Biodiversity and Sustainability (MSc)

Why Leiden University?

Biodiversity and Sustainability

This master specialisation aims to discuss and answer these societal relevant biological questions, such as; How much biodiversity do we need to ensure that nature functions well? What determines the stability of ecosystems? How can we quantify ecosystem services? Are invasive species always bad for the ecosystem? Will species be able to adapt sufficiently fast to global change and what are appropriate measures to facilitate this process? And, how can we optimize ecosystem functioning and biodiversity for a sustainable society? By using ‘sustainability’ as a guiding principle, the programme provides students with an academic attitude by stimulating reflective, independent and creative thinking to support, conserve and manage biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem services. 

Array of disciplines

You can expand your intellectual horizons while deepening your expertise in an array of disciplines. You can learn about the fundamentals of Biology in a compelling and challenging environment. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary challenges provide a unique learning and research environment for our graduate programme.

Small groups

Courses and working classes concern small groups, while you are in one-to-one contact with a staff member during your research periods. We are committed to showing that a study in Biology is far from solitary and monastic, but rather that, at its very core, it is social and collegial.

International environment

The Leiden Graduate School of Science aims to provide an international academic environment with an appreciable number of master and Ph.D. students from abroad. Moreover the same applies to the scientific staff and the post-doctorate fellows. English is the language of the courses, the colloquia, the scientific meetings and the daily conversations in the research groups.

Faculty of Science

The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance.  

Study at a world-class university

At Leiden University, you choose a master’s degree with impact. You study at a university with a strong international reputation and high-quality research, where academic freedom and critical thinking are at the core. Our master’s programmes offer intellectually challenging curricula with a wide range of courses and specialisations, allowing you to explore what truly interests you while preparing for a strong position in the job market. You become part of an international and diverse community, collaborating with students and academics from around the world. At the same time, you study in a personal and close-knit environment in Leiden and The Hague, where the atmosphere remains engaging and supportive. With a strong connection between education, research and societal challenges, you contribute to solutions for the issues of today and tomorrow – while shaping your own future.
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