Overview The MSc programme offers a multidisciplinary, research-focused education in ecology, integrating plant ecology, animal ecology, conservation biology and tropical biology. Core themes include plant–animal interactions, plant ecophysiology, biodiversity research, climate‑change ecology, and evolutionary adaptations at both physiological and organismal levels. The programme is taught in English and designed to connect concepts from molecular biology of single species through to broad organismic and population-level ecology.
What you will study You can choose courses across a wide spectrum, from socio‑biology, neurogenetics and behaviour to applied ecological topics such as forest ecology, chemical ecology, agroecology, soil ecology, remote sensing and ecological modelling. Additional emphases include constraints on plant growth and development (biogeography, biodiversity), interactions of organisms with abiotic and biotic factors (for example plant–insect and plant–fungus relationships), and the dynamics of individuals, social groups and large populations in complex ecosystems. Tropical biology is used to illustrate both unique and general ecological principles, while modern molecular tools are discussed alongside foundational ecological theory.
Programme structure and learning outcomes The curriculum combines theory and hands‑on practice: two chosen topic areas each consist of two theoretical modules plus a practical course unit, and students receive targeted research training in a selected field of interest. You will be actively involved in ongoing research projects, learning to independently design and carry out theoretical and experimental work, and to summarise and discuss your results in the master’s thesis. This training builds skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication and independent research—preparing you for academic research, conservation work or applied ecological careers.
Structure and requirements (concise)
This master's curriculum in Ecology combines in-depth theoretical teaching with substantial hands-on training across plant and animal ecology, conservation and tropical biology. In the first year students follow two thematic areas: for each topic they take two lecture-style (theoretical) courses and one practical course, providing balanced exposure to conceptual frameworks and applied methods. This early phase builds the disciplinary foundation needed for advanced ecological work.
In semesters three and four the focus shifts to specialised research training in a chosen subfield. Students join ongoing research projects and are trained to independently design and carry out both theoretical analyses and experimental/field work. Emphasis is placed on scientific reasoning and on communicating results: you will learn to synthesise data, place findings into the broader scientific context, and discuss implications with peers and supervisors.
Assessment includes graded examinations for taught modules, and the programme culminates in an independently written thesis that must be publicly presented and defended in a final colloquium. The thesis carries 25 ECTS and is preceded by a 12‑week preparatory practical course (15 ECTS) that is ungraded. In addition, 15 ECTS worth of modules from the "Additional Qualifications" area must be completed to cover special interests; these extra modules are also taken and passed without grading.
Key requirements and learning outcomes
Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology (or an equivalent degree) that meets the subject-specific requirements of the "Fachkanon Biologie." The programme expects a minimum total study workload of 150 ECTS (or an equivalent amount from another credit system). You must demonstrate that your prior studies include substantial coursework across biosciences, chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry), and physics/mathematics/biostatistics according to one of the specified subject-distribution options below.
You also need to provide evidence of practical laboratory experience; ideally this is shown by an experimental bachelor’s thesis worth at least 10 ECTS. To confirm you meet the minimum 150 ECTS requirement, submit your final degree certificate or an official transcript of records. The completed transcript must be submitted by 15 September or 15 March, respectively. If your degree uses a non‑ECTS credit system, convert or document equivalence and contact admissions if you are unsure how your credits align with the requirements.
Admission requirements (summary)
If your previous degree uses a different credit or grading system, prepare documentation translating credits to ECTS or contact the admissions office for guidance on equivalence.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for research careers (e.g. doctoral studies or research positions at universities and institutes) and applied roles in conservation organisations, environmental consulting, governmental agencies, biodiversity monitoring and NGOs. The programme’s combination of experimental skills, data analysis and field experience also suits positions in environmental impact assessment, natural resource management and international conservation projects.
The strong research orientation and opportunities for international cooperation and fieldwork make the degree particularly helpful for students seeking PhD funding or employment in multinational research programmes and institutions focused on ecology, climate-change biology and biodiversity.