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      Study marine science abroad

      An in-depth guide to studying marine science as an international student.

      Find marine science programs

      Explore marine science programs abroad

      See other programs in marine science

      Marine science degrees abroad

      Marine science, sometimes called oceanography, is the scientific study of the ocean and marine life. It’s a subject that includes elements of biology, geology, chemistry, geography, and physics.

      As a marine science student, you’ll develop a detailed understanding of the operations and roles of oceanic ecosystems. You’ll explore every aspect of marine life, from the ocean’s great mammals to its tiny phytoplankton. You’ll also examine the threats faced by today’s marine ecosystems, and evaluate international conservation and protection efforts.

      While using textbooks to study marine science is possible, it’s no substitute for real-life experience. By studying overseas, you’ll have the chance to visit the world’s coral reefs, lagoons, salt marshes, and mangroves in person. Observing marine life in its natural environment is not only mesmerizing but also key to your professional development in the field.

      Marine science program structure

      Bachelor’s programs in marine science usually last three or four years, but this largely depends on where you choose to study. Most undergraduate programs will also encourage students to complete an additional work placement year during their studies. Placements are an excellent way of gathering experience and making professional connections.

      If you’ve set your sights on studying in the US, you’ll probably select marine science as your major. All bachelor’s degrees in the US last four years. You’ll spend the first two years taking general education classes, before focusing on marine science courses in the final half of your program.

      If your BSc has left you hungry to learn more, you can enroll in a postgraduate program. A master’s degree can be studied over one or two years, followed by a PhD which can take between four and seven years to complete.

      Most marine science programs blend classroom teaching with hands-on fieldwork so that students develop a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the subject. As such, your timetable will probably consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratories, and field trips.

      It’s important to remember that the exact content of marine science programs will be heavily influenced by countries’ native marine diversity and ecosystems. However, most courses around the world will address these core study areas:

      • Marine organisms and ecosystems
      • Marine biology
      • Physical oceanography
      • Chemical oceanography
      • Marine geology
      • Mathematics and statistics
      • Marine protection and conservation
      • Earth sciences

      Types of marine science degrees

      Best countries to study marine science

      Best universities to study marine science

      See all universities offering marine science programs

      How to study marine science abroad

      1. University & program search

        Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

      2. Application guidance

        We'll get you to the right place to start your application

      3. Visa & travel advice

        Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

      Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
      Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

      Start your search Get free advice

      Marine science study abroad programs

      Marine science undergraduate programs

      Bachelor's in marine science

      • false

        Environmental Science - Marine Science - BSc Western Washington University, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        24,690 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 24,690 USD

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Environmental Science - Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - BSc University of South Carolina, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        33,928 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 33,928 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        19,686 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,480 GBP

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      • false

        Coastal and Marine Science - BCMSc University of Newcastle, Australia

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        27 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 35 AUD

        Start date
        February, July, September
        Show program overview about Coastal and Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - BSc California State University, Monterey Bay, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        16,647 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 16,647 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      See all bachelor's degrees in marine science

      Marine science graduate programs

      Master's in marine science

      • false

        Marine Science - MSc University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        18,548 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 18,548 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - MSc California State University, Monterey Bay, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        15,600 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 15,600 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - MSc University of the South Pacific, Fiji

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        14,857 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,857 USD

        Start date
        February, July
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - MPhil University of Newcastle, Australia

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        29,934 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 38,825 AUD

        Start date
        February, July, September
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      • false

        Marine Science - MSc University of Southern Mississippi, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        10,770 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 10,770 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      See all master's degrees in marine science

      Doctorate in marine science

      • false

        Marine Science - PhD University of Southern Mississippi, USA

        Program type
        Doctorate
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        10,770 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 10,770 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Marine Science
      See all doctorates in marine science

      Future marine science careers

      The world’s marine ecosystems are under increasing threat. Governments, businesses, and organizations are trying to limit their contributions to climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. As such, your skills and expertise will be highly valued in a range of roles across the public and private sectors.

      Marine science graduates dive into various positions, including:

      • Marine biologist
      • Aquatic veterinarian
      • Marine conservationist
      • Researcher
      • Marine policy expert
      • Fishery data manager
      • Environmental engineer
      • Maine biotechnologist

      If figuring out what you’d like to do after university is proving tricky, have a chat with your University’s career service. They’ll help you work out what you’re most interested in, secure some work experience, and perfect your resume.