Ecology and Evolution
How can we bend the curve of biodiversity loss? How do animals and plants respond to climate change? Why do species evolve differently? If you're eager to understand life from genes to ecosystems and help solve urgent environmental challenges, the Master's degree programme in Ecology and Evolution at the University of Groningen is for you.
What to expect from the Master’s programme in Ecology and Evolution
✔ Learn cutting-edge techniques like GPS-tracking, genome-wide sequencing, remote sensing, or individual-based simulations
✔ Conduct independent research in one of Europe’s top evolutionary life science institutes
✔ Work on real-world challenges like biodiversity loss, sustainability, and conservation
This international two-year Master’s programme trains you to become a critical thinker and researcher in ecology and evolution. Whether you're interested in ecosystem restoration, bird migration, the microbiome, or even evolutionary medicine, you'll gain the tools to investigate the interaction between organisms and their environment.
The programme is offered by the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), home to world-class research in conservation ecology, behavioural ecology, chronobiology, evolutionary genetics, marine biology, and more. You can focus on fundamental questions or apply your knowledge to address biodiversity crises and sustainable land use. Whichever path you choose, you’ll be supported by expert supervisors, multidisciplinary labs, and a collaborative international community.
Choose from the following tracks
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology and Conservation
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
An academic Bachelor's degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology, Evolution or another related field. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied.
The Ecology and Evolution research master is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme.
Job examples
- PhD research position
- R&D in a company or research institute
- Scientific advisor, project officer or ecological consultant
