Since the academic year 2018–2019, the Department of Marine Sciences offers the MSc programme “Research in Marine Sciences”, a three-semester programme delivered in English and based on a coherent interdisciplinary approach.
Objectives: The programme aims to:
(i) provide the theoretical background required for conducting high-level specialized research in the marine and coastal environment;
(ii) develop the academic skills and research abilities of postgraduate students; and
(iii) respond to the global educational, research, and societal challenges of the 21st century.
Study Program
The MSc programme awards a total of 90 ECTS credits (30 ECTS per semester). All courses are compulsory. Courses in the second and third semesters are tailored to the student’s research topic, in collaboration with the assigned supervisor.
The duration of the programme is three (3) semesters, including the completion of the MSc thesis.
The programme is structured in progressive stages:
(a) in the first semester, students attend course modules that provide the necessary background for research, with emphasis on general research methodologies, quantitative analysis, and specialized methods in Marine Sciences; and
(b) in the following two semesters, each student undertakes an individual research project under the supervision of a faculty member, covering all stages of the research process (literature review, formulation of research questions, research design and implementation, data analysis, and interpretation of results), leading to the production of an original research paper.
Teaching and Delivery Methods
Teaching is delivered through a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning. Students are required o be physically present in Mytilene (Lesvos, Greece) during the first semester (approximately 11 weeks). In the following semesters, teaching may be conducted either in person or online, depending on the research topic.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction and thesis writing is English. Each student is expected to submit a scientific article based on their research results, to an international peer-reviewed journal.
Number of students
The number of students admitted per year is set at a maximum of ten (10) postgraduate students.
Eligible Candidates
The programme is open to graduates from relevant disciplines including Marine Sciences, Oceanography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Fisheries, and related fields.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- BSc degree
- English language proficiency at least at B2 level (unless English is the native language)
The MSc program “Research in Marine Sciences” is open to graduates of the following disciplines: Marine Sciences, Environment, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Agriculture Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, Environmental Engineering, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Geology and Geoenvironment or other relevant academic subjects of Universities, as well as to graduates of Polytechnic Schools and Technical Universities.
Students at the final stages of their Bachelor’s program can also apply. In this case, the students should have completed their BSc studies before their enrollment to the MSc program.
Recognition of Foreign Degrees
If the BSc degree has been awarded by a non-Greek Higher Education Institution, recognition by DOATAP is required. In the absence of such recognition, the University of the Aegean may verify the institution and degree, provided they are listed in the relevant national registers, in accordance with Article 304 of Law 4957/2022.
Application/Admission Procedure
Applicants must submit their application documents by email (in a single compressed file) to with subject: “Application for MSc Research in Marine Sciences”.
The application deadline is the 10th of July 2026, 23:59.
The required application documents are:
- Application form (see the Appendix)
- BSc Diploma or Certificate of Completion.
- Diploma Supplement (including courses and grades)
- Curriculum vitae
- Copies of publications (if any)
- Documentation of any professional or research experience (if any).
- Proof of English proficiency (at least B2 level), unless English is the applicant’s native language
- Two recommendation letters
- Copy of ID or passport.
Applicants can submit any other information that in their opinion would help the Examination/Selection Committee of Postgraduate Students to have a more complete and comprehensive opinion.
Selection Process
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to an online interview.
Selection criteria/Scoring:
The evaluation and final selection of the prospective students will be made by the Selection Committee
based on specific criteria defined in the Operational Regulation of the MSc “Research in Marine Sciences”:
- Bachelor’s degree grade (30/100).
- Additional Bachelor’s degree or MSc grade (5/100).
- Grades of individual courses of the Bachelor’s degree relevant to the MSc program (average score)
(10/100). - Grade of BSc thesis, if applicable (5/100).
- Recommendation letters (5/100).
- Publications and any scientific writing activity (10/100).
- Language proficiency (if proficiency in English is at least B2 level) (5/100).
- Research or professional experience relevant to the MSc program (5/100).
- Oral interview (25/100).
An overall score greater than 60 is required for the admission.
Tuition Fees
Total tuition: €1,200, payable in three instalments of €400. (€ 400 upon enrollment in the first semester, € 400 at the beginning of the second semester and € 400 at the beginning of the third semester.)
Additional information
For any additional information regarding the application, please contact the Secretariat of the MSc Program (phone: +30 22510-36802, E-mail: ).
For information regarding the curriculum of the MSc Program, potential applicants can contact the teaching staff members: Elina Tragou (; +30 22510-36843), Eva Krasakopoulou (; +30 22510-36836), Vasileios Trygonis (; +30 22510-36831).
See the full file here
