Evolution, Ecology and Systematics, M.Sc.
The Master Evolution, Ecology and Systematics offers a multi-layered overview of the core subjects and related disciplines. One focus is the training of critical scientists. Various techniques, approaches and methods from the fields of evolution, ecology and systematics are taught. This includes modern field experiments, the use of government collections for research, mathematical modeling, data management and modern genetic and genomic methods.
Programme facts
| Degree | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Required English | C1 |
| Study mode | Full-Time |
| Start | Winter semester |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 31.03 |
| Admission | No admission restriction: every eligible applicant is admitted |
| Tuition fee | Set by the university for international students — the amount is on the programme's official page |
| Semester contribution | €152.30 per semester |
What the tuition fee consists of
Will I get in
Every applicant who meets the formal requirements is admitted — but places can run out before the deadline, so apply at the start of the window.
How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.
Programme selection →About the programme
Focus: In the first semester, students choose between different modules from the program's main focuses. In addition, numerous elective courses are offered as well as the option to carry out own research in the first semester. This will be accompanied by courses in scientific presentation techniques and scientific writing.
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In the second semester, in addition to a compulsory excursion and a statistics and modeling course, further in-depth elective courses and a second research project follow. Its results will be presented in the form of a poster during the EES conference.
The third semester leads to the master thesis. Special events in various disciplines help to establish one's own profile. The research project of the 3rd semester is combined with a course on application. The final report will be prepared in the form of an application, which will be presented at the Spring Conference.
What you study
The degree program is clearly structured: In the first semester, basic knowledge is imparted to which the "advanced courses" are built in the second semester. In the third semester, courses are offered to prepare for the Master's thesis. The first semester offers basics in the three subjects (evolution, ecology and systematics) as well as in scientific communication. In the second and third semester, elective modules amounting to 30 ETCS points can be taken. All students are involved in research right from the start. The research relevance is ensured in particular by three research internships with accompanying "scientific skills" courses totaling 24 ECTS.
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
The degree program is mainly for research in universities, research institutes and companies, but also for other occupational fields such. Teaching, environmental protection and patenting. By emphasizing quantitative methods (statistical, bioinformatic) in combination with classical methods in the laboratory and field, the students are given a broad education. Such a combination of skills is already in great demand on the job market, with a clear upward trend. The main goal is to enable the students to work independently as well as to present and communicate their work. Methodologically, the Master's program offers a very broad spectrum, from molecular biology techniques in the laboratory to research activities in the field and in collections to mathematical and bioinformatic methods. Depending on individual focus training, the degree program offers the opportunity to qualify for a broad range of occupations within and outside of science.
Cost of study
| Semester contribution | €152.30 |
|---|
Requirements and application
| Previous education | Admission to the Master's program Evolution, Ecology and Systematics requires, in addition to a first qualifying university degree, at least six semesters of biology or related subjects, successful completion of an aptitude assessment procedure in accordance with a qualification statute. |
|---|---|
| Language | English C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 31.03 |
The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.
Check the requirementsHow to get into this programme
- 1Check your certificate and its recognitionDirect admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
- 2Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 3Application directly to the university until 31.03Send the documents well before the deadline — an incomplete application cannot be completed after it.
- 4Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.
How to apply
You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.
Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:
- ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
- ×a wrong set of documents
- ×the application submitted the wrong way
- ×errors or gaps in the application form
- ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late
An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.
StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.
If your level is not enough yet
The two most common stoppers are a language level below the requirement and a certificate without direct admission. Both can be solved, but they take months — plan them now, not after a rejection.
Questions about this programme
How much does the programme cost?
What language level do I need?
When do I need to apply?
Don't postpone the application
The deadline is 31.03.2027 (168 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.