Study marine science abroad
An in-depth guide to studying marine science as an international student.
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
How to study marine science abroad
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Marine science study abroad programs
Marine science undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in marine science
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Marine Science - BSc University of South Carolina, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 33,928 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Coastal and Marine Science - BCMSc University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 35 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
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Marine Science - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,480 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
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Environmental Science - Marine Science - BSc Western Washington University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,690 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Marine Science - BSc University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Marine science graduate programs
Master's in marine science
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Marine Science - MPhil University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 38,825 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
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Marine Science - MSc University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Marine Science - MSc University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,548 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Marine Science - MSc University of the South Pacific, Fiji
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,857 USD
- Start date
- February, July
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Marine Science - MSc California State University, Monterey Bay, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,600 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Doctorate in marine science
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Marine Science - PhD University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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.
