Overview
This English‑language Master's programme builds on the exceptional research and teaching landscape of the Berlin area, drawing on centres such as the Berlin‑Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB). It offers a broad selection of courses across biodiversity, ecology and evolutionary biology, designed to give students both theoretical foundations and contemporary research perspectives.
Teaching and research links
Researchers from several Leibniz Association institutes are integrated into the curriculum and supervise research projects, creating a varied course portfolio and close ties to active research groups. For international students this means access to a research‑intensive environment in Berlin, opportunities for hands‑on work in labs and field settings, and exposure to interdisciplinary collaborations across local institutions.
Entry requirements & application notes
Program structure and learning goals
The Master’s programme requires a total of 120 credit points (CP) and is organised into four component areas: an introductory area (15 CP), a supplementary area for specialised coursework (60 CP), a project area (15 CP), and a master’s thesis with an accompanying colloquium (30 CP). The curriculum emphasises research-oriented training and contemporary methods across the degree, combining taught modules, hands-on project work and an independent research thesis.
Key modules and outcomes include two introductory modules that map the Institute of Biology’s research landscape and provide advanced training in biostatistics—equipping students with a clear view of available research directions and the quantitative skills needed to analyse biological data. The large supplementary area offers numerous interchangeable module variants so students can build depth in particular subfields; module offerings change regularly to reflect current research and methods (current lists are published on the programme website). The project area gives students practical research experience by placing them in working groups at the Institute or in non-academic research centres in Berlin (work can be taken as up to two project modules). The master’s thesis (30 CP) plus colloquium develops abilities in independent experimental or theoretical research, scientific writing and oral presentation—preparing graduates for research careers or PhD study.
Concise requirements and highlights
Overview
Applicants must hold a professionally qualifying German degree or an equivalent international degree in a relevant natural science. Eligible backgrounds include biology, geosciences, horticulture, forestry, agricultural sciences, bioinformatics, veterinary medicine, or other natural science degrees that include sufficient coursework in biodiversity, ecology and evolution. International applicants should check how credit points from their previous program map onto the credit system used by this institution.
In addition to the degree subject, a minimum amount of subject-specific coursework and hands-on training is required. You will need documented modules totalling at least 30 credit points in the areas of biodiversity, ecology and evolution, and within those at least 10 credit points must demonstrate practical experience gained through laboratory and/or field work.
Admission requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia (including progression to PhD programmes), positions at public research institutes, environmental NGOs, conservation organisations, and consultancy roles requiring expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem assessment. The strong emphasis on practical laboratory and field skills, quantitative methods and project-based work increases employability in applied ecology and environmental management.
The programme’s close ties with research centres in Berlin and abroad, plus mobility and funding opportunities, also facilitate international career paths and collaborative projects in biodiversity science and policy.