Master in Marine Biology and Ecology at University of Tuscia
Two-year English-taught LM-6 master's at the University of Tuscia's Civitavecchia campus in marine biology, ecology, fisheries, microbiology and conservation, with an experimental thesis. Entry needs biology credits, English at B2 and an interview.
Master
2 years
Viterbo
English
University of Tuscia
Marine Biology and Ecology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-6) taught in English at the University of Tuscia, at its Civitavecchia campus. Entry needs a Biological Sciences bachelor's, or another degree with at least 32 ECTS in botany, zoology, ecology and microbiology, plus English at B2 and an admission interview. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Tuscia's Marine Biology and Ecology master asks for a bachelor's in Biological Sciences (Italian class L-13 or equivalent), or another bachelor's with at least 32 ECTS in botany, zoology, ecology and microbiology, plus English at B2 and a positive admission interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a bachelor's degree, or a qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as eligible. [1]
- Biological Sciences graduates: a bachelor's in the Italian class L-13, or an equivalent bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, meets the rule.
- Graduates of other degrees: at least 32 ECTS in total across botany (Italian sectors BIO/01, BIO/02 and BIO/03), zoology (BIO/05), ecology (BIO/07) and microbiology (BIO/19), plus enough credits in related areas, including the non-biological basics of chemistry, mathematics and physics.
Any missing credits must be made up before you can enrol. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
The rule looks at the subjects on your transcript, not just your degree title, and one ECTS stands for 25 hours of student work. [1] As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Biology, Zoology, Botany or Life Sciences, or a three-subject B.Sc. that combines zoology, botany and chemistry.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science or Fisheries Science, which may cover microbiology or ecology but not enough botany and zoology.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA, which rarely includes credits in these biology areas.
English
You need English at CEFR level B2 or higher, shown with a certificate awarded in the last three years, or still within its own stated validity. The regulation lists TOEFL above 87, IELTS above 5.5, Cambridge First (FCE) or higher, Trinity College London ISE II or higher, City and Guilds (Pitman) IESOL B2 Communicator or higher, and British Institute ESOL B2 or higher. The admissions committee can assess other certificates. [1]
You do not need a certificate if your bachelor's, master's or PhD was taught in English, or if English is your mother tongue. Without a certificate, your level is checked through a test at the Viterbo headquarters. [1]
Admission interview
The degree has open access: there is no cap on places and no selection ranking, although the regulation says an entry test may be required. Your personal preparation is checked in an admission interview. [1]
The 2026/27 interview dates are 25 September 2026 (in person), 19 October 2026 (online), 20 November 2026 (in person), 18 December 2026 (online) and 12 February 2027 (in person). Italian students sit the interview at the Civitavecchia campus, and international students take it remotely. [2]
2026/27 deadlines
Enrolment in the department's master's degrees for 2026/27 must be completed by 29 December 2026, or by 28 February 2027 for students graduating in January or February. The 2026/27 page does not set a separate deadline for non-EU applicants. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
International students, EU and non-EU, start by filling in the form on the programme page. You then request a check of your curricular requirements (the nulla osta) on the GOMP portal. Graduates attach a degree certificate listing every exam with its credits and subject sector. Final-year students attach the exams passed and still to take, with the same detail. [2]
If your file meets the requirements, you are invited to the interview, then receive the nulla osta and can enrol. If credits are missing, the department tells you which ones, and you make them up by passing the exams it indicates before the interview. [2]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Tuscia, Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Marine Biology and Ecology (LM-6), as amended by Rector's Decree of 13 April 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Tuscia, Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences. Curricular requirements and admission interview dates for master's degrees, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Tuscia. Marine Biology and Ecology programme page and study plan, academic year 2026/27 (campus, language, department and courses). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Marine Biology and Ecology is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-6, Biological Sciences) taught in English at the University of Tuscia. It is run by the Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), and teaching takes place at the university's Civitavecchia campus (Polo Universitario di Civitavecchia). [1][3]
The degree trains marine environmental biologists: graduates who can study, classify and solve environmental problems with a systemic, interdisciplinary approach, with a focus on managing, conserving and sustainably using coastal and ocean resources. It also covers the search for new bioactive molecules and biotechnological uses of marine biodiversity. [1]
What you will study
The degree totals 120 ECTS. The 2026/27 study plan includes: [3]
- Fisheries Ecology and Experimental Aquaculture (10 ECTS)
- Ecology, Ethology and Evolution (12 ECTS, with Ecology and Ethology modules)
- Oceanography and Ecosystem Dynamics (9 ECTS)
- Biology and Applications of Marine Fungi and Algae (7 ECTS)
- Marine Biodiversity Conservation (7 ECTS)
- Marine Animals: Diversity, Systematics and Function (6 ECTS)
- Marine Microbiology (6 ECTS)
- Marine Microbial Biotechnology (6 ECTS)
In the first year you also choose two of four optional courses, worth 12 ECTS in total: Marine Monitoring, Marine Parasitology, Applied Bioorganic, and Plant Biology and Restoring of Coastal Marine Ecosystems. The second year adds a 12-credit elective module, an internship and a 30-credit experimental thesis. [3]
How the programme is taught
Teaching is organised in semesters. It combines lectures, laboratory work and exercises, external training such as internships, and seminars, and most courses include laboratory and field activities. You can choose full-time or part-time study. [1]
The final exam is an experimental thesis based on a period of research in a laboratory linked to the degree, or in another structure inside or outside the department. A supervisor from the programme follows your work, and the thesis is written in English. [1]
Careers
Graduates work in public bodies such as ministries, regional and environmental protection agencies, parks and reserves, and in private companies, consultancies and analysis laboratories. Typical areas include marine water quality, the monitoring and management of coastal resources, park management, environmental impact studies and pollutant control. [1]
The degree also leads to doctoral research. After passing the Italian State Examination, graduates can register in Section A of the National Order of Biologists as a Senior Biologist. [1]
Fees and scholarships
The University of Tuscia sets tuition by family income (ISEE). The regional scholarship body for Lazio is DiSCo Lazio, and its scholarship winners also get a tuition waiver, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The region decides scholarship awards.
How to apply from outside the EU
For 2026/27, international students, both EU and non-EU, started by filling in the form on the programme page. Applicants then request a check of their curricular requirements (the nulla osta) on the university's GOMP portal, with a transcript that shows the credits and subject sector of every exam. [2]
If the requirements are met, you are invited to the admission interview, which international students take remotely. After a positive outcome you receive the nulla osta and can enrol. [2] Non-EU applicants living abroad who need a visa also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment before applying for a type D study visa. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published.
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Tuscia's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your international application form, credit check request on the GOMP portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DiSCo Lazio scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Marine Biology and Ecology at Tuscia?
A bachelor's in Biological Sciences (Italian class L-13) or an equivalent degree. Graduates of other degrees need at least 32 ECTS across botany, zoology, ecology and microbiology, plus enough credits in chemistry, maths and physics. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
There is no selection ranking and no cap on places. Your preparation is checked in an admission interview, which international students take remotely. The regulation adds that an entry test may be required. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. Accepted proof includes IELTS above 5.5, TOEFL above 87 or Cambridge First, awarded in the last three years. A previous degree taught in English, or English as your mother tongue, exempts you from the certificate. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
The 2026/27 page sets no separate non-EU date. Enrolment closes on 29 December 2026, and interviews run until 12 February 2027. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published, and we track it for eligible students. [2]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. Final-year students can request the credit check as graduating students and add their degree certificate once they graduate. For 2026/27, students graduating in January or February 2027 can enrol until 28 February 2027. [2]
I have a B.Sc. in Zoology or Biotechnology. Can I apply?
Possibly. A Zoology B.Sc. that also covers botany and chemistry often meets the 32-credit rule. A Biotechnology or Microbiology degree may be short on botany, zoology or ecology. Missing credits must be made up before you enrol. [1]
Where is the programme taught?
At the University of Tuscia's Civitavecchia campus, run by the Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences. Most courses include laboratory and field work, and the experimental thesis is written in English. [1][3]
What careers does it lead to?
Roles in public bodies, environmental agencies, parks and reserves, and in private laboratories and consultancies, covering marine water quality, coastal resource management and impact studies. After the State Examination you can register as a Senior Biologist. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Marine Biology and Ecology at Tuscia?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Tuscia's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DiSCo Lazio scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Marine Biology and Ecology?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in a biology subject, such as a B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany or Life Sciences, can meet the rule if it has at least 32 ECTS across botany, zoology, ecology and microbiology, and you also need English at B2. The steps are the international form, a credit check, a remote interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Marine Biology and Ecology are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: international application form, credit check, remote admission interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Marine Biology and Ecology are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: international application form, credit check, remote admission interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Marine Biology and Ecology are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: international application form, credit check, remote admission interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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