Master's Programme in Ecology 120 credits
About the programme
The Master’s programme in Ecology gives you a deeper knowledge of how fishing, forestry, river regulations, pollution and climate changes affect biodiversity and ecosystem function in forests, lakes, mountains and sea. You learn how to identify and characterize ecological problems, plan and execute research and analysis. The programme has a special profile in nature conservation.
Matous felt he was taken seriously
Teachers discussed scientific subjects and research with students as future researchers rather than just inexperienced students, Matous Jimel thinks.
Develop your skills for academic work
Focus on nordic ecosystems
While studying
Develop skills in ecological thinking and scientific practice
Are you passionate about nature, ecosystems, and sustainability? This programme offers advanced training in ecological theory and practice, giving you the tools to work with real-world environmental challenges. It is ideal for students who want to specialize in nature conservation, northern ecosystems, and research in collaboration with leading scientists. In Umeå nature is literally on your doorstep. The campus is located near forests, lakes and waterways, ideal for excursions and fieldwork.
Through a combination of lectures, fieldwork, lab exercises, and independent projects, you will gain both scientific expertise and hands-on experience. The programme prepares you for a career in research, environmental agencies, or private sector companies focused on sustainability and ecological management.
As a master’s student in Umeå, you will learn to work independently and critically, developing the ability to handle complex environmental questions and conduct scientific investigations. These skills are essential for both academic research and professional roles that require autonomy and analytical thinking.
The programme provides a solid foundation in ecological science with a focus on boreal and Arctic ecosystems. You will gain the capacity to analyze ecological problems, carry out investigations, and interpret biological data – skills that are vital in fields like nature conservation, climate adaptation, and biodiversity management.
Theory meets practice: the structure of your studies
The programme offers a balanced mix of theory and application. You will participate in:
- Lectures and seminars
- Group work and discussions
- Laboratory sessions
- Excursions and fieldwork
- Independent research projects
This varied approach ensures you graduate with both conceptual knowledge and the practical skills required to work effectively in the field of ecology.
Train for independent and critical scientific work
Throughout the programme, you will gain the skills to:
- Identify ecological issues
- Design and conduct scientific investigations
- Collect and analyze biological material
- Use statistics for data analysis
- Present, interpret, and discuss results in scientific formats
You will also develop a deep understanding of advanced ecological theory—knowledge that is essential for both academic research and practical nature conservation work.
Nature conservation profile with flexible course choices
If you wish to select a profile in nature conservation you can choose to take the course Nature conservation. This will give you the opportunity to focus on legislation, species and habitat management, and the practical application of ecological knowledge in public and private sectors.
A close connection to research and real-world ecosystems
The programme is closely tied to the department's ongoing ecological research, much of which is focused on northern ecosystems, such as boreal forests, wetlands, and Arctic tundra. Field-based and lab-based activities provide insight into current ecological research practices, and students often work alongside researchers in ongoing projects.
The programme received the highest rating in the latest quality review conducted by the Swedish Higher Education Authority – proof of its academic excellence and strong research integration.
Choose your thesis topic and expand your studies
In addition to core and elective ecology courses, you can take up to 45 ECTS in other subjects to broaden your academic profile. These may include:
- Earth Science
- Physical Geography
- Environmental Science
- Geoecology
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
You can also choose to take a project course or internship in close collaboration with a research group or an external partner, providing excellent opportunities for applied learning and networking.
In the second year, you will complete your master's thesis, which can be either 30 or 60 ECTS, depending on your academic goals. This is your chance to dive deep into a subject of interest and potentially contribute to ongoing research.
Scholarships to apply for
Citizens of countries outside of the EU, EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay application and tuition fees for education at Swedish universities. However, there are several scholarships you can apply for to cover these costs, for example from the Swedish Institute:
Courses within the programme
Year 1
- Forest Ecology or Aquatic Ecosystems + Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology
- Analysis of Field Data
- Ecological Dynamics or Molecular Ecology and Evolution
- Ecosystem Management (mandatory for specialisation in Ecosystem management)
Year 2
- Courses free of choice, for example
- Thesis project
Future and career opportunities
Where can a Master´s degree in Ecology take you?
A master’s degree in ecology opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities in both public authorities and private companies. Graduates often work with environmental analysis, sustainability consulting, conservation planning, and ecological monitoring.
Typical employers include:
- Government agencies (e.g., environmental boards, municipalities)
- Environmental NGOs
- Private environmental consulting firms
- Research institutions and universities
You will be well-prepared for advanced roles in ecological planning, biodiversity assessment, and environmental policy work. The nature conservation profile also gives you a competitive edge for positions that require expertise in environmental law and protected area management.
A strong foundation for research and further studies
Many students from the programme go on to pursue PhD studies in ecology or related fields. The master in Ecology provides the research training and scientific thinking needed for a career in academia.
If you wish to continue your education, you can take additional advanced courses or apply for doctoral programmes in Sweden or abroad.
Programme director
Apply
Film about the programme
Nordic ecosystems, nature conservation and so much more. Study Ecology at Umeå University.
Voices about the programme
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Elin works for biodiversity
Alumni
Elin Lindén works as a nature conservation consultant at Ecogain, where she helps companies to carry out their work as eco-friendly as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Why study aquatic ecology and what will I learn?
Freshwater ecosystems forms connected networks in the landscape and are recipients of runoff from the surrounding and upstream terrestrial landscape. This makes freshwater ecosystems sensitive to changes in biogeochemical processes not only at individual ecosystem scales but also at landscape scales. Aquatic ecosystems are vital for societal prosperity and people’s health by providing ecosystems services like drinking water, biological filtering, food production and recreational opportunities. You will study theoretically and practically how interactions among organisms shape food web dynamics and the processes that impact the productivity of aquatic ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide.
What is permafrost research and why is it important?
Permafrost research focuses on understanding frozen ground layers found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. As climate change accelerates permafrost thaw, greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide are released, potentially further impacting global warming. Studying permafrost is essential to predict and mitigate long-term environmental effects—an area where northern Sweden plays a key role due to its geography.
What is forest ecology and what will I learn?
Forest ecology explores the interactions between forest organisms and their environment. You will study how forests function and how they respond to natural disturbances and human activity. The course includes both theoretical models and fieldwork, particularly in the boreal forests of northern Sweden.
What makes Swedish nature unique for ecological studies?
Swedish nature offers diverse ecosystems, including boreal forests, wetlands, tundra, and mountain habitats. These landscapes are ideal for studying biodiversity, climate effects, and conservation strategies. The rich natural environments surrounding Umeå provide students with direct access to real-world ecological systems, making field-based learning both accessible and relevant.
Why should I pursue a Master’s degree when I already have a Bachelor’s?
While some employers may not require a master’s in Ecology for entry-level positions, earning a higher degree provides long-term career benefits that go beyond immediate job requirements. Many companies prioritize short-term hiring needs, but as industries evolve, specialized expertise becomes increasingly valuable. With a master's degree, you have the opportunity to advance in your career and achieve a higher income more quickly.
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