Universitetet i Agder

Coastal Ecology

Master

Duration: 2 years

Scope: Full time

Start: Autumn 2023

Campus: Kristiansand

If you want to learn more about the human footprint on coastal ecosystems, this is the master’s programme for you. It is also perfect for those who wish to know more about conservation Science, ecosystem services and the potential for sustainable food production in coastal areas. The programme offers the opportunity to work with field based or experimental projects that will give you a good introduction to scientific research.

Through its Centre for Coastal Research, the University of Agder cooperates with world-leading environments, where GRID-Arendal, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR), the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), the University of Oslo, as well as business partners from Southern Norway all contribute with education and guidance in this master’s programme. Through these partnerships, the University of Agder can offer stimulating research topics and student projects. Meanwhile, you will have a chance to build a network among well-established specialists.

What do you learn?

A master’s degree in Coastal Ecology will give you a broad understanding of the terminologies and methodologies that are used in coastal ecological studies. You will gain a good general view of how anthropogenic environmental impacts are affecting coastal ecosystems’ structure and function, and you will learn how national coastal zones are managed. You will be able to participate in exciting research projects and, through those projects, you will gain unique expertise that is not offered at other places of study.

Central questions in the programme:

What characterises a healthy coastal environment?
What effects do climate change have on coastal nature?
How are coastal resources affected by nutrients, pollutants and other chemicals?
How can our use of coastal resources reach a sustainable state?
How can international conventions contribute to responsible management of the coastal zone?

The courses offered in the programme are developed and taught by international specialists affiliated to UIA’s Centre for Coastal Research, and by professionals in the aquaculture industry. This ensures up-to-date-, relevant education for a career in research, aquaculture or management.

Job opportunities

The master’s programme in Coastal Ecology is a future-oriented programme that will qualify you for a number of positions related to this field. For example within public environmental- and fisheries management, private sector consultancies, in environmental impact assessment, or in the "blue industry": aquaculture business and industry.

Course structure

Display entire program

Admission requirements

Admission requirements are completed bachelor's degree or equivalent where either an integrated study of at least two years duration in biology/ecology or specialization course of at least 80 credits in biology/ecology is included.

A weighted average rating of C or better is required.

Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder.

Application period

Non EU/EEA international applicants: From 1 November till 1 December (subject to change)
EU/EEA applicants: From 1 February till 1 March.
Nordic citizens and applicants with a permanent or renewable residence permit in Norway: From 1 February till 15 April.

Tuition fees

The Norwegian government has proposed the introduction of tuition fees for students from countries outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland who will begin their studies in the autumn semester of 2023.

Exchange

In an increasingly globalised world, the workplace puts more and more demands on global insight and experience. UiA seeks to integrate exchange programs in all studies.

You can travel here

All you need to know about exchange studies

Further education

Completed master's degree can qualify for admission to the doctoral program (PhD) at the Department of Natural Sciences at UiA or for other doctoral programs in Norway and internationally.