A challenging programme in the aquatic sciences

Water covers 70% of the Earth's surface and sets our planet apart from every other planet we know. Water plays an important role in the global climate and is a source of food, minerals, energy and recreation. Aquatic ecosystems teem with organisms, ranging from tiny phytoplankton and zooplankton to coral, fish, and whales. Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems are also used as ‘dumping grounds' for much of society's waste and are profoundly affected by global change.

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) multidisciplinary Master's track in Limnology and Oceanography is devoted to the study of the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic ecosystems. It is geared towards gaining a better understanding of the world's aquatic resources and working toward their protection. This programme offers an advanced curriculum, with a dual focus on freshwater ecosystems (limnology) and marine ecosystems (oceanography). The Limnology and Oceanography programme provides a challenging educational programme for students interested in the aquatic sciences, and offers career prospects in the scientific arena and social others.

Studying Limnology and Oceanography at the University of Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and aquatic research. This Master's programme applies this expertise to its investigation of lake, river, sea and ocean ecosystems. This programme is unique in the Netherlands in that it devotes attention to both freshwater and marine ecosystems and integrates the scientific disciplines relevant to aquatic ecosystems.

Professional specialization within the Master’s programme

In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research.  

There are three professional specializations available:

• Science Communication (in Dutch)
• Teaching (in Dutch)
• Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.