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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Ecology and Evolution
Header image Ecology and Evolution

Ecology and Evolution

Which organisms are able to adapt to global change? How do birds decide when and where to migrate? When and why do individual differences in physiology or behaviour evolve? How can we best conserve nature and bend the curve of biodiversity decline?

During the two-year Master's programme Ecology and Evolution, you will gain insight into the living organism in relation to its environment. Ecology and evolution are strongly interdependent: without ecology, we cannot really understand natural selection; and without evolution, we cannot really understand the properties of organisms and their interaction with the environment. Ecology and evolution are relevant for all domains of the life sciences.

Ecology and evolutionary biology play a crucial role in facing the grand challenges of our time. This includes the development of realistic plans for coping with the implications of global change, for stopping the alarming biodiversity loss, for designing evolutionarily stable strategies to set up a sustainable society, and for developing evolution-informed medical treatment. The research fields of ecology and evolution are highly dynamic. Powerful new techniques (e.g. GPS-tracking of birds and mammals over the whole planet; remote sensing; tracking of individual cells in a culture of micro-organisms; genome-wide sequencing; individual-based simulations; new methods to analyse ‘big data’) allow us to resolve long-standing puzzles.

These new approaches lead to new insights and concepts that change our way of thinking, including a range of new integrative disciplines (e.g. evo-devo; evolutionary medicine; evolutionary community ecology; ecological immunology; evolutionary systems biology; adaptation and conservation genomics; evolutionary psychology). With this Master's programme, we aim to educate the new generation of scientists in ecology and evolution, both those who want to study the big fundamental questions in all domains of the life sciences and those who want to contribute to solving the grand challenges of our time.

The Master's degree programme Ecology and Evolution is offered by the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), which conducts internationally recognized research in a unique diversity of areas relevant to ecology and evolution, including conservation biology, community ecology, microbial ecology, marine biology, evolutionary genetics and genomics, evolutionary systems biology, ecophysiology, neurobiology, chronobiology, evolutionary medicine, behavioural ecology, animal personality research, social evolution, and theoretical biology. We study a wide array of species, from microbes, algae, plants, and insects to vertebrates such as fish, birds, rodents, marine mammals, large herbivores, and humans.

The selective Master's programme offers 2 specialized research tracks:

1) Evolutionary Biology, which is strongly research-oriented and designed to provide optimal preparation for a subsequent PhD and eventually a career in academic research;

2) Ecology and Conservation, to educate the new generation of ecologists to contribute to understanding and solving the global ecological problems, as a scientist and practitioner in the field. In this programme, you will learn how organisms, populations, and communities are affected by changing environmental conditions, and how this knowledge can contribute to successful ecological conservation and restoration programs, as well as to sustainable land-use and a nature-positive society.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Ecology and Evolution
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60365
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Combination of in-depth training and the opportunity to design a tailor-made programme in ecology and evolution
  • Many opportunities to conduct fieldwork in diverse environments (on all five continents), including the nearby Wadden Sea (on the UNESCO World Heritage list), the tropics, and the arctic regions.
  • Students form collaborative cohorts and frequently interact with their supervisors & teachers
  • Coaching by personal mentor
  • Broad spectrum of research projects, tailored to the individual preferences of the student, ranging from microbes to whales, and from molecules to ecosystems. Research can be conducted in the field or in the lab and theoretically as well as experimentally.
  • Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel laureate in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and GELIFES is the home of the 2014 Spinoza Prize winner, Theunis Piersma.
Programme

Curriculum

You can choose between the two tracks:

1) Evolutionary Biology

2) Ecology and Conservation

The programme tracks start with a series of mandatory courses on the advanced theory and state-of the-art in the research field of the tracks (20-30 EC), followed by a series of elective specialist-topic or skill courses, tailored to the individual preferences of the student (10-20 EC). A large proportion of the programme is devoted to two research projects in which the students are fully embedded in a research group of their choice, to conduct their own research. To guarantee optimal supervision and a first-class research environment, the first project (30-40 EC) has to be carried out at the University of Groningen. The second project (30 EC) is to be conducted in a different research group, either at the University of Groningen or elsewhere, to learn new techniques and scientific approaches, and to extend the scientific network. If desired, this second project can be done abroad.

Programme options
Evolutionary Biology (track)

This programme is for students with an interest in understanding all facets of evolution.

It offers advanced theoretical and practical training to provide students with a head-start in a subsequent PhD, and eventually a career in scientific research. During the first year, students follow a set of multidisciplinary courses that are developed to provide an overview of the fundamental principles underlying modern evolutionary biology, including developing the scientific, methodological and academic skills required for conducting research. During two major research projects, students receive individually supervised research training, while working on their own research questions. During these projects, students are fully embedded in leading research groups where they and can make use of state-of-the art research methods and facilities. Research projects can be conducted in all areas related to ecology and evolution. There are options for students to follow part of their programme at one of our partner universities: Uppsala, Montpellier or Munich . Under strict mobility requirements, students can study at two of these partner universities, and in the end receive MSc degrees from two universities (a "double degree").

More information about this option

Ecology and Conservation (track)

This programme is designed for students that strive to become an ecologist that can contribute to an understanding of the global ecological problems, and help to solve them.

In this programme, students will learn how organisms, populations and communities are affected by changing environmental conditions, and how this knowledge can contribute to successful ecological conservation and restoration programs. This track will equip students with the knowledge and skills to work in scientific research, conservation & restoration, ecological consultancy, management, education, private corporations and (non-) governmental organizations. The first semester consists of three mandatory advanced courses, and the option for a series of elective courses. In the two major research projects, students are individually supervised while working on their own research questions. Research projects can be conducted in all areas related to ecology, conservation and evolution.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • For an average of 20 weeks
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
BiologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • knowledge minimum
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

This Master's degree programme is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

A Bachelor's degree in Biology is required, with specialization in Ecology or Marine Biology.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
BiologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • knowledge minimum
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

This Master's degree programme is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

This Master's degree programme has a selection procedure; read the information below!

An academic Bachelor's degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology, Evolution or another related field. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The admissions board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the Master's programme for which you applied.

Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

other admission requirements

The Ecology and Evolution research master is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme. After you have registered via www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission your application will be requested to pass on to the Board of Admissions of the programme.

BEFORE YOU APPLY
Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at http://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Registration procedure

This Master's programme has a selection procedure, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

For a more elaborate explanation of the selection procedure, please have a look here. You will need to fill out the checklist to explain why you choose to apply for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form).

You can use the checklist to describe your pre-education. Please provide two reference letters (non EU applicants) or provide the names of those we may contact for reference (EU applicants) using the application form. Please also provide a bachelor thesis or another individually written report of an academic assignment. If such a report is not available an assignment will be given to you by the Board of Admissions.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

This master's degree programme has a selection procedure; read the information below.

An academic Bachelor's degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology, Evolution or another related field. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied.

language test

MAKE SURE TO VISIT http://www.rug.nl/fwn/fmns-programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores.

other admission requirements

The Ecology and Evolution research master is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme. After you have registered in www.studielink.nl your application will be requested to pass on to the Board of Admissions of the programme.

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at: http://www.rug.nl/fwn/fmns-programme/admissions/msc/ for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Registration procedure

This Master's programme has a selection procedure, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

For a more elaborate explanation of the selection procedure, please have a look here. You will need to fill out the checklist to explain why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form).

Provide two reference letters (non EU applicants) or provide the names of those we may contact for reference (EU applicants) using the application form.
Provide a bachelor thesis or another individually written report of an academic assignment. If such a report is not available an assignment will be given by the Board of Admissions.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Graduates of the programme who have chosen for the selective research master often enter a PhD programme, join a research team in a company or research institute, are active as ecological consultant, or work for a nature conservation organization.

For an overview of the different fields our students find jobs in: https://www.rug.nl/fse/beta-studie/testimonials/first-job-ees-students.png

Job examples

  • PhD research position
  • R&D in a company or research institute
  • Scientific advisor, project officer or ecological consultant
Research

Research Projects in Various Fields

The Master's degree programme is coordinated by the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES; http://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/).

GELIFES focuses its research on the level of the individual organism (behaviour, physiology, morphology, genetics, development) and on higher levels of organisation (population, communities, ecosystems). The research is being done on a broad range of organisms (terrestrial-marine; microorganisms-plants-animals) with a broad range of methods and approaches (field, lab, theoretical). A hallmark of GELIFES is that we strive to integrate mechanistic approaches (how does an organism function?) with evolutionary approaches (why does the organisms function as it does?). We specifically aim to integrate these fields that are traditionally studied in isolation.

GELIFES is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering and embraces six research groups:

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Campus TourMore information
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl
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Study associations

GLV Idun

Groninger LevenswetenschappenVereniging Idun is the study association for Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and their connecting master programs.
The association organises various activities, from social activities, like our weekly drinks, or even traveling abroad. In addition, Idun also organizes career/education-related activities like company visits and lunch lectures. GLV Idun contributes to a fun student time by bringing students together, and preparing her members for their career ahead!
https://www.idun.nl/home
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Study support

Students choose a mentor to coach them in the design of their individual programme, which will lead to a personal professional profile in Research or in Science, Business and Policy. They can design their own path, with their desired specialization or without a specialization, and their personal mentor helps them find their optimal trajectory.