Biology, Aquatic Ecology - Master Programme

You will practise chemical analyses and methods for taking specimens, as well as refine your species knowledge on planktons, invertebrates, large algae, other submerged aquatic plants and fish. We also discuss the effects of over-fertilisation, acidification and climate change with regard to aquatic systems.

The programme includes applied courses that provide you with important expertise on, for example, the EU framework directives on water, environmental toxins and utilisation of geographic information systems (GIS), and implementation of the action programme for restoring damaged aquatic environments. You will also achieve specialised knowledge on experimental design and statistics, as well as training in analysing and interpreting biological data.

All of the teaching staff are researchers, and the programme is continuously adapted based on current research. The Department of Biology has several world-leading research teams and conducts both basic research and applied research.

Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment. Field instruction is an important part. Excursions and field projects are provided at no cost. The programme has a high proportion of scheduled lessons, and the interaction with teaching staff is relaxed. You will practice both oral and written presentations and obtain ample experience in working in groups. The language of instruction is English.

The programme has a recommended study route, but you can also make a personal study plan after consultation with the study advisor and programme coordinator. During the first semester you will study limnology and marine ecology, focusing on ecosystems, species and processes. Next semester you will first take the aquatic ecology course, which addresses how climate change impacts the aquatic ecosystems. It also gives you more in-depth experience of scientific methods. The semester concludes with a water management course.

In the second academic year you can select courses on GIS, processing and analysing biological data, modelling of biological systems or ecotoxicology, for example. The degree project is worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and is generally conducted in a research team, but it can also be conducted in cooperation with a public authority or a company. The programme offers the option of doing an internship, which can provide valuable contacts.

There is a growing need for expertise on aquatic ecosystems. After graduation, you can work in water management as a municipal ecologist or as a county water administrator, for example. You could also work as a consultant.

Among other things, work duties could include environmental monitoring through field sample collection and evaluation, offering advice and assessing measures. If you are passionate about research within aquatic ecology, there are good opportunities to continue your studies at a higher education institution.

Prerequisites

Specialisations: Aquatic Ecology Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits, of which 90 credits must be in science, including 5 credits in statistics and 60 credits in biology comprising cell biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, botany and zoology, or the equivalent. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application and qualifications from research/work of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).

Computers in the programme

The student must have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.

Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies

The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely. 

Ethical concerns

The programme includes compulsory elements that some people may have concerns about, such as patient-centred activities in healthcare, animal testing or dissection. However, the student is obliged to acquire knowledge and skills in these areas as well, to the extent necessary to fulfil the learning outcomes of the course. For some elements, there might be specific requirements regarding rules on hygiene, protective work clothing, confidentiality and professionalism.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships