Masters Degrees in Ocean Sciences, France

The MER 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 MER program benefits from a consortium of four EU universities (Bilbao - Spain, Bordeaux-France, Southampton-UK and Liège-Belgium) and a worldwide network of associated partners.

Program structure

The MER 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 three different mobility opportunities are proposed for the coursework:

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

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

Module 1 to 6: Content

• Module 1 /Fundamental: Ocean Science
• Module 2 / Framework: Global Ocean Environment
• Module 3 / Scientific Challenges and Opportunities: Marine Environment Protection and Resources Exploitation
• Module 4 / Socio-Economic Commitment: Marine Environment and Resources Management
• Module 5 / Data Analysis: Interpretation of Environmental Data
• Module 6 / Discovery: Research in MER

The MSc thesis research (Module 6) is carried out during Semester 4 (30 ECTS) at any Marine Research Institute worldwide.

Strengths of this Master program

• Successful MER 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, MER 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 MER 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.