be a part of our nova way of life
Bachelor's in
Ocean Studies

Shape the future of our oceans

Build a career that makes an impact on our planet
Language
English, or English & Portuguese
Location
On Campus
Intake
Early September
Type of Study
Face-to-Face
Format
Full-time

Why Nova SBE

Top Business School in Europe and #1 in Portugal!
🌍
Global from day 1
🌊
Campus by the ocean
🤝
Strong Partnerships
🎓
Beyond the classroom

Program

Why Ocean Studies at Nova SBE

This interdisciplinary degree is offered through a partnership between NOVA University of Lisbon (bringing together five schools: NOVA School of Law, NOVA IMS, Nova SBE, NOVA FCSH, and NOVA FCT), the University of Algarve, the University of Évora, and the Hydrographic Institute of the Portuguese Navy.

What to expect
  • Fully taught in English* in a diverse and international learning environment.
  • Build a strong foundation across key business areas, including strategy, marketing, finance, and operations.
  • Develop analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills valued by employers
    worldwide.
  • Learn by doing, through real-world business challenges and practical projects.

* some quantitative courses are available in Portuguese during the 1st year

* some quantitative courses are available in Portuguese during the 1st year
Interdisciplinary approach
Real-world impact
Focus on sustainability
Explore your path,
customizing your future
Year 1
Discover the foundations of business and ocean sustainability
Fall
Biology Fundamentals (T1)
Data Analysisand Probability
Introduction to Law
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Oceanography
Spring
Introduction to Law of the Sea
Marine Ecosystems and Sustainable Development
Oceans and History (T3)
Ocean Challenges of Coastal Cities (T4)
Geopolitics and International Relations (T3)
Ocean Policies, Sustainability and Governance (T4)
Interdisciplinary Ocean Challenges (T3)
Fundamentals of Geology
Year 2
Explore different paths and develop your interests
Fall
Aquaculture and Fisheries Economics (T1)
Climate Change and Ocean
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (T1)
Geographical Information Systems
Ocean Energy (T1)
Statistics for Economics and Management
Spring
Law and Sustainability
Shipping and International Commercial Maritime Law
Blue Infrastructures Planning and Nature-based Solutions
Maritime Security and International Relations (T4)
Ocean and Arts (T4)
The Ocean's Heritage (T4)
Year 3
Focus on your future and prepare your next step
Fall
Data Analysis, AI and Integrated Systems
Marine and Maritime Spatial Planning and Management
Marine Technologies and Innovation
Elective
Spring
Ocean Seminar
Field Lab
Graph legend:
Mandatory Modules
Mandatory Courses
Electives to choose
Choose your Electives
Students must complete a minimum of 20.5 ECTS in elective courses within the Management area. The remaining elective credits can be fulfilled by choosing courses from Management or other scientific areas, such as Economics, Social Sciences, and Law, or by completing an internship, in accordance with the curricular limits defined in the study plan.
Life at

Nova SBE

More than a degree,
a way of life.
Campus

Campus

Best academic experience

Our campus in Carcavelos is built to provide you with the best academic experience!
Here, you can find everything, from restaurants and a grocery store to a gym, bank, and even a health clinic.

Student residencies
Tunnel
(from the campus to the beach)
FNAC store
Gym
Private medical Clinic
(CUF)
Mon Café Coffee Shop
Café Joyeux
3 restaurants
Rooftop bar
(with a beach view)
Pingo Doce Supermarket
(the first in Portugal without cashiers)
3 studios available
(for recording videos, podcasts, voice-overs)
Clubs & Students' Union

Clubs & Students' Union

Redefining campus life

We have 30+ clubs that go beyond their traditional role to boost student engagement on campus, which is often the catalyst for a positive student experience.

Nova SBE Students’ Union was born with a mission: to represent all Nova SBE students. It offers the best events, initiatives, student clubs, and some of the best sports teams in university championships.

(Library building from our Campus)
Student Life

Student Life

As a Bachelor’s student you will have access to:
Transportation​​
Living Costs​​
What to do​​
Life at Nova SBE Guide​​
Well-being

Well-Being

World Mental Health Day​
Well-being week​​
Well-being workshops​
Well-being resources Thrive
Mindfulness​
Peer Tutoring Program​
Special educational needs​
Counselling / Coaching​
Psychotherapy CUF or SASNOVA​
Access Resources

Access Resources

Careers With Impact course
This course is composed of several modules, two of them organized by the Careers team, and will take place throughout the 3 years of the Bachelor's program.
Workshops
The career workshops offer vital components that will help you stand out in a crowd and sell your story, either in your CV or with a great pitch. Learn to promote yourself when attending corporate events meeting your future employers.
Practice Job Hunting
You will deepen your knowledge about yourself and use it to improve your CV or write a cover letter. Also, you will practice for job interviews and learn all about corporate recruitment processes.
Online Tools
You will have access to a series of online tools that will help your market knowledge and job hunting, such as the Nova SBE JobTeaser platform, CaseCoach, Big Interview and Graduates First.
Internships
Students will have the opportunity to look for institutions where they would like to complete an internship (Short-term from 1-3 months or Long-term for approximately 4 months) and are responsible for submitting an internship proposal to Nova SBE Internships Coordinator.
Career Fairs
Each year, there are two Career Fairs on campus to meet and network with recruiters from leading national and international companies.
Career Events
Activities both on-campus (company presentations, business challenges, networking opportunities) and off-campus (company visits, online presentations).

Testimonials

I was drawn to Nova SBE because of its modern campus and innovative environment.
The BSc in Ocean Studies stood out to me because it combines science, economics, law and policy to address urgent ocean issues. A key highlight for me is the strong emphasis on fieldwork and practical experience, which I find very valuable for preparing future careers.

Francisca Jesus BSc in Ocean Studies (1st year)

Join a global community

Community Profile

2025/2026
  • 40+ nationalities represented
  • Students from across Europe and beyond
  • A collaborative and inclusive learning environment
Ocean Studies
Class
36
Students
14
%
International Students
5
Nationalities
18
Average Age
Fees & Admissions
International students
(non-EU/EEA)
Application costs €70* and enrollment in the Bachelor’s program becomes effective after the payment of a €750* enrollment fee (10% of the tuition fee to be deducted from the total). * Non-refundable
7500
/ per academic year
Scholarships
There are some scholarships available:
  • beNova Scholarship
  • Kearney Scholarship
  • Luís Manuel Estevam Santos Silva Scholarship
  • NIDO Scholarship
  • Nova SBE Well-being Scholarship
  • Nova SBE Yulia Tymoshenko Scholarship
  • Rodrigo Guimarães Erasmus Scholarship
  • Rodrigo Guimarães Scholarship
  • Santander Apoio Universitário Scholarship 2nd Edition
  • Santander Erasmus Scholarships
  • Scholarship under the "SUCCESS@NOVA" PROJECT
  • Unipartner Bachelor's Scholarship
Awards
Nova SBE, in partnership with different national and international entities, annually rewards the students' academic achievements.
Be part of the

Nova Way of Life

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