An international study for the future! The International Fisheries Management (IFM) programme caters for students with various scientific backgrounds and nationalities. It is a unique, interdisciplinary Master's programme which opens careers in the private and public sector, as well as further academic studies. So far, students from more than 30 countries have graduated from the IFM programme.
| Duration: | 2 Years |
| Location: | Tromsø |
| Credits (ECTS): | 120 |
| Qualification: | Master of Science in International Fisheries Management. |
| Admission requirements: | Bachelor's degree and application essay. |
| Application deadline: | 15 April |
| Application code: | 6005 |
The Master's degree programme in International Fisheries Management (IFM) applies a multidisciplinary approach to the management of marine and freshwater resources, including aquaculture.
The programme emphasizes knowledge of scientific theory and methods, and will offer students experience in the use of these. By facilitating reflection and using case studies from various parts of the world, the programme will develop the students understanding of how fisheries and aquaculture are managed. Students will carry out nine courses over a period of 1.5 years (total of 90 ECTS), before writing the Master's Thesis (30 ECTS).
Two out of the nine courses are optional, with certain courses recommended, depending on previous qualifications. A typical thesis is problem-oriented and includes: a literature survey or review, theory, methods and data used, results and policy and management implications. Students may use data from their country of origin, data from a Norwegian setting or other relevant data, all dependent on approval from the designated supervisor. Each student will receive a local supervisor and if needed, an external one.
The courses are designed to offer a basic understanding of fisheries biology, technology, economics and management. Through the course FSK-3005 the various subjects are bound together, offering a multidisciplinary view on a number of selected fisheries and aquaculture cases.
For each programme at UiT - The Artic University of Norway there are a set targets for knowledge, analytical understanding, skills and competence that a student should have reached by the end of the studies.
A graduate from the IFM program should:
Admission to the Master's programme in International Fisheries Management requires a Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in biology, economics, social sciences, combinations of these, or equivalent qualification. Applicants must enclose an application essay written in English (one page). This should include descriptions of their motivation, interest and expectations related to their Master's degree studies and ideas for their Master`s thesis project. More information on admission requirements:
Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:
Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:
Are you an international applicant? Read more here.
http://en.uit.no/utdanning/art?p_document_id=352162&dim=179015
http://en.uit.no/utdanning/art?p_document_id=352162&dim=179015
Teaching and assessment methods are described in the course plan for each course.
This Master's degree is an intensive programme. Most courses are compulsory and demand active participation from the students. Emphasis is placed on direct student participation, in the form of literature search and data retrieval, oral presentations, term papers, fieldwork, laboratory assignments and computer labs. The examination form varies between courses and includes: written examinations, term papers, presentations and laboratory reports. The final examination is based on the Master's thesis and an oral examination. All final exams will have one internal and one external examiner.
The grading scale is A-F, where A-E is passed, and F is failed.
Successful completion of the programme allows students to graduate after two years. The degree opens the doors to a variety of national and international positions in fisheries and aquaculture administration, NGOs, international agencies, business and industry, as well as in research and teaching institutions.
On successful completion of the degree programme, the best ranked students may be qualified for admission to a PhD program in a number of academic institutions. It should nevertheless be stressed that the IFM-study is primarily a management oriented program, aiming at providing more qualified fisheries and aquaculture managers around the world.
Click the link below for a list of the IFM graduates since 2000, and our newest students expected to graduate in 2013.
Candidates and students at International Fisheries Management
Link to application forms og guidelines for field work support.

The big difference between my prior studies and the IFM is that here you are expected to take more responsibility for your own learning. You need to work regularly throughout the semester and demonstrate independent thinking. I believe this is a valuable lesson that applies not only to your master’s studies but also to prospective work in fisheries management.
Tromsø is actually not so different from my home city, Granada. In Tromsø, you can always have a good time alongside your studies, whether you want to get involved in sports, enjoy the city’s vibrant social scene, go hiking in the mountains, or even try out cross-country skiing. The trails and slopes are often only minutes away from your doorstep.