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Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (M.Sc.)

Subject: Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (M.Sc.)
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters
Start of programme: winter semester only
Admission: admission restricted (application with the faculty)
Application: application procedure
Application deadline: April 1st to May 15th (studies start in October)
Language of programme: English and German



The study programme
In this Master’s programme students acquire advanced knowledge and research practice in biodiversity, ecology, evolution, systematics and conservation biology. Moreover, students have access to a broad spectrum of modules across faculties for further scientific specialisation and qualification as well as professional practice. The broad spectrum of education in the fields of biology mentioned above enables students to develop their individual scientific profile.

Double-Degree (IMABEE programme).
The programme offers the opportunity for a Double-Degree degree at one of the partner universities Amsterdam (NL) or Rennes I (Brittany). The MSc students complete the first year of study (60 ECTS) at the University of Göttingen and the second year of study at one of the mentioned partner universities (60 ECTS), which is also responsible for the execution of the master thesis. The double-degree programme creates synergies from the courses offered by two universities and thus promotes the scientific profile in the master's education. In addition, such a degree is conducive to entering doctoral studies.

Major studies in Göttingen
The consecutive study programme comprises six fields of major studies:
- Plant Ecology, Phytodiversity & Vegetation History;
- Plant Systematics, Evolution & Phylogeny;
- Animal Ecology;
- Animal Systematics, Morphology & Behaviour;
- Evolution;
- Nature Conservation Biology
A covering module „Biodiversity“ provides species knowledge of plants and animals for advanced students.

Structure of the MSc-programme and scientific profile
The MSc-programme has a modular structure (120 ECTS points in four semesters), and allows students to develop their individual scientific profile. During the first year, students choose their field of major studies (30 C) and acquire additional qualifications by complementary modules (30 C), key competences (12 C), scientific project management (6 C), and biodiversity (12 C). The Master’s thesis (30 C) lasts six months, and rounds off the scientific profile. Studies and research stays abroad are supported, and can be acknowledged in the study programme.


Language requirements
Good knowledge of the English language on the level of TOEFL-Test iBT 95 points or equivalences is required for admission in the MSc-programme. Foreign applicants must prove their basic German language skills on the minimum level B1 of the European Reference Frame for Languages.

Fields of professions
Fields of professions comprise employments like in research institutions, companies or public authorities like nature conservation or environmental agencies, in bureaus of criminal investigation, in print- or TV-media, in youth and adult education, in museums or collections of natural history, in botanical or zoological gardens, in national and international organisations for environmental care, in developmental agencies, and open academic careers in science.