Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is offering one Master’s Fellowship to a candidate from a developing State in 2025. The “Master of Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management” programme will be organized by CIIC in collaboration with the Faculty of Science of the Free University of Brussels, Antwerp University and Ghent University.

The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating physical, chemical, geological, ecological, and societal aspects, including nature conservation and sustainable development.

In general, the Oceans & Lakes programme puts strong emphasis on acquiring skills, both in marine and lacustrine research and management. It requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, visits to marine research centres, field trips and excursions.

The course programme consists of six (6) parts:

1. Foundation courses (for 27 ECTS) with compulsory courses covering disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist
2. Toolbox professional skills (23 ECTS), including Monsoon School and Internship
3. Toolbox supporting skills (6 ECTS)
4. Toolbox research skills (10 ECTS), including field courses
5. One major (24 ECTS) to choose out of 4 specialisations: - Global Change Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity - Conservation Biology and Ecosystem Management - Environmental Impact and Remediation - Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
6. The master thesis stands for 30 ECTS and consists of a a literature review (3 ECTS), and of an individual research project (27 ECTS) related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups.

DURATION

The master programme in “Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management” (Oceans & Lakes) is a two-year fellowship with enrolment slated for September 2025.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for this programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography and geomatics, bio-engineer science, or environmental sciences, with good overall scores (at least upper second class or equivalent) from a university or recognized equivalent.
• For other bachelor’s in science, applied science and life sciences, equivalency will be evaluated based on scientific competences and skills of the students.
• Language: Proof of sufficient knowledge of English (spoken and written).
• Nationality: Applicant must be a national of a developing country that is a Member State of the International Seabed Authority.

Application Deadline: 19 November 2024