Do you want to know what kind of impact global change has on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity? How we can manage our natural resources in a sustainable manner? How animal behaviour can be explained from an ecological and evolutionary perspective? Or what we can learn from microbes in nature and how do we make them useful for mankind?

Icon strategy
4
specialised tracks
to tailor your programme
Grafische weergave van een onderwijssituatie
35%
international staff
to learn from and work with

Explore life from genes to ecosystems

In the Master’s programme Environmental Biology you will have the chance to study the functioning of plants, animals and micro-organisms in their environment, and how they react to changes in that environment. We study these biological processes at different organization levels of life, from genes, cells and organisms, to populations and entire ecosystems. 

The research we offer is driven by grand societal challenges such as sustainable food production, the effects of climate change, conservation of biodiversity and the management of natural resources. The knowledge we gain, is applied to address these societal challenges.

Go to study programme

My favourite component of this programme would have to be the major research project. It is a chance to spend nine months working on a research topic within your own field of interest, creating a project of your own in the process.

Tracks

Within the Master's you have a lot of freedom to tailor your own programme. You choose one of the following tracks to focus on: 

  • Plant Biology  
  • Fungal Biology  
  • Ecology and Natural Resource Management  
  • Behavioural Ecology

Admission

Environmental Biology is a selective research Master’s programme. Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master's?

Check the entry requirements

Why in Utrecht

  • We offer a multidisciplinary programme that integrates different levels of biological organisation, from genes to ecosystems. 
  • We gain fundamental knowledge on the functioning of plants, animals and microbes, and apply it to address societal challenges. 
  • Freedom to design your own programme, by choosing the track, research project and electives that best fit your interests. You also select one out of 9 thematic profiles which are designed to equip you with skills for your future career in a direction that appeals you most. 

Key facts

Degree: 
Biosciences (MSc)
Language of instruction: 
English
Mode of study: 
Full-time
Study duration: 
2 years
Start: 
September
Tuition fees: 
Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2025-2026: € 2.601

Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) 2025-2026: € 24.432

More information about fees
Croho code: 
68713
Accreditation: 
Accredited by the NVAO
Faculty: 
Science
Graduate school: 
School of Life Sciences
Brochure: 
Request a brochure