Marine EnviRonment 2030 (MER2030)

Program factsheet

  • Academic cooperation: University of the Basque Country (coordinator institution, Spain), University of Southampton (U.K.), University of Bordeaux (France), Université de Liège (Belgium), University of the Azores (Portugal).
  • Admission requirements: Hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a European or third country university in the field of biosciences, chemical sciences, geosciences, physical sciences or engineering.
  • Program duration: 2 years (120 ECTS).
  • Language requirements: The minimum requirements for non-native speakers are an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 570/227, or an equivalent approved by the Joint Program Board of the Consortium (JPB).
  • Level: Multiple Master of Science degree in “Marine Environment” awarded by the three consortium universities where the student has studied.
  • Tuition fees:
    • Annual fees: Third country students: 9,000€/year, European students/assimilated as European: 4,500€/year *according to Erasmus Mundus rules.
    • Scholarships: Erasmus Mundus scholarships, Erasmus mobility grants, Mobility grants funded by the Spanish Government and the Basque Government.
    • Students choosing to study in Bordeaux: Mobility grants available according to excellence criteria funded by the Initiatives of Excellence in Bordeaux and Bilbao (i.e. the Excellence programs of the Universities of the Basque Country and of Bordeaux: Euskampus, IdEx - International Master, www.aquimob.fr); Mobility grants available according to excellence/social criteria funded by the partner institutions and by regional governments (e.g. Conseil Regional Aquitaine for Bordeaux: www.aquimob.fr).

Program outline

The MER2030 master program provides high quality teaching in general oceanography with a specialization in marine environment (ecology, ecotoxicology, biochemistry, geochemistry, sedimentology, paleo-oceanography) and living or non-living marine resources. The MER2030 program benefits from a consortium of five EU universities (Bilbao - Spain, Bordeaux-France, Southampton-UK, Liège-Belgium and Azores-Portugal) and a worldwide network of associated partners.

Program structure

The MER2030 master program is organized according to three teaching semesters (Semester 1-3: coursework) plus a research master thesis (Semester 4) carried out via an internship at any partner research institution worldwide. Mobility is mandatory and seven different mobility opportunities are proposed for the coursework:

  • Bordeaux / Bilbao / Southampton.
  • Bordeaux / Bilbao / Liège.
  • Bordeaux / Bilbao / Azores.
  • Southampton / Bilbao / Liège.
  • Southampton / Bilbao / Azores.
  • Azores / Bilbao / Southampton.
  • Azores / Bilbao / Liège.

Coursework is organized according to seven mandatory and optional modules (total: 90 ECTS).

Module 1 to 7: Content

Module 1 / Fundamental: Ocean Science 

Module 2 / Framework: Ocean Physical Environment

Module 3 / Ocean Biological Environment

Module 4 /Anthropogenic Impact on Marine Ecosystems

Module 5 / Ocean Observatories and Environmental Monitoring Systems

Module 6 /Valorization of the Marine Environment

Module 7 / Marine Environmental Careers

The MSc thesis research is carried out during Semester 4 (30 ECTS) at any Marine Research Institute worldwide.

Strengths of this Master program?

  • Successful MER2030 students acquire a high degree of personal and scientific maturity, due to the wide range of topics taught in the domains of oceanography and marine resource management.
  • Students learn to prove strong mobility, autonomy and the capacity to adapt to different cultural and administrative conditions in the different countries involved.
  • At least three major European academic systems are experienced, and practice in applications for funding etc. at an international level is largely acquired.
  • Having studied in (at least 3) different countries and followed all the lectures and practical workshops in the English language, MER2030 students have excellent profiles for starting positions in a scientific career in an international context.

After this Master program?

  • Successful completion of this program will prepare students for a leadership role in various marine sectors such as conservation and environmental management, fisheries, nongovernmental organizations and all levels of government positions from local to global. Students benefit from a worldwide network of partner institutions.
  • From the start (2007), the MER2030 program has trained more than 100 students. More than 50% of graduates continue with a PhD. Other graduates integrate public or private organizations in their field of expertise.

How to apply?

Online application:

Deadlines:

  • Application for Erasmus Mundus scholarship: mid-March
  • European self-funded students: mid-May

Mise à jour le 15/11/2022