Master's Degree Programme
| About the programme Language: English (See language requirements) | Place of study: Aarhus | Commencement: August / September and January / February |
Are you fascinated by the diversity of life and the complexities of the natural world? The Master’s degree programme (MSc) in Biology at Aarhus University offers in-depth and high-level understanding of the funda-mental principles of nature – from the smallest molecular interactions to the dynamics of entire ecosystems.
The MSc in Biology builds on the department’s strong research expertise in:
The programme is highly flexible and research-oriented allowing you to tailor your MSc according to your specific interests. As a student, you will become an integrated part of vibrant research environments, working alongside internationally recognised scientists.
You can pursue your passion for biodiversity or your curiosity for the complex ways with which living organ-isms function and interact with their environment. You can learn from world experts on species groups from across the tree of life and a range of ecosystems. While following your interests, you will gain expert knowledge and obtain the tools needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing modern society relating to biodiversity loss, climate change and human health.
The programme provides you with a strong theoretical foundation and the possibility for extensive practical experience. Through research projects, laboratory work, and field trips you can work directly on a variety of problems such as nature restoration and conservation, how climate change impacts Arctic ecosystems, physiological mechanisms driving animal behaviour, the role of microorganisms in global element cycles – the list is long. You will also acquire analytical skills with broad value in the job market. These include analytical tools in bioacoustics, use and development of satellite- and drone-based remote sensing technologies, analytical genomics and bioinformatics, eDNA-analysis and advanced chemical sensors, to name but a few.
At Aarhus University, the Biology programme is known for its exceptionally active and welcoming student community, offering international students the ideal setting to thrive both academically and socially. With a strong emphasis on applying knowledge and developing innovative solutions, the programme is perfectly suited for the curious and ambitious student who is motivated by Biology’s key role in addressing global challenges.
Join the MSc in Biology at Aarhus University – pursue your passions, discover new ones, and prepare for a career where you can make a difference
In this section you can learn more about the admission requirements relevant to the master's degree programme in Biology. Depending on your educational background and your qualifications, there are different ways to meet the admission requirements:
This section is relevant for you, if you have:
The two sections listed below are relevant only for students with a bachelor's degree from a Danish institution:
Below you will also be able to learn more about language requirements and find out whether or not this master's degree programme has a limited intake.
If you have an international educational background, you must meet both the general admission requirement and the specific admission requirements:
You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent that is comparable to a Danish bachelor's degree in both level and duration (180 ECTS).
For more information about how your bachelor's degree is assessed, please see the national database.
If you meet the general admission requirement, the university will continue on to assess whether or not you meet the specific admission requirements.
You can be admitted to the master's programme if the university assesses that your education has a level, scope, and content that corresponds to the academic requirements specified below.
| Subject area | Number of ECTS |
Subject components in Biology The following subject areas must be covered:
| 60 |
Subject components in Quantitative and Physical Sciences The following subject areas must be thoroughly covered:
The following areas may also be covered:
| 30 |
We cannot assess in advance whether your specific degree will meet the above requirements. Therefore, we recommend that you apply for the programme if you believe that you meet the academic requirements. In this regard, it is a good idea to compare your degree with the programmes that provide direct admission.
The following Bachelor's degree programme(s) from Aarhus University entitles you to an offer of admission to the Master's degree programme in Biology:
Please note that you must apply for admission to the Master's degree programme within three years of completing your Bachelor's degree programme.
Learn more about Legal right of admission.
Certain Bachelor's degree programmes from Aarhus University and various other Danish Universities have been determined to meet the admission requirements to this Master's degree programme in Biology:
This master's degree programme has a limited intake.
Because of the limited intake all qualified applicants will be prioritised according to a set of selection critieria (see below).
Meeting the admission requirements does not automatically ensure your offer of admission. Only if you have a specific bachelor's degree from Aarhus University with a so-called 'legal right of admission' will you be guaranteed an offer of admission to this master's degree programme.
If there are more qualified applicants than available student places, the selection will be based on the following criteria (each criterion counts for 1/3):
Grades from the qualifying degree
Grades achieved in relevant subject fields:
Biology of organisms
Genetics
Evolutionary biology
Molecular biology
Physiology
Microbiology
Ecology
Chemistry
Statistics
Please note that grades achieved after the application deadline are not included in the grade point average (GPA).
Relevant subject fields (measured in ECTS)
Biological Sciences
Quantitative and Physical Sciences
In criterion three, the score is based on the proportion of subjects on the bachelor’s degree diploma that fall within the relevant subject fields. In this assessment, ECTS credits that are a part of the admission requirements described under ‘Other qualifying degrees’ are not included.
Please note that grades achieved after the application deadline are not included in the assessment.
In order to be admitted to this programme you must meet the university's english language requirements.
Students with bachelor's degree from Aarhus University with a so-called 'Legal right of admission' are exempt from the English language requirement.
Unfortunately, Aarhus University is not able to assess your qualifications beforehand. In order for your qualifications to be assessed you must apply for admission. To learn more, please go to Assessment of your qualifications.
The MSc in Biology comprises 120 ECTS credits and consists of elective courses and a Master’s thesis. Before beginning the programme, you will, in consultation with a departmental supervisor, prepare an individual study plan based on courses of your own choice from the course catalogue.
A minimum of 90 ECTS credits must be obtained within the field of biology. Beyond this requirement, you have the opportunity to take courses offered in other disciplines, provided they contribute to the overall academic coherence of your programme. This considerable degree of freedom allows for in-depth specialisation within one of the many disciplines encompassed by the field of biology
The MSc in Biology culminates in a Master’s Thesis, which comprises 30, 45 or 60 ECTS credits. The thesis is often based on a major fieldwork and/or laboratory project, and the practical component must be supported by relevant theory and placed within a broader scientific context. The project is carried out in collaboration with a researcher or a research group.
The Department of Biology is located in the heart of the University Park. Here, you will attend classes, work on projects, receive supervision, and meet with your fellow students. You will also find Biologiens Hus – a much-used meeting place for biology students. The building offers quiet reading areas and group rooms and also a social area – the setting for the popular Friday Bar.
Biology is known for its active and inclusive study environment, with many student-run activities and associations – including the sports club GD Biobold, the social committee BIOGAS, and Kulten, which organises field trips. As an international student, you will therefore have excellent opportunities to settle in quickly and become part of the community.
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Ellen Rose Jacobs, MSc student in Biology at Aarhus University, BSc in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from University of California
I chose Aarhus University because of the faculty. The lab I'm studying in here is world-class in marine bioacoustics, so I came here to study with researchers at the forefront of their fields. I've worked in a number of bioacoustics labs, but the one here at Aarhus University is definitely among the best. I've followed their work in my previous studies so it's almost surreal to get to work directly with them.
Before coming here I'd heard about Denmark's flat hierarchical power structure, but when I arrived it was still a positive surprise! The staff and faculty are mostly laid-back in their interactions with students, which creates a low-pressure environment and makes it very comfortable to come to them with any problems. My professors have all been high up in the department, but they treat the students as equals. Ultimately, I feel respected by the staff, which makes my experience here infinitely better than it would be in a department with a strict power structure.
I'm really enjoying my Master's program here! The flexibility to study what I am interested in is fantastic. In a more strictly structured Master's program, I wouldn't be able to do extended field work in my first year, but here at Aarhus everything is accommodating enough that I can take advantage of all that the university has to offer. I'm getting real research experience and right from the start, which is incredibly valuable. I appreciate that nothing I do here is busy work. There is an emphasis on real-life application, so any lab exercises in my classes demonstrate valuable theories from our curriculum, and my independent projects are attempts at actual contributions to my field.
I would like to work in bioacoustics research when I graduate. I'm really excited about marine bioacoustics, and the longer I spend studying in the field, the more I like it and feel that it's what I want to spend my life doing.
The chart shows the five most common types of work for graduates 1-2 years after finishing their degree. The data is derived from a survey made by Epinion for the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and Aarhus University in 2020.
Biology graduates from Aarhus University are well prepared for careers in regional, national and international job markets. They find employment across a wide range of fields, including research, administration, consultancy, teaching and communication — in both the public and private sectors. They work within diverse areas including biotechnology, nature conservation, environmental management, and biological production in agriculture and fisheries
After completing the first year of your MSc programme, you may apply for admission to the four-year PhD programme. Alternatively, you can apply for the three-year programme upon completing your MSc in Biology. A PhD in Biology provides an even broader range of career opportunities, typically within research and development. Read more about the PhD programme in Biology.
