This is an international degree program that awards a joint degree between the University of Milano-Bicocca and the Maldives National University, entirely taught in English.

The study plan includes an initial group of compulsory courses, mainly in the first year, followed by the opportunity to choose among three specializations (Bioecology, Environment, Human Geography) or to personalize your study path through the wide range of course offerings.

The aim of the program is to understand and evaluate the natural and human-driven processes characterizing the oceans, where different disciplines are interconnected, to protect the marine environment and manage its resources sustainably.

The Marine Sciences program includes numerous labs and hands-on activities, as well as various national and international mobility opportunities, in Marine Protected Areas, institutions, and research centers.

Acquired Skills

Based on your study plan, by the end of the program you will have skills in:

• Natural resources: management of natural parks and protected areas, cultural training activities for the tourism industry;
• Scientific communication;
• Coastal protection: land use planning, consulting on coastal erosion and biodiversity loss caused by human activities;
• Activities related to fishing and aquaculture: consultancy and expertise on the quality of caught and farmed products;
• Activities related to marine spatial planning: consulting on natural and social phenomena, and jurisdictional/territorial issues.

You will be able to design experimental frameworks, use laboratory analytical techniques, data analysis, and marine environment sampling methods.

You will understand key national and international regulations for territorial protection; priority species and habitats protected by laws; and main management issues and regulations. You will contribute to environmental assessments and impact evaluations, and be able to analyze the specific social dynamics in particular contexts (small islands, maritime transport, offshore installations).

Career Opportunities

The program offers employment opportunities in both public and private sectors. In the public sector, graduates in Marine Sciences can work in scientific research at universities or research institutes, applied research and risk monitoring at ministries and territorial bodies managing marine and coastal areas, environmental management in local agencies and protected areas, environmental consulting and impact assessments, and scientific outreach.

In the private sector, graduates can find employment in companies producing goods and services, with responsibilities in organization, evaluation, management, and oversight of environmental issues linked to marine activities.

In particular: environmental consulting and impact assessment for coastal and offshore infrastructure, management of environmental quality and food safety laboratories, consulting on sustainable development of coastal and marine activities, and scientific publishing.

Why Choose Bicocca

What makes us unique