Research 

Practical training forms the core (75%) of the Green Life Sciences programme. You will carry out one (or two) longer, individual research project(s). You can also opt for a second research project in an industry setting. Alternatively you can choose to combine your scientific background with making societal impact through the minor Collective Futures or decide on one of the major variants for your second year. 

You can focus your profile on research aiming at a career in academia, or benefit from the professional network of your teachers and the presence of Amsterdam Green Campus (AGC) to find an internship aimed at a career outside academia. AGC carries out project research in the field of sustainability and circular economy, working together with knowledge institutions, authorities (provinces, municipalities) and entrepreneurs. 

Courses & electives

Advanced courses in biomolecular, ecological, genetic and physiological topics, will familiarize you with current hot topics in plant biology. You will help design, carry out, and present your own research and discuss it with the scientists that teach in your Master’s programme. 

Detailed course information

For detailed information on the courses and curriculum, check out the UvA Course Catalogue or download the study schedule:

Majors or Minor: if you want more than research

Students of the Master's programme Biological Sciences further have the option to choose one of three professional majors (60 EC) or a minor (30 EC), each designed to train a specific set of skills needed as a secondary school teacher, in policy and communication or elsewhere outside the academia:

• The major Teaching prepares students to become a teacher in Biology at secondary schools and Higher Vocational Education (Dutch: HBO). This major is offered by the Interfacultaire Lerarenopleidingen (ILO).
   
• The major Science Communication prepares students for a role in communication between science and other societal sectors. This major is offered by the Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
   
• The major Science in Society trains skills such as reading and writing policy advisory reports, management and leadership, and organisation, and is meant for students with a broad interest in current affairs, social issues, policy, management and entrepreneurship. This major is offered by the Athena Institute of the VU.
   
• The minor Collective Futures trains skills needed in interdisciplinary environments by tackling real business or societal cases with external partners. The minor Collective Futures  has recently been developed by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) at the Faculty of Science.

Accreditation and academic title

Degree requirements

A Master of Science in Biological Sciences is awarded upon successful completion of the core courses of the curriculum, a literature review and a Master’s thesis on the independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits and grants the title Master of Science (MSc).

Accreditation

Green Life Sciences is a track of the Master’s programme Biological Sciences. Biological Sciences has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).  

Bring your own device

All students enrolled in Biological Sciences must have their own laptop, due to the programme’s technical requirements. Find out more about system requirements here. 

Ready to make an impact? 

Join the Green Life Sciences track and contribute to solutions for global challenges in food security, sustainability, and biotechnology.