All obligatory and the majority of optional courses are held in English (less than 10% in German). Participants write the Master's thesis in English.
The application deadline is usually 15 August for the winter semester and 15 February for the summer semester.
www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master
Study focus
The research-oriented Master’s programme (MSc) in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (EEC) is rooted in organismal biology, i.e. it deals holistically with "entire" organisms, their mutual interactions, and their relationship to the abiotic environment. Offered modules range from theoretical foundations of ecology and evolution to their applications in, e.g. sustainability research or species conservation. In addition to conveying the current state of knowledge in the various specialist areas, a broad range of laboratory, experimental, and field observational methods as well as computer-aided modelling are in the focus of your education. Small teaching groups allow for early and individual contact with the broadly trained lecturers and tutors.
Study objectives
The programme aims to teach you a scientific way of thinking as well as the mastery of modern methods in ecology, evolutionary research, and nature conservation. In addition, you will acquire scientific foundations that will enable you to recognise both interrelationships and mechanisms in organisms and ecological systems. You will learn how to apply this knowledge across disciplines.
The programme equips you to successfully conquer the competitive scientific job market or for continuing your further academic education with a suitable PhD programme of your choice. A Master’s degree in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation qualifies you for independent activities in academic research, or a position in (inter-)national authorities and administrative bodies as well as in companies and organisations in applied ecology, e.g. planning offices, environmental associations, or freelance projects.
The curriculum is subdivided into individual modules, which are in turn composed of individual courses (lectures, seminars, practical courses, and excursions). During the first two semesters, we aim to balance the level of knowledge of all students in the three main topics of ecology, evolution, and nature conservation. We also highly value a solid deepening of existing skills in the areas of experimental design, data collection and statistics, where profound methodological competence will be essential for all fields of activity of our graduates.
The programme comprises the two compulsory modules one and two, which teach you the state of the art in ecology, evolution, and conservation as well as methods for experimental design, data acquisition, handling, and analysis (e.g. statistics). Based on these solid foundations, we offer a broad range of elective modules, which can be assembled according to individual interests. In doing so, we increasingly rely on intellectual freedom and individual self-responsibility in the compilation of the modules and the specialisation each student strives to achieve. Students conduct their own practical research project in a specialisation module before they complete their degree with the Master's thesis.
No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee of currently 316 EUR. This semester contribution includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin.
Living in Germany is rather cheap compared to other countries in Northern and Western Europe. Monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam vary between 870 and 1,200 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.
In general, the prerequisite for admission to a Master's programme is a first professionally qualifying academic degree, e.g. a Bachelor's degree. More specifically, you should have obtained your first degree in mathematics, biology, or the natural sciences, or in science-oriented degree programmes in environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, forestry, or geosciences.
For details, see the official admission requirements at www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master.html.
English: B2, German: A2
The application deadline is usually 15 August for the winter semester and 15 February for the summer semester.
www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master
www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master/consecutive
Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. The German capital, Berlin, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.
There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.
For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click this link.
The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.
Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2022 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked #1 in Germany and #28 worldwide.
Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.
Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.
With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.
A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.
Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today Potsdam’s palaces and parks form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglorious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed here.
The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.
As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.
If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.
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