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Master's Programme in Ecology

The Master’s programme in Ecology gives you a deeper knowledge of how fishing, forestry, river regulations, pollution, and climate changes affect biodiversity and ecosystem function in forests, lakes, mountains, and sea. You learn how to identify and characterize ecological problems, plan and execute research and analysis. The programme has a special profile in nature conservation.

About the Programme

The programme offers advanced training in ecological theory and practice, giving you the tools to work with real-world environmental challenges. It is ideal for students who want to specialize in nature conservation, northern ecosystems, and research in collaboration with leading scientists. In Umeå, nature is literally on your doorstep. The campus is located near forests, lakes, and waterways, ideal for excursions and fieldwork.

While Studying

Through a combination of lectures, fieldwork, lab exercises, and independent projects, you will gain both scientific expertise and hands-on experience. The programme prepares you for a career in research, environmental agencies, or private sector companies focused on sustainability and ecological management.

• Lectures and seminars
  • Group work and discussions
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Excursions and fieldwork
  • Independent research projects

This varied approach ensures you graduate with both conceptual knowledge and the practical skills required to work effectively in the field of ecology.

Theory Meets Practice: The Structure of Your Studies

The programme provides a solid foundation in ecological science with a focus on boreal and Arctic ecosystems. You will gain the capacity to analyze ecological problems, carry out investigations, and interpret biological data – skills that are vital in fields like nature conservation, climate adaptation, and biodiversity management.

Train for Independent and Critical Scientific Work

Throughout the programme, you will gain the skills to:

• Identify ecological issues
• Design and conduct scientific investigations
• Collect and analyze biological material
• Use statistics for data analysis
• Present, interpret, and discuss results in scientific formats

You will also develop a deep understanding of advanced ecological theory—knowledge that is essential for both academic research and practical nature conservation work.

Nature Conservation Profile with Flexible Course Choices

If you wish to select a profile in nature conservation, you can choose to take the course Nature conservation. This will give you the opportunity to focus on legislation, species and habitat management, and the practical application of ecological knowledge in public and private sectors.

A Close Connection to Research and Real-World Ecosystems

The programme is closely tied to the department's ongoing ecological research, much of which is focused on northern ecosystems, such as boreal forests, wetlands, and Arctic tundra. Field-based and lab-based activities provide insight into current ecological research practices, and students often work alongside researchers in ongoing projects.

Choose Your Thesis Topic and Expand Your Studies

In addition to core and elective ecology courses, you can take up to 45 ECTS in other subjects to broaden your academic profile. These may include:

• Earth Science
• Physical Geography
• Environmental Science
• Geoecology
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

You can also choose to take a project course or internship in close collaboration with a research group or an external partner, providing excellent opportunities for applied learning and networking.

Scholarships to Apply For

Citizens of countries outside of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland normally have to pay application and tuition fees for education at Swedish universities. However, there are several scholarships you can apply for to cover these costs.

Courses Within the Programme

Year 1:

• Forest Ecology or Aquatic Ecosystems + Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology
• Analysis of Field Data
• Ecological Dynamics or Molecular Ecology and Evolution
• Ecosystem Management (mandatory for specialization in Ecosystem management)

Year 2:

• Courses free of choice, for example:
  • Arctic Ecosystems
  • Limnology
  • Global Change Science
  • Geographical Information System (GIS)
  • Soil and Water – field methods
• Thesis project

Future and Career Opportunities

A master’s degree in ecology opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities in both public authorities and private companies. Graduates often work with environmental analysis, sustainability consulting, conservation planning, and ecological monitoring.

• Government agencies (e.g., environmental boards, municipalities)
• Environmental NGOs
• Private environmental consulting firms
• Research institutions and universities

You will be well-prepared for advanced roles in ecological planning, biodiversity assessment, and environmental policy work. The nature conservation profile also gives you a competitive edge for positions that require expertise in environmental law and protected area management.

A Strong Foundation for Research and Further Studies

Many students from the programme go on to pursue PhD studies in ecology or related fields. The master in Ecology provides the research training and scientific thinking needed for a career in academia.

Eligibility

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are:

• 90 ECTS in natural sciences including a minimum of 60 ECTS in Biology.
• Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Selection

Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)

Degree

After completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor. Degree is awarded in the main field of study with focus on either or Environmental Protection.

Application and Tuition Fees

As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
• Total fee: SEK 304,600

Programme Details

• Start: Autumn term 2025
• Number of credits: 120 credits
• Type of studies: On site
• Study pace: 100%
• Length: 2 years
• Study location: Umeå
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-M5000

Similar Programmes

• Master's Programme in Earth Science
• Master's Programme in Environmental Science and Sustainability

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