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.
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, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at either the Department of Zoology or the 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.
Specific eligibility
Admission to the Master’s Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity requires a strong background in Bbiology, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of full-time studies in Bbiology. A solid foundation in ecology, evolution, organismal biology, and/or environmental biology is particularly relevant. All applications are assessed individually. The examples below are provided only as guidance.
Backgrounds that may be considered eligible
Applicants whose studies include substantial coursework in ecology, evolution, biodiversity, or organismal biology, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology (general or with specialisation in ecology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology, conservation, biodiversity)
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental biology or earth and life sciences with strong ecological and biological components
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology or botany, including courses in ecology, systematics, evolution, or biodiversity
- Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, aquatic biology or fisheries science, if it includes relevant biology and ecology coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, if it includes at least one year of biology including ecology/evolution courses
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, if it contains substantial coursework in biological subjects such as ecology, biodiversity, conservation biology, population biology, or organismal biology
- Other natural science degrees (e.g. geosciences, natural resources, forestry, agriculture) if combined with at least one year of full biology courses, especially ecology and evolution
- Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology or natural resource management, provided that the biological/ecological components are strong enough
Backgrounds that may not be considered eligible
Applicants whose prior studies focus mainly on non-biological or molecular disciplines, or lack sufficient ecological and organismal coursework, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology or cell biology, with limited coursework in ecology, evolution, or organismal biology
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, if primarily oriented toward sustainability, policy, climate governance, geoscience, or environmental law rather than biology
- Bachelor’s degree in veterinary nursing, animal care, wildlife rehabilitation, with limited theoretical biology and ecology coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture or forestry, if lacking substantial biology, ecology or conservation-related courses
- Bachelor’s degree in geography, geology, or earth sciences, without biology-related courses
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, unless biology-oriented and including significant biological coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or education, without biology courses
Important to note
- These examples are not exhaustive.
- Meeting one of the “eligible” examples does not guarantee admission.
- A background listed as “not sufficient” may still be considered if supplemented with additional university-level Biology courses, especially in ecology, evolution, or biodiversity.
- Admission decisions are always based on an individual assessment of the complete academic record.
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.
