Learn through research 

At the heart of the Ecology and Evolution track is hands-on research. You’ll actively contribute to real-world projects, gaining valuable experience in the lab, in the field, or through computational modelling. Research is carried out at UvA’s renowned Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), or at other leading institutes in the Netherlands or abroad.

Flexible, research-led curriculum 

The programme is designed to give you both depth and flexibility. With only two compulsory courses, you can shape your curriculum around your interests. Suggested study paths are available, but you’re free to choose from a wide range of electives—including courses offered by other Dutch universities or international partners. You’ll explore a broad spectrum of topics, such as: 

• Evolutionary Biology: Study the mechanisms that drive evolution - from natural selection and genetic drift to speciation and adaptation - across a variety of organisms and ecosystems.
• Population and Conservation Biology: Examine how populations grow, interact, and respond to environmental pressures, while learning strategies to protect species and ecosystems under threat. 
• Computational Geo-Ecology: Use data science, spatial analysis, and modelling tools to understand large-scale ecological patterns and predict how ecosystems respond to environmental change. 
• Paleoecology and Landscape Ecology: Explore long-term ecological changes using fossil records and landscape data to understand how ecosystems have evolved over time and space. 
• Theoretical Ecology: Delve into mathematical and conceptual models to investigate the dynamics of species interactions, community structure, and ecosystem processes. 

Courses combine theoretical insights with practical training, and often include both laboratory and fieldwork. Most courses carry 6 EC and are taught full-time over a four-week period during the first semester. 

Course teaching in this track is shared with the MSc Ecology and Evolution of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Therefore, as a Biological Sciences student, you benefit from the expertise, networks and research projects at both universities. 

Become part of the world-wide research network in Ecology and Evolution

The Ecology and Evolution track offers extensive opportunities for internships at leading research institutes in the Netherlands and beyond. Whether you want to gain field experience, contribute to cutting-edge lab work, or explore computational approaches, you can tailor your internships to fit your interests and career goals. 

Many students carry out internships at partner institutes such as: 

• The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) 

• NCB Naturalis 

• National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) 

You are also welcome to arrange research placements at other universities or organisations around the world. These internships give you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings, expand your professional network, and prepare for a career in research, conservation, or policy. 

Research project

The research project is a compulsory component of the track. Research projects give you the opportunity to acquire practical experience by applying empirical scientific research methods and to learn to work independently in a research laboratory or in the field. You will design and carry out your own projects, under supervision of and with feedback of research staff. A research project is carried out full-time, and its subject must be different from that of any other research project or the literature review. Unless students choose a major (see below), two research projects must be done, each with a minimum of 30 EC and maximum of 60 EC.  

Literature review: deep dive into a topic of your choice 

As part of the programme, you will complete an individual literature review (12 EC), allowing you to explore a specific research question in depth. Guided by expert supervisors, you’ll critically analyse current scientific literature and develop a detailed, written review on a topic of your own choosing—provided it fits within the scope of ecology and evolution. This project strengthens your skills in scientific writing, critical thinking, and research design, and may serve as a valuable foundation for your research projects or future academic work. 

 For detailed information regarding the curriculum and courses, check 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 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 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (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 degree

Ecology and Evolution is a track of the Master's programme in Biological Sciences. This programme has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a Master's degree in Biological Sciences and the title of Master of Science (MSc).

Bring your own device

All students enrolled in Biological Sciences are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here