Page content

Nordic Master's Programme in Sustainable Production and Utilization of Marine Bioresources (MAR-BIO, N2MAB)

Our unique research-based Nordic Master's program integrates aspects within biology, environmental and social sciences and law for sustainable production and utilisation of marine bioresources.

Video (03:27)

Watch our movie and study with us!

The programme is organised by three Nordic universities:

University of Gothenburg (Sweden)
Nord University (Norway)
Holar University (Iceland)

Mobility and network building is a key for the program. Thus, there are three mandatory weeks of mobility during the first three mandatory, introductory 5 credits (ECTS) courses, placed at one of the three Nordic partner universities each. From semester 2 and onwards you should also do a longer mobility (30 credits, ECTS) when you chose courses from any of the two partner universities that are not your home university. This means that through the programme you will have a fantastic opportunity to visit and get to know the research and marine bioresource environment of all three countries!

We will prepare you for a number of different job opportunities – as a PhD student or within the industry – within marine circular economy. You will develop knowledge and skills within marine food production systems. You will build networks and partnership opportunities with academic institutions, the industry and authorities.

Our programme targets inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to aquaculture along with the interactions between aquaculture, fisheries, and production and utilization of marine bioresources, also including sustainable development and entrepreneurship.

A global challenge
Do you want to help solve this major global challenge?One of the greatest challenges of our time is to find solutions for increased production of healthy food to meet the needs of a growing world population.

Are you one of the next generation professionals aiming to reduce the ecological footprint, protecting natural resources and ecosystems and advancing rural development? Would you like a career within the area of sustainable marine circular economy?

If so, you should apply for our Nordic Master Programme in Sustainable Production and Utilisation of Marine Bioresources – MARBIO!

Chiara Fasoli set up an aquaponic system at a local school

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The MAR-BIO programme is a 2-year programme of 120 credits (ECTS). The students will be registered at the Consortium University of their respective admission and the successful completion of the programme leads to a double/multiple degree, i.e., separate degree certificates from each Consortium University where the student has studied.

The program will start with three mandatory introductory hybrid courses of 5 credits (ECTS) each, jointly taught by the three Nordic universities. Each 5 credit (ECTS) course will have two weeks of online teaching and one-week on-site teaching on campus at the respective universities, in Norway, Iceland and Sweden.

After these three mandatory courses, the students are free to choose courses (5-30 credits, ECTS) for the rest of the first year from a “smorgasbord” of relevant course offered by the Nordic partner Universities.

During this period, or during the second year of the program there is a required mobility of at least 30 credits (ECTS) for all students. This will be fulfilled by course work at one or more of the partner universities that is not the home university, where the students are registered to the programme. The planning of the “long mobility” will take place during the first 15 credits (ECTS) of the program through the establishment of an individual study plan (ISP) for each student.

The second year of the MAR-BIO programme shall be taken as an individual research project course - your master’s degree project (60 credits, ECTS) – which should be conducted at one of the Consortium Universities or at one, to the Consortium University associated partners from industry, authorities or public body.

To facilitate student networking, academic integration and to create group cohesion, joint seminars will be arranged and open seminars and activities will be announced to all students throughout the programme.

The local master thesis rules and procedures of the chosen university will apply. In preparation for the degree project all students must have taken a relevant methodology course, either during their bachelor’s degree or during the first year of the MAR-BIO programme.

After successful completion of the programme, students can apply for and be awarded master’s degrees from at least two of the Consortium Universities where they have been admitted. The Consortium Universities will each issue a degree certificate (including a diploma supplement).

The student have the possibility to structure the programme in a natural science profile, a social science profile, or a mix, based on the elective courses chosen during the first year as well as the direction of the student master’s thesis. An ISP will be established in communication between the student and a study counsellor. This is to support and guide each individual student in their course choices and to ensure that the student fulfils the requirements for mobility and a degree from two or more of the Consortium Universities.

RECOMMENDED COURSES

AFTER THE EDUCATION

DEGREE

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the master’s programme in Sustainable Production and Utilisation of Marine Bioresources, please go to any of the following admission sites:

University of Gothenburg: universityadmissions.se
Nord University, Bodø: applicants from the Nordic countries read here; applicants from non-Nordic countries read here; read more about admission requirements here.
Holar University: Please contact the Division for Graduate Studies by email, kennsla@holar.is

The programme applies separate admission rounds at each Consortium University according to national and local requirements. All applications passing the requirements will be sent to the programme committee together with the letter of intent for discussion and suggestions on students to be admitted. Admission of students will thereafter be decided by each Consortium University. Student complaints pertaining to admission decisions are handled by each Consortium University according to national and local rules and procedures.

The programme follows the local tuition fee policy of each Consortium University. Student Union fees are charged according to the regular procedures of each Consortium University.

When applicable, students will pay tuition fees, student union or registration fees, directly to the universities involved in their study track according to the universities’ regulations. Total fees charged will vary accordingly. Under no circumstances shall a student be charged double fees for any part of the programme.

The MAR-BIO programme have Erasmus agreements between all Consortium Universities that are open for all programme students to apply.

Read more about Erasmus.
Read more about Erasmus application and selection.
Read more about Erasmus application process.

There will be possibilities to apply for Erasmus stipends for the required mobility both during the three first mandatory courses and the “long mobility” during the subsequent time of the program.

The application route for the individual courses, which are part of the master's programme, are according to the national and local rules of the Consortium University that offers the course.