Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management 
Bodies of water, including oceans, large lakes, seas and estuaries, make up the largest part of the earth's surface. Well above 70% of the earth’s surface consists of water, which is essential for all life. Humans extract both directly and indirectly a major part of their food from the seas, photosynthesis in the oceans is responsible for approximately half of the global oxygen production, the oceans continue to yield unknown life forms at an astonishing rate. In spite of the importance of the water bodies of this earth, much of them remains unknown.
Unique programme
If you are interested in gaining more in-depth knowledge of this world, of the ecosystems associated with water, in a scientific manner, the Master of Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management offers you what you expect. This combination of disciplines makes the programme unique, not only in Flanders, but also in Europe. Students with most scientifically oriented bachelor diplomas can start the programme directly.
Course outline & Programme
ECTS: 120
Years: 2
Campus: Etterbeek
Programme co-organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universiteit Antwerpen and Universiteit Gent
International Course Programme
The programme provides insight into the diversity and complexity of the life and processes in the oceans, seas, lakes and estuaries and skills to study and manage them. In many cases, this diversity is endangered because the aquatic environment is increasingly coming under pressure—climate change, biodiversity erosion, increasing fishery requirements and overfishing, pollution, developments in aquaculture, coastal reclamation, etc.
Ever-increasing need for highly educated people to carry out marine and lacustrine research
Therefore, there is an ever-increasing need for highly educated and trained people to carry out specific marine or lacustrine research or to work on sustainable utilization and management of these ecosystems from the vantage point of their multidisciplinary expertise.
The 2-year master programme addresses students with a background in Sciences. It provides you with strong fundamental and applied knowledge and prepares you for an active role in the scientific research and management of marine ecosystems. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating physical, chemical geological, ecological and societal aspects and including nature conservation and sustainable development.
This programma trains students in:
- playing a key role in high quality scientific marine research
- providing advice in marine management based on sound scientific knowledge
- becoming critically minded, problem-solving and communicative scientists
International Course Programme
The programme is one of the International Course Programmes supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UDC).
Unique international character
The diversity of professional, disciplinary and cultural backgrounds of both students and lecturers ensures that the programme has a truly unique international character.
Admission requirements
The programme is open to holders of a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography, geography and geomathics, bio-engineer science or environmental sciences. For other bachelors in science, applied science and life sciences, equivalency will be evaluated based on scientific competences and skills of the students by the Oceans & Lakes Steering Committee.
All necessary information regarding the admission requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the web page 'How to enroll as a student'.
Language requirements
In order to be admitted, you need to be proficient in English. The language requirements can be found on the website.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships is offered by VLIR-UDC for participants from developing countries. For details on the application procedure and forms, please consult the VLIR-UOS website.
Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Belgium can apply through the Belgian Embassy for a scholarship from the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC). For details and procedures, please contact the Belgian diplomatic representation in your country or consult the BTC-website. Similarly, citizens of countries that have bilateral agreements with the Flemish community can apply for a scholarship. For details, please consult the website of the Flemish community.
Registration
Registration for this program can be done at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Career opportunities
This multidisciplinary Master’s diploma is your admission ticket to a fascinating professional world and can be the start of an international career. As a scientist with a broad education, you are the right person for functions that require an integrated approach. The integration of knowledge from across various disciplines is valuable, and you can contribute significantly in various jobs that are concerned with marine and lacustrine domains, wherever they are in the world. The programme is broad and deep and can complement a wide range of scientific professions.
Needed: people with expertise in the area of sustainable utilization and management of marine and lacustrine ecosystems
Due to the increasing pressure on the natural marine and lacustrine ecosystems, there is an ever-increasing need for highly educated and trained people to collaborate, from their multidisciplinary expertise, on the sustainable utilization and management of these ecosystems. This offers many challenging prospects for the future.
As a Master with expertise and experience in marine and lacustrine science and management, you are a scientist who has the underlying foundation and the necessary capacities to contribute to the most up-to-date forms of education, pure and applied research and policy-supporting assignments.
Student services
Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For all kinds of help, advice and support visit the site of ‘Student Facilities’.
Contact
Secretariat
Cindy De Muynck
Vrije universiteit Brussel
building 8F – 504a
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brussel,
Tel: +32 2 629 34 02
oceansandlakes@vub.ac.be
Coordination
Karolien Van Puyvelde
Vrije universiteit Brussel
building 8F-504b
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 629 33 52
kvpuyvel@vub.ac.be
Programme directors
Prof. Dr. N. Koedam (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Prof. G. De Boeck (Universiteit Antwerpen)
Prof. A. Vanreusel (Universiteit Gent)
More information?
- Check out the website http://www.oceansandlakes.be
- An overview of all Master and Postgraduate programmes taught in English at the VUB can be found in the brochure Student (on top) of the world (970 KB)