The ?programme delivered by??offers multidisciplinary cutting-edge knowledge and research in this rapidly developing field.

Seas and oceans play an important role in our day-to-day lives, and over 65% of the world?s population lives or works in coastal areas. Vital for our economy and health ? as well as for climate, food, and biodiversity ? seas and oceans have immense societal significance. However, the oceans are changing rapidly as human-induced pollution and CO2 emissions lead to warming,?acidification and deoxygenation of seas and oceans.?The impact on organisms, ocean chemistry, and currents on short to long timescales is uncertain, affecting ecosystems, but also the economy and policymaking.?

Essentially, all outstanding issues in Marine Sciences are multidisciplinary.?A broad, holistic research approach to this rapidly developing field is therefore necessary to?identify risks, improve future scenarios, and to make the transition towards sustainable interactions?between man and seas and oceans.

Crucial questions you will investigate during your studies include:?

• How does global warming and changing ocean circulation impact ecosystem functioning?

• How do changing ecosystems affect ocean chemistry?

• How does a change in ocean chemistry affect biology?

Careers

As a Utrecht University Marine Sciences graduate?you will be able to work in a?highly specialised?research?field. You will also be equipped with a complete?set?of skills to work in diverse?positions in?organisations focussing on marine processes?in the public or private sectors.?This Master?s programme also provides a solid basis for a PhD if your ambition is to become an independent scientific researcher.

Job opportunities in the private sector may be at companies focussing on hydrocarbon and mineral exploration?and production?or offshore and other engineering firms or consultancies. You may also find employment at international organisations that are active in coastal areas and oceans, such as the United Nations.?Possible opportunities include :