An innovative new Master’s degree is opening in La Rochelle University to explore the benefits of biotechnology to health, nutrition and aquaculture industries. The consortium of Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) and academic partners include the University of Stirling (UK), Xanthella Ltd (UK), the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR; Portugal), Valencia Catholic University Saint Vincent Martyr (Spain), Valbiotis (France), Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (Belgium) and the University of la Rochelle’s Apprenticeship Formation Unit and the Lifelong Training and Employability Department. The programme will address skills gaps recognised by employers in the blue biotechnology sector. The ‘applied blue Biotechnology’ degree will be taught at the University of La Rochelle and will include an extended work placement with an industrial partner. The initiative is funded by the European Union’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and its “Blue Careers in Europe” call that aims to underpin growth and job creation in the blue economy. Students will receive the latest knowledge and practical training in blue biotechnology, including the exploration of marine organisms to develop new products. In addition, participants will undertake a programme of transferable skills aimed to enhance employment prospects and ensure workplace readiness, such as communication, language and management skills, which are key to a successful career. Study schools timetabled during the work-linked training aspect of the course will enhance the learning experience by enabling students to reflect with each other on the time spent in industry, and provide opportunities to meet prospective employers. Employed workers wanting to enhance their knowledge and skills, as well as people seeking employment, will benefit from the training on offer, through lifelong learning schemes and mentoring opportunities.

Structural components

Practical/Field work

Application procedure

The Admission Committee will evaluate the application form submitted
Link for Application form: https://www.univ-larochelle.fr/s-inscrire-master-2

Learning outcomes

The aim of the program is to prepare students for employment in the blue biotechnology industries, including aquaculture, nutrition and health sectors.

Prerequisites

A min of 240 ECTS is required to apply to this second year of master.
Graduates of recognized academic institutions outside France should hold an appropriate degree in biological sciences (biochemistry, biotechnology, marine sciences) to demonstrate their academic potential to the Admission Committee