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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
    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.
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    Marine science study abroad programs

    Marine science undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in marine science

    • false

      Coastal and Marine Science - BCMSc University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,780 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 38,505 AUD

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

      Marine Science - BSc Stockton University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,605 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,605 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      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 - MPhil University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      30,027 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 38,825 AUD

      Start date
      July, September, February
      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
      July, February
      Show program overview about 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
      August, January
      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
      August, January
      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
      August, January
      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.