Master Programme in Biology: Ecology and Conservation Biology: Ecology and Conservation Biology

 
120 ECTS credits

Study programme

**The programme focuses on Ecology and Conservation and is led by researchers in the Biology department at Karlstad University. It is a programme for those who want to deepen their knowledge and competence in ecology and conservation to prepare for employment or further research. We focus on applied ecology and conservation issues.**

Education level: Master's level

Prerequisites

General entry requirements. A bachelor-level degree of at least 180 credits, specialising in the main field of study Biology. Upper secondary school level English 6 or equivalent.

More about field-specific eligibility

Tuition fees

  • Total fee: 300,000 SEK
  • Per semester / First payment: 75,000 SEK

You do not have to pay tuition fees if you are an exchange student or a citizen of a country within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.

More about tuition fees and payment

While studying

Education

The programme of study begins with the resilience-based course on Ecosystem Stewardship, that provides an overview of ecosystem services and their management. We follow with a course on applied Ecological Resource Management: The second term starts with an advanced course on Landscape Ecology and finishes with an Advanced Methods course. Students have space for elective courses to sharpen their own focus in the second year of studies. Finally the Masters project is an advanced research project within our extensive research network in Sweden and abroad.

Course of study

Semester 1 ECTS credits
Ecosystems in a Changing World (Obligatory) 15
Conservation Science for Sustaining Biodiversity (Obligatory) 15
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 2 ECTS credits
Landscape Ecology (Elective) 15
Scientific Methods in Freshwater Ecology (Elective) 15
Master's thesis 1 year in Biology with specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology (Elective) 15
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (Optional) 15
Optional course (Optional) 15
Total ECTS credits: 30*
Semester 3 ECTS credits
Environmental Impact Assesment (Optional) 7.5
GIS - Introduction (Optional) 7.5
Master thesis in biology (Elective) 60
Master thesis in biology (Elective) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30*
Semester 4 ECTS credits
Master thesis in biology (Elective) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30

*Full-time study always equals 30 ECTS credits per semester (20 weeks).

Elective course: Students are free to choose among certain alternative courses, often depending on their choice of specialisation.

Optional course: Students are free to choose any course offered at Karlstad University or at other universities. Courses listed are examples of recommended or frequently chosen courses for a specific programme.

Future prospects

Employment Market

A Masters Degree in Biology opens your possibilities for advancement in professional postions in government, non-profit, or private consulting firms. It also prepares you for doctoral studies, with possible publication of your Masters thesis

Degree

Master of Science (120 credits). Main field of study: Biology.



It is also possible to obtain a Degree of Master (60 credits) following successful completion of course requirements worth 60 credits, of which at least 30 credits must be at Master’s level, including a degree project in Biology comprising 15 credits.

Master of Science (60 credits). Main field of study: Biology

Further Studies

A Masters Degree increases your opportunity to continue your research career with doctoral studies by improving your research and publication skills and by developing your professional network.

Campus (Karlstad), 100% Options
  • Start Autumn 2025
  • Mode of study Campus (Karlstad)
  • Language English
  • Application code KAU-80456
  • Study pace 100% (Day)
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