MSc Biodiversity: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

Duration: two years (four semesters)
Degree: Master of Science, M.Sc.
Prerequisite for admission: B.Sc. (or equivalent) in a biologically oriented discipline of life or environmental sciences; sufficient knowledge in German (to be proven by successful completion of a language test such as TestDaF or an equivalent test).
Start of the terms: winter semester (mid-October)
Number of admitted students: 40 per year
Application deadline: 01.04. - 15.05. for the subsequent winter semester

The following regulations will apply from March 2024:

Certificates of achievement in paper form, which you have submitted to Mr Gansert so far, please collect them yourself until the certificate application is submitted.
Master theses register via form at the examination office.
To request your certificate, please visit Mr Kuschel's office hours in person.

Main features

Consecutive study based on a discipline-related undergraduate B.Sc. program
Interdisciplinary module "Biodiversity" with excursions, field courses, and training in taxonomy;
Selection of one 'field of major studies' from ecology, evolution and conservation
Broad offer of elective modules from different fields of research across faculties
Master's thesis (6 months) on the basis of experiments or field studies, with a preparatory module of 2-3 months in intense training of research methods (Scientific project management and specific research methods (M.Biodiv.417)).
optional students can choose the 'Double-Degree' (IMABEE-Programm) at one of the partner universities: Amsterdam (NL) oder Rennes I (F). This concludes getting a Double Degree by passing the second year (60 ECTS), including the Master thesis (30 ECTS), at one of these host universit

Application Applicants should register via an online form. Successively application documents should be uploaded until 15. May (for the subsequent winter semester). They should include the following documents (in German):

Certificate of a university degree (in English or German; as an authenticated copy or translation) upon the completion of at least 6 semesters in the field of life or environmental sciences or related disciplines in organismic biology;
Curriculum vitae (in German or English);
Statement on the motivation for the application;
Statement on former applications for Master's programs;
Statement upon former completion (with or without success) of other Master's programs;
Proof of proficiency in German at least of B2 level (or B1 level with additional obligatory German courses of an amount of at least 6 C during the degree studies)
Proof of proficiency in English (Level C1) (internationally accepted tests e.g. TOEFL at least 95 points, UNIcert level III, CAE/CEF

Qualification The Master's program qualifies for science-based professional activities in leading positions in administrations, research institutions and enterprises in the fields of nature conservation, environmental protection, agricultural and forest sciences; in museums and collections related to biology or natural history; in botanical and zoological gardens; in national and international organisations of nature conservation and environmental protection; in developmental cooperation, and in the media. It also prepares for advanced scientific qualification within the framework of Ph.D. programs.