Master's Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity
Learning about the complexity of life on Earth from species interactions to climate impacts, this Master’s Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity gives you the knowledge and research skills to address some of the most pressing challenges facing nature and society.
Photo: Petter Hällberg/Stockholm University
Please note! The programme has received an updated description of required prior knowledge, which means that a new programme page has been created (programme code NEBDO). The content of the programme remains unchanged – only the entry requirements have been clarified.
Master's Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity, NEBDO
The Master’s Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity offers broad training that combines ecological and evolutionary theory with hands-on methodological skills. You will study how species interact with each other and their environment, how biodiversity responds to global change, and how ecological knowledge can be applied to conservation and sustainable management.
Reasons to choose the Master’s Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity:
- Broad training that integrates ecology, evolution, and conservation science
- Opportunities for hands-on research in the field and laboratory
- Flexibility to tailor your degree with a wide range of elective and optional courses
- Close connections to leading research at the Department of Zoology and the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences
- Strong preparation for both PhD studies and applied careers in ecology, conservation, and environmental management
The programme includes both compulsory and elective courses, with opportunities to specialise according to your own interests. Courses cover areas such as community and evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and species’ responses to environmental change. You will also develop practical skills in experimental design, fieldwork, and advanced statistical analysis. A compulsory independent degree project allows you to conduct your own research within ongoing projects at Stockholm University or in collaboration with external organisations.
You are required to choose 15 credits of courses from the list of elective courses (updated each year). You can also include at least 15 credits of optional courses; these can be in other subjects.
Year 1
Compulsory courses
Biodiversity: Patterns and Processes
Science in Biological Research and Investigation
Elective courses (spring term)
Animal Social and Sexual Behaviour
Animal Diversity – Vertebrates
Conservation of populations: Theory
Ecological and Evolutionary Responses to Climate Change
Interactions in Ecological Communities: Theory
Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Ecology and Biodiversity
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)
Elective courses (autumn term)
Animal Diversity - Invertebrates
Marine Fish Biology and Fisheries
Marine Microbial Ecology: From Genomes to Biomes
See also Year 1 for elective courses offered spring term.
Independent project
Degree projects are carried out within ongoing research projects at either the Department of Zoology or Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences. It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.
Recent degree projects
- Local adaptations of life cycle regulation in a range-expanding butterfly
- Microclimate and population characteristics across the distribution of the fairy slipper orchid (Calypso bulbosa) in Sweden
- Fitness consequences of color morph and climate in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)
- Impact of livestock trampling and soil moisture on soil-emerging insects and phytophagous larvae in riparian wet grasslands
The Master's programme in Ecology and Biodiversity is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
The Ecology and Biodiversity programme requires a solid background in Biology, and a basic understanding in Ecology and/or Evolution. Specifically we expect the equivalent of a Bachelor in Biology, including about 7,5 ECTS credits of Ecology or Evolution.
Selection process
Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following four selection criteria, with equal weight:
- relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
- grades of academic courses
- motivation letter
- research ideas
Required supporting documentation
To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form (updated yearly, only latest version accepted).
Cover letter/Motivation letter
After submitting the form, download the generated PDF and upload it to your application at University Admissions before the supporting documentation deadline.
Do not make any changes to the resulting PDF!
Note! The form is only available during the application period, up to the supporting documentation deadline. Recommendation letters and CVs are neither required nor considered if included.
A Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity opens diverse career paths in academia, research institutes, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Many graduates continue into PhD studies, while others apply their ecological expertise in environmental policy, conservation, or resource management.
Examples of career opportunities include:
- Doctoral studies and research in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology
- Work at environmental agencies and administrative authorities focusing on nature conservation
- Positions in forestry, agriculture, fisheries, or wildlife management
- Roles in NGOs and international organisations working with biodiversity and climate change
- Consultancy and advisory positions in ecological assessments and environmental planning
With a solid theoretical foundation, strong methodological training, and real research experience, you will be well prepared to contribute to solving ecological and environmental challenges at both local and global scales.
