Master Research Programme in Climate Change and Marine Sciences

The Master’s Research Programme on Climate Change & Marine Sciences of the Atlantic Technical University is implemented in close cooperation with the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the University of Kiel and the Thünen Institute, as German partner institutions and with the National Institute for Fishery Development (INDP) as the Cabo Verdean partner institution. This consortium is well suited to provide needed scientific and academic skills in climate, marine sciences and management both on an international and on a regional level in West Africa, in a climate change context. The proposed Master Research Programme will adequately prepare West African students for subsequent post-graduate studies or professional careers as managers or experts in industry, consultancy, governmental agencies etc. The Programme is made of:

• Four months of Language Proficiency courses in English Language for Francophones and Lusophones at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana; and French Language for Anglophones, at the University of Lomé, Togo.
• Three semesters of joint Master courses related to marine sciences, coastal and marine management and climate change at the Atlantic Technical University (including national and international lecturers);
• Shipboard training with a local research vessel and a German international research vessel (pending availability and sponsoring) for training on ocean observation data collection and data collection for individual student research projects (field training and research projects will be supported by the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo [OSCM]);
• Three weeks of scientific trip to the German partner institutions.

Key Components

• Language Proficiency Training (4 Months): – Francophones & Lusophones: Four months English language training at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. – Anglophones: Four months French language training at the University of Lomé, Togo.
• Coursework (3 Semesters): – Joint master’s courses on climate change, marine sciences, and coastal management. – Instructions delivered by national and international lecturers.
• Practical Training: – Shipboard training on local or international research vessels (subject to availability and sponsorship). – Field training and research projects supported by the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM).
• International Exposure: – A three-week scientific trip to German partner institutions (when applicable).

Funding Information

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to the top 12 students (one per WASCAL member country).
• Self-Funded Students: Up to 12 self-funded students are accepted.
• Estimated cost:
  • First Year: €7,500. (travel, insurance, language course, shipboard training and others)
  • Second Year: € 3,960. (travel, insurance and others)
  • Tuition: €1,500 (per year).
• Living expenses are not included.

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a WASCAL member country (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, or Togo).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Oceanography, Fishing or Livestock Engineering, Geography, or Sciences of the Atmosphere.
• Language Proficiency: At least an intermediate level in English.
• Citizens of other ECOWAS countries may apply as self-funded students, subject to availability.

For more information, visit WASCAL.