Ocean Technology, Master's, 2 years

The programme helps you understand existing ocean technology from sea surface to seabed while focusing on innovation and possibilities for further development. 

We try to find solutions to problems such as: 

• Can closed containment salmon farming help us get rid of salmon lice? 
• How to mount giant windmills in the sea? 
• How to identify type of vessel by the sound of its propeller? 

Our alumni work in a wide range of industries, such as aquaculture, fisheries, oil and gas, technology, environmental monitoring, marine mineral resources and research.  

At the master’s programme in ocean technology, we include our master’s students in research groups and you will have your own desk in our reading room. The relationship between staff and fellow students is informal, which creates a stimulating learning environment. 

Career 

Job prospects are very good with a master’s degree in ocean technology. You can work within the rapidly growing marine sector, which will be central to the overall economic development in Norway in the years ahead.  

An education in ocean technology qualifies for a technology position in broad spectre of companies and research establishments within marine-related business and research.   

• technology companies developing and manufacturing marine sensors and marine observation platforms  
• subsea companies using underwater vehicles (ROVs / AUVs) for inspection and maintenance of subsea installations 
• fishing industry basing its harvesting of marine resources on the use of acoustic sensors 
• aquaculture industry which employs marine sensor technologies for monitoring of production and the environment.  
• research and development institutions 
• central government institutions 

University of Bergen, Western Norway University of Applied Science, The Norwegian Navy, The Institute of Marine Research, and NORCE all make use of advanced marine technology. 

7 out of 10 of alumni with a master’s degree from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating.   

With a master’s degree, you can also continue in academic research by pursuing a PhD, which will qualify you for research and teaching. 

With a master’s degree that builds on a BA in engineering, you will get the civil engineer title in addition to the M.Sc. degree in Ocean Technology.  

Structure 

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn.  

Semester 1 and 2 

You build specialised knowledge through mandatory and elective courses worth a total of 60 ECTS.  

Semesters 3 and 4 

You write your master’s thesis with close supervision and guidance from your supervisor. 

Specialisations: 

• Marine installations  Mandatory courses: PHYS225, MOM252 and MOE251Read about the specialisation in marine installations 
• Marine measurement and control technology  Mandatory courses: PHYS225/PHYS328, PHYS227 and MOE251  Further specialisations:  Acoustics: At least two of the courses PHYS271, PHYS272, PHYS371, PHYS373 and PHYS374 (choose in agreement with your supervisor) Optics: Mandatory courses: PHYS264 and PHYS263 Read about the specialisation in marine measurement and control technology

Academic life 

Ocean Technology belongs to the Department of Physics and Technology, and is situated in Realfagsbygget, the science building on campus in the centre of Bergen. Master’s students get their own desk at the department. 

The study programme offers about 18 hours of lectures, seminars and lab work each week. In addition, you will spend time reading, writing assignments and working on your master’s thesis.  

This programme has two specialisations: You choose between marine installations and marine measurement and control technology. Some courses are mandatory, some are elective and can be chosen with the guidance of your supervisor.  

You will be invited to join a relevant research group where you can attend events, discuss and learn more about current research in your chosen field. 

Master’s thesis 

The master’s thesis is an individual, independent research project. You will spend the second year of the programme writing your thesis (worth 60 ECTS), but available topics are presented already at the start of the programme. You will receive individual guidance during the research and writing process from your appointed supervisor. 

What will I learn? 

With a master’s degree in ocean technology, you 

• can handle and present measurement data, discuss precision and accuracy and use software programming tool to analyse and process measurement data. 
• have the skills to work independently or in groups with practical technological and/or scientific tasks of high complexity. 
• have a scientific basis for active participation in innovation processes based on a thorough knowledge of ocean technology in general, and in-depth knowledge in one of the specialization areas—"Marine measurement and control technology" and "Marine installations"—in particular. 

Study period abroad 

You can spend up to one semester in a partner institution abroad, or at UNIS in Svalbard. 

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 December)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (15 April)

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.