Master in Marine and Coastal Systems University of Algarve

The Marine and Coastal Systems master program (MaCS - SIMCO) integrates knowledge using an interdisciplinary approach. It focuses on the study of processes operating within the coastal and marine systems, subject to complex geological, physical, chemical, biological, and social forcings.

Teaching methods

• Taught modules, core, and optional
• Research training modules
• Fieldwork and field visits (more than 50h) and use of field equipment
• Laboratory work (more than 200h) and use of extensive laboratory facilities and equipment
• Science communication in seminars
• Scientific diving (optional)

Admission requirements

Conditions of access

• Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in the areas of Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering;
• Holders of a foreign academic degree conferred following a 1st cycle of studies (bachelor’s), organized in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by a State joining this Process;
• Holders of a foreign academic degree that is recognized as meeting the objectives of the bachelor's degree (1st cycle of studies) by the Scientific or Technical-Scientific Council of the organic unit(s) responsible for the study cycle;
• In duly justified cases, candidates who present an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum relevant to the attendance of this cycle of studies, are recognized by the Council Scientific or Technical-Scientific of the organic unit(s) responsible for the cycle of studies.

Criteria for selection of the candidates

• Academic qualification (50%)
• Final degree (bachelor’s, 1st cycle of studies) grade (30%)
• Professional experience (20%)

Necessary documentation

• Curriculum Vitae (with personal data, academics, and professionals)
• Certificate of Qualifications, with the discrimination of the classifications obtained in each unit

Scholarships & funding

As we are a public university, no studentships are available for Bachelor, Master, or Ph.D. degrees, independently of the students' nationality. Nevertheless, for the second academic year (thesis research) there is a possibility to apply for a studentship in research projects running in our science and technology centers. You can apply for a studentship while completing your first academic year of the Master but we cannot guarantee that there will be funding for all students for the second research year.

Tuition

• National Students: 1100 Euros
• International Students*: 4000 Euros
• Application Fee: 50 Euros
• Registration Tuition and School Insurance: 175 Euros

Note: The tuition of this course can be paid in 10 installments, the first at the time of registration.

* in accordance with Decree-Law No. 36/2014, changed by Decree-Law No.62/2018, of 6th August, international students are nationals of a country that is not a Member State of the European Union and are not a legal resident in Portugal for more than 2 uninterrupted years by 1st of January of the enrollment year.

Career Opportunities

• Technical and scientific employment
• Advising/mediating functions in the processes of participatory management
• Consultancy at/for companies (environmental restoration, ocean energy, management, dredging, oil, spatial planning, marine resources)
• Lead functions in the implementation of new legal national (and European) instruments on the territorial/economic marine and coastal field