Program Overview

Master's Degree Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The Master's Degree Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is a two-year full-time programme taught in English. The programme requires completion of 120 ECTS credits within 2 years, with compulsory and optional components. The majority of the literature used is in English.

Programme Description

Both global and local environmental problems make studying biological and environmental sciences timely and important. Due to climate change and decrease in natural resources and biodiversity, there is a growing need for specialists in the field. Studies in this international Masters Degree Programme provide students with the ability to understand different phenomena of life comprehensively, from interaction between molecules to the functioning of ecosystems.

Why this Programme?

At the University of Jyväskylä, research in ecology and evolutionary biology has focused on ecology and evolutionary genetics. There is a high level of collaboration between the two research fields. Research is active, international and of high quality, and teaching is based on recent research.

Career Opportunities

Globally, there is a growing need for experts in the field of biological and environmental science. This global demand is expected to continue or even increase due to global environmental problems caused by human population growth and decrease in natural resources. The MSc degrees qualify students for advanced studies in bioscience, especially ecology and evolutionary biology, and other related fields.

Admission Criteria

To apply successfully, students need to have a suitable educational background and show proof of their English skills as mentioned in the criteria.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the programme is 14,000. Students from non-EU/EEA countries are liable to pay a tuition fee but can apply for a scholarship after their first year of studies. An Early Bird discount of 1500 is available for applicants paying tuition fees who accept their study place within 14 days.

Structure of the Degree Programme

The programme requires completion of 120 ECTS credits within 2 years, with compulsory and optional components.

Research Areas

Research in ecology and evolutionary biology is wide-ranging, covering DNA, organisms, populations and ecosystems. Research activities are characterised by an open-minded integration of different biological disciplines and an emphasis on empirical research.

Faculty of Mathematics and Science

The faculty aims to provide solutions for climate change, fight the decline in biodiversity, develop new technological innovations, and build more sustainable living habits. In collaboration with the international scientific community, the faculty searches for the answers to the biggest questions in science, especially in evolution, sustainable use of natural resources, mathematical analysis, multidisciplinary nanoscience, resource wisdom, and subatomic physics.

Student Profile

Ecology and evolutionary biology focuses on fundamental concepts and theories of ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology and the ability to use these at the individual, population, community and ecosystem level. Graduates will be able to apply theories and use the primary literature and empirical observations to answer scientific questions, use their knowledge to develop solutions to practical questions, and be able to perform professional and scientific tasks in the field of ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology.

• Apply theories and use the primary literature and empirical observations to answer scientific questions.
  • Use their knowledge to develop solutions to practical questions.
  • Be able to perform professional and scientific tasks in the field of ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology.
  • Obtain, evaluate and incorporate the latest knowledge of scientific problems using appropriate scientific practices and following ethical principles.

Career Opportunities for Programme Graduates

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists work as experts in companies, local and national governments, research and education institutions. These include conservation biologist, environmental, science and nature journalist, environmental planner, researcher, wildlife surveyor, nature and science expert, environmental educator, project worker, game management adviser, organisation worker, forensic scientist and museum worker.