In this joint programme on aquatic systems, three universities in Flanders (Belgium) - the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universiteit Antwerpen and Universiteit Gent combine their expertise. Many other experts and institutions are also involved in on this programme, adding even more knowhow.

Visit the Oceans & Lakes website for more information.

Insight into the complexity of life

This two-year master’s programme offers a unique combination of study in the marine and lacustrine field. It provides insight into the complexity of life and processes in marine environments and lakes, and offers skills to study and manage them. This combination of disciplines makes the programme unique in Europe. It comprises management and policy as well as commercial aspects of aquatic ecosystems and law. Since admission is open to holders of various science-related bachelor’s degrees, it may offer a unique opportunity to re-orientate your study career, and to broaden your horizon and meet people from different backgrounds.

Interested in other aspects of biology? Take a look at the Master of Science in Biology and its graduation options!

Development and Sustainability

Oceans & Lakes is recognised as an ICP (International Course Programme). This means that there are targeted and well-developed trajectories possible to university development cooperation with South partners: the application of science and management skills to global and local challenges, aligning with the UN's sustainable development goals.

VUB in the media

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Brussels, Ghent & Antwerp: the best of three worlds

The biology departments and diverse research groups of Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University and the University of Antwerp continuously develop and maintain innovative and internationally recognised research programmes. Most research programmes are international collaborations, and all three departments take part in various international research networks.

Classes take place in all three cities of the participating universities (Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent). Full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, field courses and excursions is required. Transport costs for travel by public transport between the three universities can be reimbursed.

Expedition to Antarctica

Watch this video that our student Louise Delhaye made about her participation to the expedition to Antarctica on the BAP Carrasco (research vessel). Louise did an assessment of the heavy metal pollution in the Bransfield Strait.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes describe the intended knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes that you must master after completing your studies.

Do you want to know more about the specific learning outcomes of this programme? Click here for more information.

Your ticket to a fascinating career

The programme aims to provide you with strong fundamental and applied knowledge for scientific research and management of marine and lacustrine systems. It prepares you to play an active role in research, policy and management. This multidisciplinary Master’s diploma is your ticket to a fascinating professional world and can be the start of an international career. The integration of knowledge from across various disciplines is valuable, and you can contribute significantly in various jobs that are concerned with marine and lacustrine domains anywhere in the world.

The world needs you!

Due to the increasing pressure on the natural marine and lacustrine ecosystems, there is an ever-increasing need for highly educated and trained people to collaborate, from their multidisciplinary expertise, on the sustainable utilization and management of these ecosystems. This offers many challenging prospects for the future.
As a Master with expertise and experience in marine and lacustrine science and management, you are a scientist who has the underlying foundation and the necessary capacities to contribute to the most up-to-date forms of education, pure and applied research and policy-supporting assignments.

Admission criteria

This programme is open to holders of a bachelor’s degree in:

• Bachelor in Biology
• Bachelor in Biochemistry
• Bachelor in Biotechnology
• Bachelor in Chemistry
• Bachelor in Geology
• Bachelor in Geography
• Bachelor in Geomatics
• Bachelor in Bioengineering Sciences
• Bachelor in Environmental Sciences

For other Bachelors in science, applied science and life sciences, admission will be evaluated by the Oceans and Lakes Steering Committee based on academic records and skills. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years with good overall scores (at least upper second class or equivalent) from a university or recognised equivalent.

Language requirements
Students who wish to register for a VUB programme with English as the language of instruction, need to provide a proof of sufficient knowledge of English.

Online application

Students who don't have a Flemish bachelor degree are required to submit an online application. The application procedure consists out of three steps:

1. Apply online
   Fill out your personal information and upload your documents.
2. Screening of your application
   The Admissions Office and the Faculty will check if you are eligible.
3. Result via e-mail
   If your application is accepted, we will send you a Letter of Acceptance.

All information on the admission procedure, requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on www.oceansandlakes.be.

Application deadlines

There are two separate deadlines to submit an application if you are applying with a foreign degree, depending on whether or not you require a visa to enter Belgium. If you wish to apply for a VLIR-UOS scholarship there is a separate deadline.

You can find all information on www.oceansandlakes.be

VLIR-UOS scholarships

VLIR-UOS funds and facilitates academic cooperation and exchange between higher education institutions in Flanders (Belgium) and those in developing countries, which aims at building capacity, knowledge and experience for a sustainable development.

The VLIR-UOS scholarship programme is particularly designed for people from developing countries who already have professional experience and occupy key or strategic positions at an institution in their native country. The opportunities for knowledge application and transfer after the Master student returns home are an important scholarship selection criterion. Other admission requirements refer to: age, education, motivation, language, gender, financial resources. Only students who are nationals from a country in the VLIR-UOS country list can apply for the VLIR-UOS scholarhsip. For more details on the application procedure and forms, please consult the VLIR-UOS website at www.vliruos.be.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel participates in many other scholarship programmes offerring grants to all levels of study (from Bachelor to Academic Staff), in various regions, both for short and longer stays. For more specific and detailed information, consult the VUB Scholarships page or the websites of the Belgian Development Agency or Study in Flanders.