approved individual study plan. The degree course may also, in agreement with the department, be registered as 30, 45 or 60 credits.
For suggestions of projects see the project catalogue here.
