Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Science (M.Sc.)

This new Master's degree programme will start in the winter semester 2026/27 at the Department of Biology. Be among the first students to join the Master’s programme in “Ecology and Biodiversity”. Apply between June 1st and July 15th for the winter semester!

Major global challenges such as climate change, habitat loss and biodiversity decline require a deep scientific understanding of ecological systems. The international and research-oriented Master's programme “Ecology and Biodiversity” enables you to gain in-depth knowledge of ecological concepts, evolutionary relationships and the causes and consequences of biodiversity change in terrestrial and aquatic systems, as well as advanced practical skills to analyse biological diversity and ecological processes from the level of individual organisms to complex ecosystems.

There is a strong emphasis on laboratory- and field-based work using a wide range of modern methodologies and techniques. You will gain experience in ecological data collection, experimental design and advanced statistical analysis. Field studies, excursions and research internships enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge directly in real-world contexts and to conduct your own research projects.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its broad elective area, which allows you to shape your individual academic profile. In addition to specialised modules within “Ecology and Biodiversity”, you can choose modules from the Master's programmes in “Molecular and Cellular Biology” and “Synthetic Biology”, enabling you to explore interdisciplinary perspectives across the life sciences.

However, this degree programme goes beyond the acquisition of scientific knowledge. Starting with an introductory module for all new Master’s students, the programme strengthens your intercultural awareness and teamwork skills and encourages personal and professional development from the very beginning.

This Master's programme starts in both the winter and the summer semester. The application is possible between June 1st and July 15th (cut-off deadline) for the winter semester and between December 1st and January 15th (cut-off deadline) for the summer semester.

The application for the Master's programme in “Ecology and Biodiversity” is exclusively done via the application portal TUCaN of TU Darmstadt. The application documents must be submitted to the central Student Service/Admission International. Only complete application documents will be processed.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • Proof of a university degree (Bachelor's degree in biology or a related subject).
  • Proof of proficiency in English on C1 (CEFR) level.
  • Proof of participation in the online self-assessment (OSA) for the Ecology and Biodiversity (M.Sc.) programme.
  • Equivalency list of required admission competencies as per the template (becomes visible during the application process in TUCaN).
  • Summary of the content of the Bachelor's thesis (in English, max. 1 page).
  • Evidence of at least 6 weeks of relevant experimental or field-based experience in ecology and biodiversity research, if this cannot be demonstrated as part of the Bachelor's degree.
  • Current transcript of records.
  • Diploma Supplement (if available).
  • Curriculum vitae (optional).

Detailed information on the entrance examination can be found in the Implementation Regulations of the Master's Programme in “Ecology and Biodiversity”. The entrance examination is conducted by a committee consisting of lecturers of the M. Sc. “Ecology and Biodiversity” programme. Representatives of the Department of Biology assist the commission in an advisory capacity. The entrance examination takes place in two stages.

Stage 1:

Applicants' submitted application materials are independently reviewed and scored by two committee members. A score from 0 to a maximum of 100 points is assigned. Applicants with a minimum score of 80 points will be directly classified as suitable.

In cases where individual subject requirements from the first degree programme are not fully met, applicants may be admitted with the requirement to complete additional foundation modules of the Bachelor's degree programme in biology for a maximum of 30 credits.

Stage 2:

Applicants who do not achieve 80 points and do not fall below 40 points will be invited to an entrance interview. The 30-minute interview with at least two members of the committee assesses the applicant's suitability for the programme based on the required entry competencies. The interview is scored independently by the members of the commission with a score from 0 to a maximum of 100 points. Applicants who achieve at least 60 points based on the arithmetic mean of the points from stage 1 and stage 2 are classified as suitable.