Marine Masters Summer Course

NIOZ works closely together with Dutch universities to strengthen marine science in the Netherlands. The Marine Masters Summer Course contributes to this by giving students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with marine research, including the opportunity to experience working on research vessels. This introductory, multidisciplinary course is hosted at NIOZ Texel, with the western Wadden Sea as hands-on research area. The next course will take place 5-17 July 2026. 

 

Registration MaMa Course 2026 now open

Registration for the MaMa Course 2026 is now open. To enroll in the course, please fill in the registration form. Last day to register is 31 March 2026.  

You will be informed about the selection outcome no later than 15 April 2026. The selection for admission to the course will be done on the basis of admission requirements listed below and the motivation which all students need to include in the registration form.

Registration form MaMa Course 2026

Learning objectives of the course

  • To identify current topics in the marine sciences, ranging from marine biology, physical oceanography and marine chemistry to marine geology.
  • To identify and describe methods of sampling and observation commonly used in oceanography, including techniques and instruments used on research vessels.
  • To conduct a group-based research project using basic sampling techniques to collect data in the field, perform laboratory analyses, analyse and interpret obtained data and prepare a presentation of the results.
  • To present and discuss research results in a multidisciplinary framework.

Course content 

The course includes a pre-course reading assignment, classroom lectures, field- and lab work, data analysis and an oral presentation. On the first day, a series of introductory lectures on physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine geology and marine ecology will be given. In the three days thereafter, various equipment and methods of sampling and data collection in the field and in the NIOZ labs will be demonstrated. Students will also collect data in the western Wadden Sea on the research vessel Wim Wolff and/or on the tidal flats. 

In the remaining time of the course, students devote themselves to small research projects, which are supervised by NIOZ researchers. Depending on the project, the work will include laboratory work and/or modelling, and all projects will involve data analysis, interpretation of acquired data and the preparation of a presentation in week two. To get an idea of the kind of group projects the course is offering, please have a look at the descriptions of the student projects of the 2024 course and the descriptions of the 2025 course. You can also read the student blogs (2024 and 2025) to find out about the students' experiences.

In the second week, early career researchers will present their research and (internship) opportunities for master students at NIOZ. 

The students' assessment will be based on demonstrated performance during practical work, data analysis and the oral presentation of the results.

The program for 2026 roughly looks like this:

  • Sunday 6 July: Check-in in the afternoon and welcome drinks and snacks
  • Monday 7 July: Introductory lectures and pitch of projects
  • Tuesday 8 July: Work on research vessel, sampling on tidal flats and lab demonstrations
  • Wednesday 9 July: Work on research vessel, sampling on tidal flats and lab work

Working in project groups

  • Thursday 10 July: Work on research vessel or lab work and/or data analysis
  • Friday 11 July: Lab work and/or data analysis
  • Saturday 12 July: Optional excursion
  • Sunday 13 July: Homework: prepare presentation preliminary results
  • Monday 14 July: Presentation preliminary results, lab work and/or data analysis
  • Tuesday 15 July: Lab work and/or data analysis
  • Wednesday 16 July: Short NIOZ lectures, data analysis and integration
  • Thursday 17 July: Preparation of group project presentations
  • Friday 18 July: Project presentations and good-bye

As the course involves sampling on tidal flats and on board the research vessel Wim Wolff, a good physical condition is required. If you have any doubts, please contact education coordinator Dörte Poszig.  

Admission requirements 

The course is open to students with a BSc degree in studies related to oceanography from Dutch as well as foreign universities. BSc students who have completed their Bachelor course work, but have not yet obtained their degree, can also apply. Please note that this course is an introductory course and is therefore not suitable for students who already have experience in marine research, including on research vessels. As students spend quite a bit of time on data analysis, knowledge of a programming language (e.g. R, Python, MatLab) is useful to have, but this is not a prerequisite.

The course is limited to 36 students. In case there will be more applications than spots on the course, applications by students in their first or second year of their master studies will be given priority.

Moreover, students must have the nationality of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland or must have a Dutch residence permit for studying at a Dutch university at the time of the course. Proficiency in English is required.  

Credits 

NIOZ will inform the student's university about their participation in the course as well as the student's grade. Participation is rewarded with 3 - 4 ECTS, depending on university. ECTS granting needs to be done by the student's university. Students must inquire with their university about the possibility of having the course count towards their ECTS requirements.

Course location, accommodation, meals and course fee 

The course is being held at NIOZ on Texel. Participants will be staying at the Potvis Campus, ‘t Horntje, Texel, in small dormitory rooms or other group accommodation close-by, with very little privacy. During the course, the students are responsible for the cleaning of their quarters. A contribution of 510 Euro is charged for lodging and meals. For reasons of sustainability, there will be vegan and vegetarian meals only.

Inquieries and more information:

For inquiries about the scientific content of the course: 

For all other inquiries: education@nioz.nl