Master's Degree Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Science

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 our international Master’s Degree Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Science provide you 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.

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. Ecology and evolutionary biology provide an excellent framework for thinking about the origin of life and how it has diversified over millions of years.

Our programme has received good feedback from students and working life partners, especially in relation to our high quality and extensive teaching of Finnish nature.

Ecology and evolutionary biology is one of the strong areas of research and education at the University of Jyväskylä.

Jyväskylän yliopisto on mukana Synjet-hankkeessa, jossa tutkitaan, miten uusiutuvia raaka-aineita voidaan muuntaa lentopolttoaineiksi sekä esimerkiksi kumin ja kosmetiikan ainesosiksi. Kuva: Jyväskylän yliopisto — Applications for this master's degree programme can be submitted once a year in January, and once accepted, your studies will begin in September. From this programme you will graduate with a Master of Science degree.

Programme info

Applications for Master's Degree Programmes can be submitted once a year in January.

The programme requires completion of 120 ECTS credits within 2 years, with compulsory and optional components. All courses are taught in English. The majority of the literature used is in English.

Structure of the degree programme (in Finnish) (to be updated)

Tuition fees and scholarships

How and when to apply?

The application period is in January 2026.
You can apply by submitting an online application form. This form is available in the Studyinfo.fi portal during the application period.
To apply successfully, you need to have suitable educational background and show proof of your English skills as mentioned in the admission criteria.
Applicants also need to submit the required attachments mentioned in the programme-specific admission criteria and on the application form.
Students from non-EU/EEA countries are liable to pay a tuition fee. We offer a tuition fee scholarship for students liable to pay tuition fees.

The next call for applications is in January 2026

Admission criteria for Master's Degree Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Science (Studyinfo.fi) (to be updated)

How to apply for the programme?

Scholarships and tuition fees

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.
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.

Kuusi opiskelijaa pitää hauskaa Agoran jäällä. — As our graduate, you are prepared for a scientific postgraduate degree in your field.

Career opportunities for programme graduates

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.

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.

Varpu Marjomäki laboratoriossa. — With optional studies, you can make your degree look like you and influence the kind of jobs you get.

Get to know the Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Since 1965, we have been looking for answers and striving to improve our understanding of the Universe and the World around us. Our 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, we search 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.

As a student, you will be part of our scientific community and have the opportunity to work on state-of-the-art research equipment alongside teachers and experienced scientists. In addition to lectures and online teaching, your studies will involve working with a variety of methods, both in the laboratory and in the field.

Chat with our students

How is it to study and live in Jyväskylä, Finland? If you have any questions, ask our students!

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Contact us

If you have questions concerning the admission process or the programme, please contact JYU Admission Services: admissions@jyu.fi

About tuition fees and the scholarship programme for students liable to pay tuition fees, please contact the International Office: degree-students@jyu.fi

See more detailed contact information