Ecosystems today face multiple pressures — from climate change and altered land use to pollution — and this master's trains you to understand how organisms and ecological systems respond to these rapid changes. The course examines biological responses at every level, from individual organisms and populations up to whole communities and ecosystems, and emphasizes both empirical and theoretical approaches to environmental change.
The programme brings together several areas of ecology so you gain a broad, integrative perspective:
You will be prepared to design and carry out laboratory and field experiments, apply chemical-analytical techniques, and construct eco-evolutionary models. The curriculum also strengthens statistical data analysis and scientific communication skills, making it suitable for students aiming for research careers or applied roles in ecology and conservation.
Courses are taught entirely in English and international applicants are actively encouraged to apply. Prior knowledge in both biology and ecology is expected. German language skills are not required; the university offers free German classes for enrolled students.
Requirements (concise)
This Master's curriculum combines classroom learning, hands-on fieldwork and applied modelling to examine how organisms and ecosystems respond to environmental change. In the first year you cover a suite of core modules that address coastal and terrestrial systems, species interactions and chemical ecology, and the use of quantitative tools for conservation. Two modules explicitly include excursions—studying the Wadden Sea ecosystem and practical aspects of nature conservation—so you will gain direct experience of field methods and real-world conservation settings.
In the second year the programme shifts to independent scientific work: you complete individual research modules and write a Master’s thesis. This stage is designed to develop research design and data-analysis skills, produce a substantial piece of original research, and prepare you for careers in academia, conservation practice or environmental consultancy.
Key modules
Learning outcomes
This master's program is open to applicants with a strong undergraduate background in biological or environmental sciences. Eligible candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in Biology or in Environmental Sciences. Applicants who do not have one of these degrees may still qualify if their undergraduate coursework includes a substantial portion of biology and ecology.
Make sure you can document your academic preparation clearly: submit official transcripts and, if helpful, brief course descriptions or credit conversions so the admissions team can verify that you meet the credit requirements. If your university uses a different credit system than the one listed on the application, include supporting information to show equivalence.
Requirements (please provide official transcripts showing these):
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are well placed for research careers (including progression to PhD programmes) and roles in conservation organisations, environmental agencies, and NGOs where ecological expertise is needed. The practical skills in fieldwork, chemical analysis, modelling and statistics also suit positions in environmental consulting, ecological monitoring, and applied research in industry sectors such as agroecology and ecotoxicology.
Because the programme is taught in English and emphasises research and methodological competence, graduates can pursue opportunities both within Germany and internationally, including academic posts, policy advisory roles, and project management in multinational environmental initiatives.