Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master's Programme in Biology and Sustainability

The international Master's programme in Biology and Sustainability at NTNU is designed for students who are passionate about biology and eager to make a real difference in the world. This programme offers a dynamic blend of advanced theory, hands-on lab and fieldwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What Will You Learn?

With the Master in Biology and Sustainability, you will:

• Gain deep understanding of biology, with specialized knowledge in your chosen field.
• Understand biological mechanisms across scalesfrom molecules to ecosystems.
• Learn how biology contributes to interdisciplinary solutions for sustainability.
• Formulate your own research questions and hypotheses and carry out independent scientific investigations.
• Develop essential digital skills.
• Summarize, critically evaluate and communicate existing knowledge, including your own research findings.
• Understand and apply ethical standards in biological research, including health, safety, and environmental considerations.

Career Opportunities

Upon completing the MSc in Biology and Sustainability at NTNU, you will earn an internationally recognized qualification that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunitiesboth in Norway and abroad. You can become:

• A researcher in biology, sustainability, or environmental scienceworking in universities, research institutes, or industry.
• An environmental consultant, helping organizations develop sustainable strategies and assess ecological impacts.
• A policy advisor or public sector specialist, contributing to nature conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable resource management.
• A science communicator or educator, sharing biological knowledge with students, stakeholders, or the public.
• A project manager in interdisciplinary teams working on sustainability transitions and biodiversity protection.
• A PhD candidate, continuing your academic journey in advanced biological research.
• A specialist in biodiversity and systematics, working with museums, conservation agencies, or international biodiversity initiatives.
• A field biologist or lab technician, conducting applied research in ecosystems, genetics, or physiology.
• A data analyst in biology-related fields, using digital tools to interpret complex biological and environmental data.
• A sustainability innovator, developing new solutions at the intersection of biology, technology, and society.

Programme Structure

The MSc in Biology & Sustainability offers three specializations:

• Biosciences
• Biodiversity and Nature Management (BNM)
• Biodiversity and Systematics (NABiS)

Biosciences

Solving challenges generated by the growing human population, such as preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development, requires a deep understanding of the biological processes that shape life on earth. This specialization immerses students in the forefront of research in disciplines such as cell biology, physiology, or ecology.

Biodiversity and Nature Management (BNM)

Well-functioning ecosystems provide a broad range of provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting ecosystem services, all of which are fundamentally sustained by biodiversity. This specialization addresses the urgent challenge of biodiversity loss through an interdisciplinary approach, combining knowledge with a holistic understanding of sustainability.

Biodiversity and Systematics (NABiS)

At this specialization, you will join the Nordic Academy of Biodiversity and Systematic Studies (NABiS), an educational collaboration between 7 of the largest universities in Scandinavia. NABiS focuses on theoretical and practical taxonomic skills needed for work on biodiversity and its conservation.

Study Environment

The Department of Biology is situated at the Gl鷭haugen campus in Trondheim, Norway's largest and most vibrant student town. This city offers a welcoming and dynamic environment that caters to the diverse needs and interests of master's students at NTNU. The university encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary study, providing students with the opportunity to work closely with other science and technology departments.

Admission

Admission to MSBIOL requires a bachelor's degree in Biology, which includes a minimum of 80 ECTS credits in biology courses, or an equivalent 3-year education. In addition, applicants must have university-level introductory courses in mathematics and statistics.

Tuition Fees

There is no application fee. All students pay a semester fee of 700 NOK. For Norwegian and EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens, there are no tuition fees. For international citizens, the tuition fees are 205,600 NOK per academic year (60 ECTS). NTNU offers no scholarships.

Language Requirements

Applicants from outside of the Nordic countries to international master's degrees at NTNU need to document English proficiency. Accepted English proficiency tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and Pearson English, among others. English tests may not be older than two years at the time of the application deadline.