Master’s Degree in Marine Biology

Presentation

The Master’s Degree in Marine Biology is an official postgraduate programme delivered jointly by the University of Vigo, University of Santiago de Compostela, and University of A Coruña.

This master’s programme has a dual orientation:

• Professional orientation: It aims to educate new specialists and update existing professionals in the evaluation, management, and sustainable use of living marine resources to ensure their biological, environmental, and economic sustainability.
• Academic/research orientation: It prepares students for roles in teaching and research in the field of marine biology, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to scientific knowledge and research activities. 

The programme admits a limited number of students (typically around 30 total places, with 10 at UVigo), and teaching is conducted face‑to‑face. Graduates are trained to understand and work with marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and resource management, with a focus on applying scientific methods in both professional and research contexts.

Typical features of the programme include:

• A blend of core compulsory subjects, electives, external internships, and a Final Master’s Project. The curriculum is designed to cover fundamental and advanced topics in marine biology such as ecology, conservation, physiology, and resource assessment. ([turn0search3])
• It equips graduates for roles as marine scientists, conservation specialists, environmental managers, research professionals, and consultants in both public institutions and private organisations working with marine ecosystems and living marine resources. ([turn0search0])

Career and academic outcomes: Graduates are prepared for professional work in marine research centres, environmental agencies, conservation organisations, and industries related to fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity management, and ecological consultancy. The degree also supports progression to doctoral studies and advanced research roles. 

Main Objective

The main objective is to train highly qualified professionals and researchers capable of studying, managing, and conserving marine ecosystems and living marine resources.

Specifically, the programme aims to:

• Provide students with advanced scientific knowledge in marine biology, ecology, physiology, biodiversity, and resource management.
• Equip graduates with the research skills and methodologies necessary to conduct scientific investigations in marine environments.
• Prepare students for professional roles in marine research, environmental management, conservation, aquaculture, and related sectors.
• Support graduates in developing critical thinking and analytical skills to assess ecological, environmental, and socio-economic aspects of marine ecosystems.
• Foster the ability to apply knowledge in practical contexts, including fieldwork, laboratory research, and environmental monitoring projects.

Competencies

Core Competencies (CB)

CB1. Ability to understand knowledge that provides a foundation and the opportunity for originality in the development and/or application of ideas, often in a research context.

CB2. Ability to apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.

CB3. Ability to integrate knowledge and confront the complexity of formulating interpretations and judgments based on often incomplete or limited information, including reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to problem-solving.

CB4. Ability to communicate conclusions—and the arguments and reasoning that support them—to specialized and non-specialized audiences clearly and without ambiguity.

CB5. Possess learning skills that allow continued study in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.

General Competencies (CG)

CG1. Use scientific criteria and methods in the formulation and resolution of problems by applying acquired knowledge.

CG2. Develop the ability to apply knowledge to new contexts, especially in multidisciplinary situations.

CG3. Locate, analyze, and integrate information from different sources, and develop capacities for interpretation and evaluation.

CG4. Acquire proficiency in various analytical techniques and methods, both in natural environments and in the laboratory.

CG5. Develop skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science relevant to problem-solving.

CG6. Develop skills in preparing, presenting, and defending technical reports and scientific work.

CG7. Foster scientific curiosity, initiative, and creativity.

CG8. Understand the social implications and applications of science.

Specific Competencies (CE)

CE1. Knowledge of the physicochemical properties of oceanic and coastal environments.

CE2. Knowledge of the diversity of marine organisms and their ecological strategies.

CE3. Understand the interactions between marine organisms and marine and coastal ecosystems.

CE4. Knowledge and exploration of the potential economic and biotechnological interest of marine organisms.

CE5. Apply principles of sustainable exploitation and management of the marine environment, including planning and supervision.

CE6. Identify and assess the environmental quality of marine areas and manage environmental consultancies.

CE7. Catalog, evaluate, conserve, restore, and manage marine and coastal protected areas; prepare, advise on, and implement coastal management plans.

CE8. Master research methods, sampling techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis applied to marine environments.

CE9. Understand institutions, organizations, and legislation related to marine environments and their economic resources.

CE10. Provide inspection and technical advice on the assessment, exploitation, and management of fisheries, resource extraction, and aquaculture facilities.

CE11. Conduct studies of population dynamics, genetics, and selection of stocks in fisheries, aquaculture, and restocking programs.

CE12. Ensure quality and safety control of seafood and marine biotechnological products.

CE13. Disseminate marine biology knowledge through training and education programs; plan and manage aquariums, museums, environmental interpretation centers, natural parks, and protected areas.

CE14. Prepare, discuss, interpret, advise, and evaluate scientific, technical, ethical, legal, and socio-economic reports related to marine and fisheries sciences.

CE15. Manage marine and coastal recreational and tourism activities.

Transversal Competencies (CT)

CT1. Develop comprehensive, analytical, and synthetic capacities.

CT2. Develop critical and self-critical reasoning skills.

CT3. Develop teamwork abilities, enriched by multidisciplinary collaboration.

CT4. Develop the capacity for autonomous and continuous knowledge updating.

CT5. Develop communication skills and the ability to discuss results and conclusions.

CT6. Develop capacities for reflection on social and ethical responsibilities.

CT7. Develop skills to disseminate ideas in both academic and non-specialized contexts.

CT8. Develop public speaking and oral communication skills.

Structure and Distribution of Credits

Courses

• By term
• By year