Ecology and Sustainability

Admission requires:

• bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or an equivalent degree following a programme of study of minimum 3 years.
• a minimum of 80 ECTS in the bachelor's degree must include a specialization in biological topics [i.e., biodiversity (zoology/botany), ecology, cell- and molecular biology, microbiology, physiology (animal/plant), biochemistry and bioinformatics].
• a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (3,0) in the ECTS scale. The average grade is calcualted from the entire bachelore´s degree.
• proof of English language proficiency. (Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries. You will find more information of English language requirements here.)

Applicants with a degree in Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture studies, Biomedical laboratory sciences ("Bioingeniør"), or Bachelor of Pharmacy, Medicine or Dentistry do not fulfil the admission requirements.

How to apply for admission to UiT? Read more here

Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here

Program description

The Ecology and Sustainability specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex sustainability challenges. Students will explore the interactions between natural and social systems to develop solutions that balance the needs of current and future generations while protecting the planet's life-supporting systems.

The program covers key sustainability concepts, including theories, principles, models, and indicators relevant to global frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and the Arctic Council's environmental assessments. Students will learn ecosystem-based approaches, focusing on topics such as ecosystem ecology, spatial ecology, resilience, biodiversity, tipping points, and adaptive management. Students will also be trained in equitable engagement of citizens, stakeholders and indigenous – and local communities science and management.

Students will be an integral part of the Arctic Sustainability Lab Research Group and are expected to participate actively.

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Learning outcomes

The Ecology and Sustainability specialization equips you with advanced knowledge of tools and methods used in sustainability science, or different methodologies and approaches for engaging citizens and stakeholders in sustainability science and ecosystem-based management (pending on MSc topic). You will develop the ability to analyze sustainability challenges, critically evaluate sustainability theories and models in environmental policies and global assessments, and apply systems thinking to understand interactions between social and ecological systems, identifying actionable solutions for management agencies and businesses.

Job prospectives

The Master’s degree in Biology will allow you to qualify for different career paths and prepare you to step into a professional role or to apply for a PhD.

A Master of Science degree in Biology will prepare you for a wide range of jobs, in both public and private sectors, including research, resource and nature management, administration, consulting and the teaching profession.

The master thesis can play an important role to establish your domain of expertise and to showcase acquired technical and soft skills. Also, it can be very important in building scientific and professional network, that will be a support in your future job search.

Access to further studies

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD-programme in Biology at the UiT or elsewhere.

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Study plan

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Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

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Teaching and assessment

Several teaching and assessment methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, computer lab and field courses. These will vary from course to course.

Course examinations may be oral or written examinations, assessments of project work/ lab reports/field reports, often in combination.

Supervision of the project work that leads to the writing of the Master`s thesis will be given by faculty staff, sometimes in co-operation with an external supervisor.