This consecutive, research-focused Master’s programme in the field of Biology is taught in English and trains students in contemporary approaches to studying marine ecosystems and fisheries. It combines theoretical instruction with hands-on experience so graduates gain the methodological grounding needed for experimental, observational and modelling work in marine science.
You will learn both practical and theoretical methods used in Biological Oceanography and Fisheries Science, and apply them across laboratory experiments, fieldwork and theoretical studies. The programme emphasizes the development of scientific thinking: identifying research problems, formulating testable hypotheses and choosing appropriate methods to evaluate them.
A central theme is the human impact on marine ecosystems. Graduates will be familiar with current debates about anthropogenic pressures on oceans and, with their scientific expertise, be prepared to engage in policy and public discussions about the management and conservation of marine ecosystems and living resources. This combination of skills prepares alumni for further research careers or for roles in ecosystem assessment and resource management.
Key competencies and outcomes (program requirements)
This master’s curriculum builds a strong foundation in biological oceanography and fisheries science before moving into intensive laboratory work, quantitative modelling, and policy-relevant management topics. In the first year you cover introductory and advanced concepts in oceanography and fisheries alongside hands-on biodiversity and laboratory courses. From the start there is a clear emphasis on quantitative competence: courses in data handling, visualization, and the first stage of data analysis and modelling ensure you can work with real marine datasets.
In the third semester the program deepens ecological and evolutionary knowledge of plankton and the coupling between zooplankton and fish larvae, and advances your skills in ecosystem modelling. A dedicated course on environmental policy and management connects ecological insights to governance and resource management. The final semester is reserved for an independent master’s thesis, allowing you to design and carry out a research project that integrates field or lab work with quantitative analysis.
By the end of the program you will be able to interpret and model marine ecosystem dynamics, apply laboratory and field methods for studying biodiversity and fish populations, handle and visualise complex ecological datasets, and relate scientific findings to management and policy questions. The training prepares you for research roles, consultancy, management positions in fisheries and marine conservation, or further academic study.
Key modules (semester-by-semester)
Core learning outcomes (concise)
Applicants holding a Bachelor of Science in Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences are eligible for admission. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in another subject may also apply, but must be able to document that they have completed a minimum of 81 ECTS credits in core natural-science coursework that are comparable to the Bachelor’s curriculum in Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences at Universität Hamburg.
Those 81 ECTS must come from specific subject areas (see below). International applicants should be prepared to submit transcripts and course descriptions/syllabi to demonstrate equivalence and to show how their course content maps to these disciplines.
Requirements (minimum ECTS in natural-science fundamentals)
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia and government institutes as well as roles in environmental assessment, fisheries management, marine conservation organisations and consultancy. The programme’s emphasis on experimental, field and modelling skills supports positions that require ecosystem analysis, stock assessment and data-driven management advice.
The degree also provides a solid foundation for continuing to doctoral studies or for employment with international organisations, NGOs and private-sector firms engaged in marine environmental monitoring, resource management and policy implementation.