Joint Master Programme in Marine Biotechnology

Joint Master Programme in Marine Biotechnology

This joint Masters's programme in Marine Biotechnology is an integrated multidisciplinary programme offered within the framework of one of the first transnational European universities.

The programme provides the student with a high-quality academic education, building professional competencies in the area of marine biotechnology (also called blue biotechnology) and helping to address its global challenges.

It will ensure the students:

• essential interdisciplinary training in key topics related to Marine Biotechnology;
• opportunities to specialise within one of the four thematical tracks: (1) Innovative Bioproducts for Future; (2) Blue Biomass; (3) Marine Biorefinery; (4) Aquaculture Biotechnology;
• a tailored study programme according to their aspirations via individual professional practice(internship), individual research(academic research integration) and thesis work.

This Marine Biotechnology Master gives the student multiple travel options within the alliance.

Students are integrated into a multicultural study group and a professional network, offering an immersive system of project-based learning in the ‘real world’ economy.

The programme is open to the holders of a first cycle higher education degree (Bachelor's degree, or equivalent) in:

• Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics (ISCED 05),
• Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction (ISCED 07),
• Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary (ISCED 08) and other similar fields of study as JMPMB from all countries.

The qualification must give access to the Master studies and be recognised by the NARICs (National Academic Recognition Information Centres) of the Partners (see Article 5.1.).

The minimum eligibility requirements to study the joint Master programme in Marine Biotechnology are:

• University Bachelor’s degree (min. 180 ECTS) or equivalent providing the access to Master cycle indicating that the applicant has a minimal background in biological sciences and linked to the Master’s field in Biotechnology,
• English language proficiency: at least CEFR B2, IELTS 6.5 (at least 6 in any skill overall speaking, writing, listening and reading) or equivalent) if English is not a native language or language of previous Bachelor or Master studies,
• Motivation.

The Joint Master programme in Marine Biotechnology is a 2-years full-time study programme, taught in English and awarding a joint diploma, Master of Science in Marine Biotechnology(or equivalent), organised as follows:

1st semester

Core courses in marine biotechnology (30 ECTS). Location: Universidad Católica de Valencia, Spain

2nd semester

• Core courses in marine biotechnology (24 ECTS). Location: La Rochelle Université, France
• Internship in any company (6 ECTS). Location: any country

3rd semester

Specialisation courses of the chosen track (16 ECTS) 4 tracks/specialisation the second year :

• Innovative Bioproducts for Future;
• Blue Biomass;
• Marine Biorefinery;
• Aquaculture Biotechnology.

“Academic Research Integration (ARI)” course where groups of students from different tracks will work together on transversal research projects (14 ECTS).

Location: All partner universities according to the chosen track by the student in order to carry out his/her ARI; the elective courses will be taught online

4th semester

Master Thesis (30 ECTS). Location: any partner and associated university

EU-CONEXUS joint Master programme in Marine Biotechnology has been selected by the Erasmus+ programme Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (2022-2027, Project No. 101050597 – JMPMB) and is able to offer more than 20 scholarships yearly to the best applicants. Application is opened until 28th of February, 2023.

• 5000 € for citizens and permanent residents of EU, N. Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey
• 9000 € for Non-EU citizens

Tuition fee waiver

In the 2nd round of application there are 5 places available with 100% and 5 places with 50% discount for tuition fee. Applicants are also able to apply for partial scholarships to cover their living costs during 6-12 months to the candidates showing their best performance.

Eligible for students from all EU-CONEXUS countries and everybody who have not obtained a grant in the 1st round yet.

EU-CONEXUS has built this programme in collaboration with stakeholders to match the actual needs of the biotechnological sector. Moreover, companies and research centers are involved in the teaching of the programme.

It will prepare employable students to get the following skills and knowledge:

• Understand the process of discovery and development of marine derived molecules and set up an efficient biotechnological pipeline to develop innovative marine natural products using state-of-the-art techniques.
• Integrate problem-solving skills, specialised knowledge, and understanding from current challenges to innovative solutions regarding the sector.
• Acquire skills related to management of biotechnological innovation projects, transfer of R&D and protection of industrial and intellectual property in the marine biotechnology sector.
• Communicate efficiently scientific results to colleagues, customers and collaborators by means of highly organised, coherent, and cohesive both written and oral discourses to contribute to the betterment of the field.
• Work as part of multidisciplinary and international teams, following and maintaining high quality of work and high productivity.

In 2016, the Blue Economy provided 3.48 million jobs in the EU and the average wage increased by 14.2%.

The EU-CONEXUS countries represent more than 50% of the EU`s Blue Jobs.

You will be able to assist companies in:

• the health, cosmetics and agri-food sectors to reach new markets and segments.
• the manufacturing of new functional products from marine resources.
• the various uses of Biotechnology to the aquaculture sector such as : managing advanced breeding programmes, estimating significant diseases of aquatic organisms, modifying the metabolism of molecules in living organisms and support modern research for practical aquaculture development and seafood processing.