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  • MSc Degree Programme in Marine Sciences - Scienze Marine

    The Master’s Degree Programme in Marine Sciences - Scienze Marine is an international study programme entirely taught in English, open to both Italian and international students. The Programme has a duration of two years, and requires the acquisition of 120 Italian university credits (CFU) for the completion of the degree.
     
    The credit distribution is as follows:
    72 CFU obtained through exams;
    12 CFU dedicated to the activities "To be chosen by the Student"
    4 CFU for the traineeship
    4 CFU for further linguistic knowledge
    28 CFU for the final examination

    The Master’s Degree Programme includes 7 compulsory courses (totalling 48 CFU) and 4 compulsory multiple-choice courses (24 CFU). Students typically take 9 exams in the first year and 2 in the second year. 
    As all courses are taught in English.
    In addition to the compulsory traineeship (4 CFU), students can acquire an additional 6 or 12 CFU in practical training as part of their activities "To be chosen by the Student", including opportunities through International Mobility Programmes. Alternatively, students may earn the 12 CFU of the activities "To be chosen by the Student" by taking English-taught courses selected from the University’s full academic offering.  
    During the programme, students must acquire further linguistic knowledge: international students are required to pass an Italian language test at a minimum B1 level, whereas Italian students are required to pass an English language test at a minimum C1 level or, alternatively, Spanish, French or German tests at a minimum B2 level.
    Finally, students complete their academic pathway with activities related to the preparation of the final examination.
     
    The Programme strongly encourages students to participate in international mobility opportunities offered by the University, such as Erasmus+ for study, Erasmus traineeship and Exchange Extra-EU.
     In 2023, 46% of graduates earned at least 12 CFU abroad, compared to the national average of 15%.
     
    The compulsary multiple-choice courses, the activities "To be chosen by the Student", the traineeship and the final examination enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities in one of the following learning areas in order to focus on topics best suited to their interests and goals
    1) BIO-ECOLOGICAL
    2) GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL
    3) GEOGRAPHICAL AND LEGAL
     
    The Master’s Degree Programme in Marine Sciences provides students with a solid cultural and methodological background in biological, chemical, ecological, Earth sciences, legal, and geographical disciplines applied to the marine environment. Special attention is given to the study of natural processes and the assessment of anthropogenic impacts and environmental changes affecting marine spaces, with the aim of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The Programme covers in detail the legal frameworks of marine spaces, the integrated coastal zone management, and marine spatial planning, using advanced cartographic representations and modern digital systems. Fieldwork and laboratory analyses further contribute to understanding the complexity of marine ecosystems.
    The Programme adopts a strong multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, integrating the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, ensuring a coherent connection between subjects through joint activities led by faculty members. Graduates will be able to develop tailored solutions and strategies independently, drawing from their expertise in both scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, ecology, Earth sciences) and humanities disciplines (international law, geography, sociology). This enables them to analyse natural processes and environmental risks, understand state obligations and rights, and identify appropriate management policies to prevent, monitor, and mitigate anthropogenic impacts on coastal and oceanic environments.
     
    Graduates in Marine Sciences will be well-prepared for national and international employment in both the public and private sectors, including: Public and private institutions, such as environmental protection agencies, marine protected area management bodies, research institutes, and museums; private companies, including those in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine waste management and remediation, environmental consultancy, and offshore industries; international organisations and NGOs.
    Additionally, graduates may pursue careers in consultancy and freelance professions, including environmental consultancy for companies or public institutions, and certification professionals for sustainable planning and environmental impact assessments.
    The Master’s Degree in Marine Sciences allows graduates, upon passing the relevant state examination, to register in the Professional Register of Biologists (Section A) or Geologists (Section A).
    Graduates are also eligible to enrol in second-level master’s programmes and PhD programmes in Italy and abroad.