Master of Science [M.S] [Ecology and Evolution] From University of Groningen

Ecology and evolution are dynamic fields, which are rapidly developing due to recent advances in technology (e.g. genomics, GPS tracking, new simulation techniques, new methods to analyse 'big data'). Both fields play a crucial role in facing the grand challenges of our time, such as the development of realistic plans for coping with the implications of global change or the design of evolutionarily stable strategies for the set-up of a sustainable society.

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.?

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 for ecology and evolution, including conservation biology, community ecology, evolutionary genetics and genomics, ecophysiology, evolutionary systems biology, behavioural ecology, and social evolution.

Job prospects

Graduates of the Ecology and Evolution programme from the University of Groningen who have chosen for the Research track often enter a PhD programme or join a research and development team in a company or research institute. Students who have chosen the Science, Business & Policy track find jobs (e.g. as science advisor) in a variety of fields, e.g. in governmental or non-governmental organizations, research institutions, museums, publishers or companies.