Master of Science Biodiversity, Evolution, Ecology Freie Universität Berlin

Building on the unique strengths of the Berlin area, including the Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), this programme offers a wide range of courses in the field of biodiversity, ecology and evolution. We integrate a number of scientists at institutions of the Leibniz Association in the teaching programme and research, resulting in a diverse course portfolio.

A proof of 120 credit points is required for the Master's programme in Biodiversity, Evolution, Ecology. It consists of the following fields:

1. Introduction area (15 CP)
2. Supplementary area (60 CP)
3. Project area (15 CP)
4. Master's thesis with accompanying colloquium (30 CP)

The introductory area comprises two modules, providing students with an overview of the various research areas at the Institute of Biology of FU Berlin and an introduction to advanced biostatistics. In the supplementary area, students can select from a significant number of module variants, allowing for specialisation within the course of study. To ensure research-oriented teaching in line with current methods, there is a high turnover of module variants. Each current module variant can be found on the website, offering a broad spectrum of options each semester. The project area offers students the opportunity to engage in research projects within different working groups at the Institute of Biology of FU Berlin or at non-academic research centres in Berlin. Students can engage in these research projects through participation in up to two modules.

With the research project, an internship comprising 15 ECTS is a compulsory part of the degree programme. With the project comprising 10 ECTS, a second internship can be included as an option.

Admission requirements for the Master's degree course are a professionally qualifying German or equivalent foreign degree in biology, geosciences, horticulture, forestry, agricultural sciences, bioinformatics, veterinary medicine or another natural science degree with proof of modules amounting to a total of at least 30 credit points from the field of biodiversity, ecology and evolution. Of these, at least 10 credit points should have imparted practical knowledge in laboratory and/or field work.

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 358.80 EUR. It includes a fee of 213.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 500 and 700 EUR in Berlin (for a room in a shared apartment).

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as wait staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students.

When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You can also work on campus. The Freie Universität Berlin regularly offers positions for students in science, teaching support and administration that you can find on our careers portal.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.

Freie Universität Berlin is a young, modern university offering a wide range of degree programmes across all academic disciplines. Today, approximately 34,000 students are enrolled in around 170 degree programmes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. Economics, law, global history, physics, English studies, biodiversity, and cognitive neuroscience are just a few examples of the wide variety of subjects offered at Freie Universität Berlin. Additionally, there are around 3,300 doctoral candidates from more than 70 doctoral programmes.

As a leading research institution, Freie Universität Berlin has held the status of a University of Excellence awarded by the German government for almost 20 years. It is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence in Germany – the Berlin University Alliance – which includes four prestigious partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Freie Universität Berlin is highly international in its outlook. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide and operates liaison offices in Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, and São Paulo. Around 22 percent of students in undergraduate and graduate programmes come from abroad, as do 42 percent of doctoral candidates. Many lecturers and professors also have international backgrounds. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.

A variety of support services make it easier to begin your studies, especially for international students and those new to Berlin. Examples include orientation week, the mentorship programme, the peer programme, and the Student Services Centre.

The university sports programme, ranging from Aikido to Zumba, is also very popular. Numerous cafeterias and dining halls across campus offer food and beverages, often including fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Environmental protection and sustainability are key values at Freie Universität Berlin. There are many opportunities to get involved in related initiatives and student-led projects.

In addition, Freie Universität Berlin actively supports entrepreneurs. Through its start-up support network, students, researchers, and alumni receive guidance on turning innovative ideas into successful businesses – from the initial concept to market readiness.

Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany’s capital. It is located in the leafy district of Dahlem, in the south-western part of the city. Most of the university’s facilities are situated on the Dahlem campus, making it a central hub for academic life in a uniquely green setting. No other university campus in Berlin offers as much greenery and open space.

Just step outside the university buildings to enjoy the outdoors — have lunch on one of the many terraces or rooftops, or explore the green spaces nestled between the buildings. In the summer, you can cool off after class with a swim in nearby Krumme Lanke or head to Freie Universität’s water sports centre at Wannsee.

Dahlem is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, offering a peaceful escape just a few steps from campus life.

Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, the heart of Berlin is easily accessible. The U3 subway line directly links Dahlem with popular central neighbourhoods such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, and all other districts can also be reached quickly and conveniently.