Study programme - BSc Marine Sciences

In your first year, you will learn to understand and analyse a wide range of marine systems. You will also develop research skills and learn how to combine insights from different scientific fields. The year concludes with a hands-on project in the Wadden Sea and North Sea – so you will get to put your knowledge into practice right away!

The second year is all about finding solutions. You will take courses on topics like food systems, as well as maritime economics and law. Just like in the first year, you will finish with a project — this time, designing and evaluating ‘nature-based solutions’. Inspired by nature, you will also tackle global challenges in collaboration with real companies and organisations.

In the first semester of your third year, you decide what you want to study – this is the free-choice semester. Will you follow a minor, or put together your own selection of elective courses?

The second half of the year focuses on your final major project, where everything you have learned comes together. You will assess the impact of nature-based solutions and carry out your graduation research project.

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to broaden or deepen your knowledge by choosing a minor. For example, you might explore a minor in International Development Studies or Environmental Sciences. You can even take your minor at another university!

At WUR, we believe personal guidance and close contact really matter. That is why you will find more support staff here – including lecturers, study advisers and mentors – than at most other Dutch universities. This hands-on approach helps reduce the risk of dropping out and makes studying more enjoyable. It is our way of showing that we are genuinely invested in your success.