New programme aims to equip students with skills in coastal resilience, marine conservation, climate adaptation and the blue economy from September 2026.

As the UAE accelerates its focus on sustainability, climate resilience and the growth of its blue economy, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has announced a new undergraduate programme dedicated to marine and coastal sciences.

Starting from the September 2026 intake, students will be able to enrol in a Foundation Year and a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Coastal and Oceanographic Applied Sciences and Technologies (COAST). The programme has been developed through the university’s Department of Geography and Planning and is positioned among the country’s first specialised interdisciplinary degrees focused on marine sustainability and coastal resilience.

The launch comes at a time when environmental challenges such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion and the protection of marine ecosystems are becoming increasingly important policy priorities. The UAE’s National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 identifies coastal zones as particularly vulnerable to climate-related impacts, creating demand for professionals with expertise in marine and environmental sciences.

Unlike traditional degree programmes that concentrate on a single discipline, COAST combines marine science, oceanography, environmental studies, geography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and emerging technologies. Students will gain practical experience through fieldwork, laboratory sessions, environmental monitoring projects, GIS mapping exercises and internships in the UAE and overseas.

According to university officials, the programme has been designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world environmental problem-solving. Students will also have opportunities to engage with government agencies, environmental organisations, research centres and industry partners through collaborative projects and experiential learning initiatives.

The programme builds on the university’s broader sustainability agenda, including the work of its Ocean Institute and the MARIS-AI (Marine Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Innovation and Sustainability) initiative.

For students who require additional academic preparation before entering the bachelor’s degree, the Foundation Year will offer training in scientific subjects, English-language proficiency and introductory concepts related to marine sciences and geospatial technologies.

Graduates are expected to be well positioned for careers in environmental consulting, marine industries, sustainability-focused organisations, government entities, NGOs and research institutions. Potential career pathways include marine resource management, coastal risk analysis, environmental policy, marine renewable energy and sustainable coastal planning.

The university says graduates will also have access to postgraduate study opportunities and international research collaborations through partnerships with global universities and marine research centres.