Master's Programme in Coastal Ecology

Master's Programme in Coastal Ecology is one of 5 English-taught Ecology programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 5 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

What you study

The Master's Programme in Coastal Ecology at the University of Agder is a two-year degree worth 120 ECTS, taught in English in Kristiansand. It looks at how human activities affect coastal ecosystems and at the sustainable production and value creation potential of coastal and marine environments.

The programme asks central questions: what characterises a healthy coastal environment, what effects climate change has on coastal nature, how coastal resources are affected by nutrients, pollutants and other chemicals, how our use of coastal resources can reach a sustainable state, and how international conventions can contribute to responsible management of the coastal zone. You will gain a broad understanding of the terminologies and methodologies used in coastal ecological studies, a general view of how anthropogenic environmental impacts affect the structure and function of coastal ecosystems, and knowledge of how national coastal zones are managed.

Courses are developed and taught by international specialists affiliated to UIA's Centre for Coastal Research and by professionals in the aquaculture industry. Through the Centre, the university cooperates with GRID-Arendal, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR), the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), the University of Oslo and business partners from Southern Norway, who contribute with education and guidance. These partnerships offer research topics and student projects, and a chance to build a network among specialists.

You can work with field-based or experimental projects, which gives an introduction to scientific research. Through those projects you can gain expertise that the programme says is not offered at other places of study.

Admission, language and next steps

To be admitted you need a completed bachelor's degree or equivalent that includes either an integrated study of at least two years in biology or ecology, or a specialisation course of at least 80 credits in biology or ecology. A weighted average grade of C or better is required. Admission follows the regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder.

Application periods: non EU/EEA international applicants apply from 1 November to 1 December (subject to change); EU/EEA applicants from 1 February to 1 March; Nordic citizens and applicants with a permanent or renewable residence permit in Norway from 1 February to 15 April. Check the programme page for any updates.

The teaching language is English. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions; other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution.

Master’s applications go straight to University of Agder, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.