The master's degree in marine sensors offers a research-oriented qualification in the development, optimization and analysis of various types of sensors and measurement methods for marine issues. For this purpose, skills in mathematical-scientific measurement methods and information-technological models for data acquisition and storage are built up. Necessary knowledge for the installation and operation of marine measuring methods is imparted through practical work. In the laboratory, data is processed, evaluated and interpreted so that it can be used in marine environmental sciences.

The course prepares students for a qualified professional activity and provides the basis for a doctorate. The students are enabled to work interdisciplinary and responsibly scientifically in analysis of professional issues and to present the results obtained conclusively. Graduates can communicate their knowledge and conclusions with experts and laypeople. Students gain scientific knowledge independently and in a team, and recognize their importance for society and professional practice. The qualification is based on both theoretical and applied teaching content.

Special emphasis is placed on scientific work. Here, the students should meet international scientists at an early stage. Furthermore, there are excellent opportunities to specialize in certain measurement methods and to carry out research projects independently.

The course structure is a three-semester, fully modularized course. The students can decide whether they want to have a broad and interdisciplinary degree or work specifically towards one of the focus areas. Through a wide range of options, students can develop their own accentuation through individual focus at an early stage. The course retains its interdisciplinary character, even with a focus.

Due to the consecutive structure to the Bachelor of Marine Technology at the Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven, the students' stay is only two semesters plus one semester for writing the master's thesis. Students with another previous course of study begin their studies in the so-called zeroth semester or bridging semester. The admission committee determines the modules to be taken individually.

The first and the second semester contain modules from the compulsory elective area and the compulsory area as well as a compulsory module with free options.

 

• In the compulsory elective area, the students choose two of three possible modules in each semester. This way, a sound basis in central topics of marine sensor technology is ensured.
• The compulsory area comprises central core competencies of the degree course Marine Sensors. The compulsory practical module 'Marine Field Research' ensures that every graduate can fill all positions in the value chain of sea-going expeditions. This includes the planning, implementation, operational use of frequently used standard methods and devices, as well as data evaluation, interpretation and publication. With this, the students occupy an important operative interface between the technical and scientific sectors of a research expedition.
• In the compulsory module with free elective choice, students can choose a module from the entire master's canon in Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Oldenburg. In addition, professionalization is possible via a freely selectable master's module from the University of Oldenburg, the language centre, the Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven or an external institution, which must be thematically meaningful in connection with the degree course Marine Sensors. For this purpose, formal approval must be given by the examination board.

Via the additional compulsory area 'Research Project Marine Sensors’ there is also the possibility of accentuation and establishing initial contacts in economic or research institutions, which can ideally be used to set topics for the final module in the third semester.

More details, see www.uol.de/en/marsens-msc

• Applied oceanography (physically, biologically, chemically)
• Methods of sensor development (focus on the optical area)
• Observation systems (development, operation, data processing)
• Data streams and quality assurance (from observation to archive (O2A))
• Processing of interdisciplinary environmental issues (link to socio-politically relevant issues)

Large modules are offered in the form of lectures, seminars and exercises with a high practical component. Some modules are conducted in English. The students are involved in research activities right from the start.

The successful graduation in the degree course Marine Sensors enables to work independently on measuring issues in all areas of marine research and technology. Thus, graduates cover an important interface competence between science and technology. This includes, for example, the independent implementation of research and development work, the management of development teams, the implementation of observation systems, the adaptation of measurement methods for explorations, science management and advice to end customers and users.

The training primarily takes place at the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM). ICBM is the only university marine research institute in Lower Saxony. The Wilhelmshaven site is located directly on the Jade Bay and has several research boats in the neighbouring port that enable short-term destinations on the North Sea and near the coast to be reached. At ICBM, chemists, physicists, mathematicians, biologists, geologists, ecologists and technicians work in an interdisciplinary manner on current issues in marine research. Interdisciplinary thinking and acting are one of the main strengths of ICBM in research and teaching, which is imparted to the students.

Further information, see www.uol.de/en/icbm

A part of the training also takes place at the Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven as part of the contract for cross-university cooperation in the field of marine technology. Students can compensate for a lack of skills in the field of technology thanks to the wide, basic range of courses. Moreover, theses in the working groups of the marine technology department are also conceivable.

Further information, see www.jade-hs.de/en/the-university/departments/engineering

In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg as a student from outside of Germany, you need an adequate knowledge of German.

German Language Proficiency
 

• DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (Level 2) or
• TestDaF: Test – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (with level 4 in all four areas)

English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations
 

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2 or
• if applicants are native speaker or they have university entrance qualification or a university degree obtained in English

You will need sufficient knowledge of English to be able to understand lectures and courses, write texts and conduct in-depth discussions in English.

The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Marine Technology or Mechatronics with focus on Marine Technology or from prior studies in a closely related field worth at least 210 ECTS credits
• Degree programmes with at least 180 ECTS credits may be qualificated for the Master's degree programme Marine Sensors with the requirement to acquire the necessary skills of 30 ECTS credits in a bridging programme.

English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations
 

• Level B2 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

For more details see "Foreign language skills" on this page.

This is an open admissions degree course, and applications are accepted for summer semesters, but for the winter semester only in justified cases.
The application deadline for the summer semester is 31 March.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 30 September.

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

Please note
For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit their applications as early as possible before 15 July for the winter semester and before 15 January for the summer semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates but before the standard application deadlines, this may have disadvantages for the start of your studies. Please note our information on the local application procedure (German document).

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

Professional qualification
The master’s degree course Marine Sensors offers a research-oriented qualification in the development, optimization and analysis of sensors and measurement methods for marine issues. After successful completion, the graduates are qualified to independently work on complex issues in the field of marine sensors and thus serve an important interface between science and measurement technology. The contact with national and international employees from the fields of research and industry, which is envisaged early while the course of studies, also enables graduates to work in teams and to communicate the principles and results of their own research.

Fields of activity
The tasks are diverse and include the independent implementation of research and development work in research facilities, the management of development teams, the implementation of observation systems, the adaptation of measurement methods for explorations, science management or advising end customers and users. Possible fields of employment arise in research institutions, authorities, companies in sensor and system technology, consulting and sales companies as well as companies in the field of offshore raw material and energy production.

Doctorate
Further qualification in the form of a doctorate is possible with the corresponding suitability. Projects with appropriate questions are carried out by selected working groups of the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment and cooperation partners such as the German marine research institutions in Bremerhaven, Bremen, Kiel and Rostock or international partners such as University Aberdeen (Imaging), UTM / CSIC Barcelona (Environmental Sensors), University Strathclyde (Marine Optics), IRIS Stavanger (Bio-Sensors), MCI University of Southern Denmark (Robotics).