Master of Biology in Marine Biology

Marine Biology is one of five specialisations in the two-year MSc in Biology at the University of Copenhagen, taught in English mainly at North Campus (details taken from the parent programme page). It deals with marine ecosystems, marine organisms and their adaptation, and marine biodiversity. Theory alternates with practical field and lab work, in nine-week blocks of 15 ECTS, and students can start in September or February. Students combine compulsory courses, restricted electives from a specialisation list and 15 ECTS of free electives.

Course Details

CategoryDetails
TimeFull Time
CampusCopenhagen
Duration2
Deadline-Date01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year130000
Application Fee750
Currencydkk
Intake Linkhttps://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Linkhttps://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
IntakesFebruary
Program language requirementUnless you apply with a bachelor's degree which provide legal right of admission, you must document that you fulfil the language requirements. English language requirement When you apply for admission to a master's degree programme, you must document your English language proficiency, which means you must have passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (MyBest scores are not accepted): Minimum 83 with at least 20 in each subscore, IELTS Academic, IELTS Online (One Skill Retake are not accepted): 6.5 with at least 6 in each subscore, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE/CP1),Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE/CP2): 180 (C1-level), Danish language requirement If you apply for admission to a master's degree programme taught in Danish, you must have acquired Danish language skills prior to admission equivalent to level A Danish at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example the study test (studieprøven).

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in Biology, Life Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related fields from a recognized university Preferred background Biology, Life Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Hydrobiology (freshwater biology), Environmental Biology

Additional Information

CategoryDetails
Scope of the programBiology graduates typically work in government agencies, municipalities and environmental consultancies, universities, upper secondary schools, environmental NGOs, biotech companies and the media. The marine profile, with its focus on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, suits roles in environmental consulting, public environmental administration, research and conservation organisations. Core competences include applying advanced lab and field techniques, analysing complex data and communicating science to different audiences. The extended thesis project provides research experience that supports both applied careers and further doctoral study.
Program entry requirementTo apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed, or expect to complete, a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal. Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. Bachelor with legal right of admission With a Bachelor's degree in Biology (biologi) from University of Copenhagen you are granted legal right of admission and guaranteed a place on the Master’s programme in Biology if you apply in time to begin within 3 years of the completion of your Bachelor’s degree. Bachelor programmes that fulfil the academic requirements You meet all academic requirements if you hold one of the degrees listed below. Learn about when and how to apply. Note, however, that you still need to document that you meet the programme's language requirements. Biology (biologi) from University of Copenhagen (note, that if you apply in time to begin within 3 years of the completion of your Bachelor’s degree, you have legal right of admission to the Master's programme) Animal Science (husdyrvidenskab) from University of Copenhagen
Required GPABachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE RequiredNo. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT RequiredNo. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application ProcessApplication Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarshipshttps://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditationThe University of Copenhagen holds a positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (decision of February 2025, valid until 2031), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expensesLiving Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process DetailsVisa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timeworkPart-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunityPost-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the Marine Biology Master's program at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for the Marine Biology Master's program, you must have completed a relevant Bachelor's degree, such as in Biology, Life Sciences, Ecology, or a related field. You are also required to document English language proficiency, and if applicable, Danish language skills for programs taught in Danish.

What is the duration and structure of the Marine Biology Master's program?

The Marine Biology Master's program lasts for two years and is divided into blocks. The first year includes a compulsory Marine Biology course worth 15 ECTS, followed by restricted electives and electives. The thesis, which accounts for 45 or 60 ECTS, is typically completed in the second year, with options for field sampling or lab analysis.

What are the tuition fees and application fees for the Marine Biology Master's program?

The tuition fee is 130,000 DKK per year, and there is an application fee of 750 DKK.

Are there any scholarships available for international students applying to the Marine Biology Master's program?

Yes, there are scholarships available for international students. You can find more information on available scholarships at this link.

What are the post-study work opportunities for graduates of the Marine Biology Master's program?

Graduates are automatically granted a 3-year job-seeking permit after completing an accredited Danish higher education program. They can continue working part-time while searching for a full-time job and can transition to a full work visa once they secure employment.

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