Students and lecturers from the track Ecology and Evolution tell you what you can expect from this programme and discuss career opportunities once you have graduated.
Discover the Master's programme & tracks
The Master's programme Biological Sciences offers specialisations in 4 tracks. Ecology and Evolution is one of them. The other tracks are:
The study programme
The Master's track Ecology and Evolution builds on the internationally renowned research of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED). Teaching and learning activities are firmly integrated with the current research. Track-specific research can be fundamental (e.g. speciation, soil-plant-insect interactions, community dynamics, long-term (paleo) ecology) or applied (e.g. pest control, nature conservation, bird migration, ecosystem services).
After graduation
Graduates of the Master's programme Biological Sciences are well prepared for a career in fundamental or applied research, or as a trained professional. Overall, the career perspectives for Biological Sciences graduates are good.
Is Ecology and Evolution for you?
Ecology and Evolution at the UvA is the study for you, if you
- are looking for expert training to thoroughly understand how plant and animal species originate and together shape communities that inhabit the ecosystems on our planet;
- want to explore the options to improve and protect the earth's biodiversity;
- are interested in a wide choice of courses and internships in the Netherlands, Europe or anywhere in the world.

'I chose this track because of my curiosity in everything going on in nature on the Ecosystem level. I can tailor the program to my own specific interests due to the endless possibilities in research projects.'