Overview The loss and transformation of biological diversity is a major scientific and societal challenge, and demand for rigorous biodiversity research has been rising worldwide. This English‑taught Master’s programme—run jointly by TU Dresden and the Senckenberg research institutions—combines organismal and molecular perspectives to train the next generation of biodiversity specialists. It responds to the growing need for skilled personnel by offering in‑depth scientific training in both traditional, collection‑based approaches and newer molecular techniques.
What you’ll study and gain The curriculum links organismic biology (such as taxonomy, specimen‑based studies and fieldwork) with molecular approaches, giving students a broad toolkit for biodiversity research and monitoring. Applied modules and hands‑on work with collections prepare graduates to address practical problems in conservation, environmental assessment and biodiversity inventories. The programme is well suited to those who want to pursue research or apply scientific methods in public institutions, museums, conservation organisations or the private sector.
Practical notes for international applicants Courses are delivered in English and the programme benefits from close ties between a major technical university and a leading research institute, offering interdisciplinary supervision and access to collection‑based research. Prospective international students should review application deadlines and degree recognition requirements well in advance and expect a mix of coursework and research-oriented training.
Typical admission requirements (overview)
This Master's programme combines campus-based teaching across Görlitz, Dresden and Zittau with practical, research-oriented training. The curriculum is built around a set of compulsory core modules that give a shared foundation in organismal and molecular approaches, and it is organised into three distinct specialisation tracks. In addition, students may select courses from a general elective area to complement their chosen focus.
Core modules cover taxonomy and evolutionary biology, applied ecology, molecular methods used in biodiversity research, and techniques for collecting and analysing biodiversity data. Together these modules develop practical skills in field and collection work, laboratory molecular and cytogenetic techniques, and quantitative analysis of biodiversity datasets. The three specialisations allow students to deepen expertise in different aspects of biodiversity science—ranging from species identification and natural-history collections, through structural and evolutionary functional diversity (including palaeontological perspectives), to modern molecular approaches for tracing evolution, domestication and conservation.
Key learning outcomes include accurate taxonomic identification across a wide range of taxa, competence in designing and executing molecular-biology and cytogenetic experiments, the ability to generate and interpret genetic/genomic data, applied skills in handling and communicating natural-history collections, and an understanding of how organismal structure and evolution can inform societal applications such as bionics, design and conservation practice.
This master’s program expects applicants to hold an undergraduate degree closely related to biodiversity. Admissions require proof of a completed bachelor’s-level qualification (or an international equivalent) that demonstrates a solid grounding in biological or environmental sciences with a clear connection to biodiversity topics.
Suitable backgrounds commonly include degrees that provide coursework, practical experience or a final project connected to biodiversity, ecology, conservation, or organismal biology. If your bachelor’s is in a broader or adjacent field, make sure your academic record shows relevant biodiversity-related content so it can be assessed as equivalent.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles in biodiversity science, including research positions, conservation and monitoring projects, natural‑history collection management and museum work. The programme’s mix of molecular, organismic and applied training also opens pathways into interdisciplinary applications such as bionics, environmental consultancy and public communication of biodiversity topics.
Practical experience with modern laboratory methods, specimen handling and quantitative data analysis makes alumni competitive for jobs in academic and non‑governmental organisations, governmental agencies, and research institutions focused on biodiversity, conservation and natural‑resource management.