Undergraduate Programme in Marine Studies

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Ocean Studies

Innovation, Science and Technology for a Sustainable Blue Society

The ocean is key to addressing humanity's greatest challenges. It offers vital solutions for building a sustainable future,  from combating climate change and ensuring food security, to advancing clean energy and restoring biodiversity. Knowledge is essential, not only to solve problems, but to unlock innovative possibilities that will help shape a better tomorrow.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Ocean Studies is an innovative interdisciplinary programme resulting from the collaboration between several higher education institutions: NOVA University Lisbon (bringing together five academic units – NOVA School of Law, NOVA IMS, Nova SBE, NOVA FCSH and NOVA FCT), the University of Algarve, and the University of Évora, also involving the Hydrographic Institute of the Portuguese Navy.

This programme aims to train professionals equipped to address the challenges and seize the opportunities associated with the ocean, promoting sustainability and the blue economy.

With a strong scientific and technical component, students benefit from an interdisciplinary education supported by cutting-edge laboratories, emerging technologies, and innovative projects that enable them to apply knowledge in real-world blue economy contexts.

Applications 2025/26

Vacancies: 34

Specific exams:

One of the following sets:

13 English + 19 Mathematics A

13 English + 02 Biology and Geology

13 English + 09 Geography

Degree taught entirely in English.

Check the admission requirements here

Course coordinator:

José Carlos Ribeiro Ferreira
jcrf@fct.unl.pt

Why Choose This Degree?

  • It combines science, technology, and public policies to address the challenges of the ocean.
  • It prepares students to work in emerging areas such as blue biotechnology, marine renewable energies, and marine and coastal spatial planning.
  • It offers a practical, interdisciplinary education delivered through partnerships between several leading higher education institutions.
  • It develops skills to protect and regenerate marine and coastal ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities.
  • It opens doors to national and international master's degrees focused on the ocean, sustainability, and innovation.
  • It enables the building of a global-impact career, contributing to a more sustainable and blue future.

Program

A programme to explore, innovate and shape a more sustainable and blue future.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Ocean Studies offers a comprehensive and integrated curriculum, combining theory and practice across key areas related to the ocean, sustainability, and the blue economy.
A degree that connects science, technology, and society, preparing a new generation of professionals to face the challenges of the ocean and create innovative solutions for a sustainable blue future.

Programme Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary approach across natural sciences, social sciences and technology
- Access to cutting-edge laboratories and real-world blue economy projects
- oint initiative of leading universities and the Hydrographic Institute of the Portuguese Navy
- Training for careers in the global blue sector, promoting a sustainable society

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor's Degree in Ocean Studies opens doors to a diverse and impactful career across multiple sectors related to the ocean, sustainability, and innovation. Graduates will be prepared to:

  • Develop consultancy services and projects within the Blue Economy, supporting companies, municipalities, and public institutions in creating innovative, sustainable, and integrated solutions.
  • Join companies and start-ups in emerging sectors, such as blue biotechnology, marine renewable energies, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, or responsible coastal tourism.
  • Work in the management, planning, and governance of marine and coastal areas, including cities, ports, protected areas, and coastal territories, focusing on sustainability, health, safety, community resilience, and climate change adaptation.
  • Contribute to the conservation, protection, and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, strengthening both ecological and community resilience.
  • Collaborate with public entities, international organizations, and NGOs, in areas such as the circular blue economy, marine environment, public policies, safety, health, ocean governance, ocean literacy, and sustainable development.
  • Engage in scientific research and technological innovation, in universities, research centers, laboratories, and knowledge transfer platforms, contributing to the advancement of solutions for oceans and coastal zones.

Ocean Studies: a degree that prepares ocean professionals to lead the blue transformation and build a sustainable, innovative, and global future.

About the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

The Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (DCEA), established in 1976, was a pioneer in the teaching of Environmental Engineering. It integrates fundamental skills from various scientific fields with new environmental and digital technologies, embracing interdisciplinarity and sustainability as core pillars.

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Key Figures of NOVA FCT