Nordic Master in Biodiversity and Systematics

Be part of the new generation of taxonomists with the expertise and skills to take action against biodiversity loss. You will gain a broad knowledge of living organisms, and their relationships and learn specific identification and research skills to be able to follow a career in the conservation of biodiversity in the future.

Reasons to choose a Master in Biodiversity and Systematics

• Emphasis on gaining practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge
• Constantly updated courses to reflect the latest research
• Programme designed to be tailored to individual students' career goals

The program is a collaboration between seven nordic universities and courses are taught as a combination of distance studies and intensive field and lab sessions at different field stations and participating universities. The distance element allows you a lot of flexibility in when and where you conduct your studies. The up-to-week-long field and lab sessions give you hands-on experience with methods and deeper insight into biodiversity and systematics research across Sweden and the Nordic countries.

The program consists of courses within four main categories: Biodiversity-identification, Biodiversity-classification, Systematic theory, and Tools & skills. You will receive broad training in both practical and theoretical subjects and there is plenty of space available in the program to choose from a selection of elective courses depending on your interests and career goals. The requirement is that you include at least one course from each of the categories.

Year 1

Compulsory courses

• Alpha taxonomical principles (Gothenburg)
• Fundamental and molecular systematics (Uppsala)

Elective courses

Year 2

Compulsory course

Degree project in Biodiversity and Systematics (instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)

Independent project

Master’s degree projects are carried out within ongoing research projects at your host university.

The Master’s degree in Biodiversity and Systematics opens career paths for students wishing to pursue careers in academic research or as museum curators. Similarly, the program is well suited to non-academic careers in Nature conservation, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.