The two-year programme Master in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes) addresses students with a background in sciences. Oceans & Lakes is an interuniversity programme. It provides students a strong fundamental and applied knowledge and prepares them for an active role in the scientific research and management of marine and lacustrine systems. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating physical, chemical, geological, ecological and societal aspects and including nature conservation and sustainable development.

The programme puts strong emphasis on acquiring skills, both in marine and lacustrine research and management. It requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, visits to marine research centers, field trips and excursions.

The course programme consists of four parts: General courses (39 credits) with compulsory courses covering disciplines which are considered as essential  knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist. Elective courses (21 credits): in depth-courses, broadening courses, supporting courses.
One major (30 credits) to choose out of four specialisations:

• Global change impacts on ecology and biodiversity
• Conservation biology and ecosystem management
• Environmental impact and remediation
• Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences

The Master's Dissertation stands for 30 credits and consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. You choose a subject related to your major module. A professional internship of three to four weeks allows the student to get professional experience in marine and lacustrine related fields. In addition to classes, fieldwork is an essential part of the programme. In order to prepare the students to function well in an international professional context, all lecturers and course materials are in English. International students enrolling in the programme should have a good knowledge of English.

Oceans & Lakes trains students in:

• becoming a multidisciplinary scientist who thinks and works across fields and disciplines;
• playing a key role in high quality scientific marine and lacustrine research;
• providing advice in management and an integrated concept and view on marine and lacustrine systems;
• becoming critically minded, problem-solving and communicative scientists.