Master in Marine Biotechnology

The Marine Biotechnology program at UiT’s the Norwegian College of Fishery Science aims to educate candidates in the broad field of biotechnology with emphasis on application to marine systems or “Blue Biotechnology”. Students become well prepared for careers in industry and/or research because of our joint focus on innovation and fundamental scientific principles placed between biology and engineering. Students receive one-on-one mentorship and supervision from a professional UiT researcher and typically join an established research group to complete their final project.

UiT offers an exceptional opportunity to take advantage of Norway’s enormous portfolio of marine resources. The life in our oceans is diverse and new scientific discovery is possible at all levels. This leads to new innovation, new value chains, and the development of new processes that support sustainable development goals. Hence, we teach and support student research across a relatively wide range of topics that include bioprospecting for marine drugs, the development of sustainable seafood products, and biotechnology for carbon capture and utilization. This is supported by constantly adapting the curriculum to teach modern skills in analytical chemistry, marine microbiology, bioprocess engineering, and synthetic biology.

In addition to our focus on top-quality instruction, this program also emphasizes good relationships with the local and international industries. We help students and their future employers understand exactly where the advancement of technical knowledge will apply to innovation within both the private and public sectors. Tromsø has become the home to many new start-up companies in the blue biotech space with help from this program and the surrounding research culture fostered by UiT.

Program description

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits (ECTS) : 120
• Degree Name : Master of Science in Marine Biotechnology
• Application code :
  • Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 6008
  • International applicants: 2039

Objectives, content, and organization

The purpose is to educate candidates in modern biotechnological expertise, with particular emphasis on the use of marine resources, bioactive compounds, gene products, and marine rest raw materials. You will qualify for careers in fields such as marine value creation, innovation, and research.

A good marine biotechnologist must have a broad base of knowledge and skills in basic molecular biology, chemistry, and techniques and processes that use marine micro-organisms, plant and animal cells, or parts of these, to manufacture, develop or modify commercially useful products. On successful completion of the program, the degree of MSc in Marine Biotechnology is awarded.

In preparation for your study we encourage you to do the following:

iKomp - information literacy : The course is an online course that aims to make you better equipped to deal with the demands and expectations you are met with at universities and colleges when it comes to learning and academic integrity. Check the website: iKomp.

There will be a mandatory introductory part with themes like:

• How to do science
• How to be a master student in biotechnology
• Writing a master thesis/what we expect from a master's thesis
• Plagiarism / iKomp
• Searching for literature / Munin
• EndNote/Using references databases and how to use them in Word
• Preparation for laboratory work
• Web page in Canvas for Master students at NCFS

The program contains two parts : The first part is obligatory courses during the first semester and an approved selection of courses of at least 60 credits (ECTS) in total. The second part is a written thesis of a project (Master thesis). The extent of the assignment should correspond to a workload of 60 ECTS.

HMS-0501 (web-module), HMS-0502 (first aid, practical course), HMS-0504 (web-module) , the compulsory safety course for laboratory work, must be taken by all students who carry out lab work. The compulsory parts of this multi-module course are taken online. The first aid part requires physical attendance. Students must fulfill the compulsory online modules as soon as the semester starts to have access to the laboratory wings. There are no credits for these courses.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a medium-sized research university that contributes to knowledge-based development at the regional, national, and international levels.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the third-largest in Norway and the northernmost university in the world. Its location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources, and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which the University of Tromsø takes a special interest in it. At UiT The Arctic University of Norway you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Knowlege on top of the world

Life in the High North is shaped by wild nature, contrasting light and weather conditions, geographic distances, and multiculturalism. Many of UiT´s research centers and study programs reflect the specific character of Arctic Norway.

UiT's study portfolio covers all classical subject areas from Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Science and Technology to Economics, Law, Social Work, Tourism, Sports, and Fine Arts.

UiT's key research focuses on the polar environment, climate research, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, marine bioprospecting, linguistics, and computational chemistry.

UiT´s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics, CASTL, and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, have both been designated Norwegian Centres of Excellence. In 2002 the Tromsø-based NST, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, was appointed a World Health Organization Collaboration Centre.

The ARCTOS network at the Faculty for Biosciences, Fisheries, and Economics, is a leader in research on marine arctic ecosystems and an important partner of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The Department of Physics focuses on northern lights and space research. All these institutes are of high international reputation.

The university is part of the FRAM – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment (Fram Centre) in Tromsø. Every January the international conference Arctic Frontiers invites researchers, politicians, and business representatives to discuss Arctic issues across disciplinary borders. The Secretariat of the Arctic Council is located at the Fram Centre. Researchers from the University and Fram Center are involved in several international programs of the Arctic Council.

An international hub

The University of Tromsø has been through three mergers. On the 1st of January 2009 UiT merged with the University College of Tromsø, and on the 1st of August 2013 with the University College of Finnmark. The latest merge was on the 1st of January 2016 with both the University College of Harstad and the University College of Narvik.

After the merge UiT has become a multi-campus university spread throughout Northern Norway. The main campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad, with smaller departments in the towns of Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes. The number of students and study programs increases due to this merger. The new university has become an even more important driving force for Northern Norway and international cooperation in the High North.

Why UiT?

UiT is truly arctic

UIT is the northernmost university in the world. Our location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance - climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which UiT takes a special interest in.

No tuition fees

UiT offers all students a distinct advantage over many universities around the world: there are no tuition fees for international students to study at UiT in Norway.

Student life at UiT

By making the most of the opportunities at UiT, you can create the best student experience for you and reach your full potential through academic support, sporting clubs, and our various student organizations on our campuses.

Study in English at UiT

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study at UiT. One of the reasons for this solid reputation comes from the fact that UiT offers a variety of courses and programs in English. Consequently, admission does not require proof of Norwegian skills.

Building bridges

Building bridges through internationalization at home and abroad. International cooperation is a precondition in order for UiT to offer outstanding education and world-leading research for students, trainees, researchers, academic groups, and staff from our partner universities.

Research intensive & high-quality learning environment

Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. As a student at UiT, you learn from teachers who are proud to make their mark on the subject they teach in a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:8.

Urban life - wild nature

The Arctic Adventurer - Do you have it in you?

We have various stunning places of study in Alta, Harstad, Narvik, Tromsø, and Svalbard. Explore the locations to discover what each one has to offer, from programs, adventure, music, and art to nightlife and activities.