Get a Master's degree in Ocean Engineering

Master of Science (MSc) in Ocean Engineering

Explore how engineering and marine science come together to understand, protect, and unlock the ocean’s potential. As an Ocean Engineering student, you will work with challenges such as climate change and dive into topics like marine ecosystems and offshore activities. The programme equips you with the skills to observe and analyse complex ocean systems and develop sustainable solutions.

Ocean engineering

Ocean insight for a sustainable future

The Master of Science (MSc) in Ocean Engineering addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean today, including climate change, ecosystem degradation, pollution, and the growing pressure from offshore activities.

The programme equips graduates to observe and analyse these challenges and develop solutions that support the sustainable use and protection of marine environments.

At the intersection of engineering and ocean science, students in this programme develop knowledge of how physical, chemical, and biological processes shape marine systems–and how human activities influence them.

You will develop strong quantitative skills, including data analysis and modelling, enabling you to work with complex ocean data and predict changes. You will also develop strong skills in observing the ocean using state-of-the-art techniques. This provides a foundation for quantifying ocean processes, assessing environmental impacts, and supporting data-driven decision-making.

The programme is taught in a dynamic learning environment shaped by diverse academic backgrounds, where collaboration plays a central role.

Through group work, you develop your competencies to approach complex ocean challenges from multiple perspectives.

You can tailor your course choices to match your interests, allowing you to build an academic profile within areas such as oceanography, marine technology, or environmental impact assessment.

Specializations

The Ocean Engineering programme offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to choose a formal specialization or tailor your own study profile through elective courses. This enables you to focus on specific areas of interest while building a strong foundation in ocean engineering.

Oceanography

This specialization focuses on understanding the ocean as a complex system, including its physical, chemical, and biological processes. You will develop knowledge about ocean dynamics and how climate change and human activities affect marine environments.

Applied Ocean Technology

In this specialization, emphasis is placed on the development and use of technologies to monitor and analyse the ocean. This includes methods for collecting and interpreting data in marine environments, for example in relation to offshore activities and environmental impact.

Combine work with study!

You have the the opportunity to join an Industry Master of Science in all DTU's master's programmes.

Combining work and study, an industry master's programme is the ideal way to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings and build a strong foundation for your future career.
Learn more about the Industry MSc

Future opportunities

The need for sustainable solutions in the ocean is growing. An MSc in Ocean Engineering prepares you to contribute to this development across disciplines and sectors, and opens up a wide range of career opportunities.

Graduates work in consultancy firms such as DHI and Ramboll, in public authorities, and in international organisations addressing marine and environmental challenges.

Others find positions in offshore industries, including wind energy and marine infrastructure, with companies such as Ørsted.

Typical job titles include environmental consultant, ocean data analyst, and marine engineer. Work areas range from environmental assessments and ocean modelling to advisory roles within marine policy and management. These career paths draw on strong analytical and quantitative skills developed during the programme.

For those interested in research, the programme also provides a strong foundation for PhD studies.

Whether you choose industry or academia, you can build a career in Denmark or internationally, working with ocean challenges that matter on a global scale.

Application and admission

Admission requirements

Learn more about the academic requirements and the selection criteria for this programme.

How to apply

All you need to know about applying for admission to an MSc programme at DTU.

Any questions?