Evolution, Ecology and Systеmatiсs
(Starting: Winter Semester)
- Starting
- Winter Semester
- Mode of Admission:
- no admission restriction
- Study Mode:
- On campus
- Registration Fee & Tuition Information:
- There are no tuition fees. However, students are required to pay a semester contributiοn οf € 333.05.
Program Video
Discover the Master’s in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics at Jena University
Five Reasons to choose this Master's Program
Course Description
The Master's program in Evolution, Ecology, and Systematics (MEES) at Friedrich Schiller University provides students with in-depth knowledge of biological systems, focusing on current research in organismic and evolutionary biology. The interdisciplinary nature of the study allows students to acquire competencies in ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, paleontology, systematics, and phylogenetics. The program aims to offer individual profiling based on a well-founded basic education, leaving room for elective modules that cater to individual interests.
The MEES program is designed for students from all biological disciplines but strongly emphasizes organismic biology. Prospective students should have a basic training in zoology, botany, and ecology, along with experience in statistical data analysis, preferably with R. Soft skills expected include advanced English proficiency and oral presentation skills.
The Master's program in Evolution, Ecology, and Systematics (MEES) is structured to be completed in two years and awards 120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) points. All courses are conducted in English unless specified otherwise in the module catalog.
The first academic year is designed to integrate students' prior knowledge and prepare them for independent research projects. It consists of five mandatory multidisciplinary modules that account for 30 ECTS credits. These modules aim to equip students with the skills needed to develop and present scientific research.
During the first three semesters, students must also choose required elective modules that total 30 ECTS credits. These electives offer flexibility and can be freely combined. The lecturers responsible for each module are available for consultation to help make the appropriate selections. Reflecting the program's interdisciplinary nature, multiple institutes co-offered many of these modules.
Beyond the core and elective modules, students can select individual courses from the MEES module catalog or other study programs to create "wildcard" modules. Each wildcard module is worth 5 ECTS credits and can include interdisciplinary courses or even modules taken during a study abroad experience.
The MEES program at Friedrich Schiller University is a two-year Master's course conducted primarily in English. The first year focuses on five compulsory multidisciplinary modules totaling 30 ECTS credits, designed to integrate prior knowledge and prepare students for independent research. Students also choose elective modules, amounting to 30 ECTS credits, during the first three semesters. These can be freely combined, and faculty guidance is available. Additionally, "wildcard" modules allow for further customization, each worth 5 ECTS credits. This flexible structure offers a balanced, interdisciplinary educational experience.
Graduates of the MEES program are well-equipped for research-oriented roles in various sectors. They find opportunities in universities, non-university research institutions, museums, public authorities, and the private sector. Additionally, this program also prepares students for postgraduate doctoral studies in various biological disciplines in Germany and abroad.
Special Program Features
Live in Young and Booming Jena
Jena, a lively student city in the heart of Thuringia, lies close to Leipzig, Berlin, Frankfurt, and the Czech Republic. Its economy thrives on research and high-tech industry.
Honours Program for Outstanding Students
Outstanding MEES students can join the Honours Program and gain deeper research insights through personal mentoring, additional courses, and funding for conferences and networking.
Tailor Your Studies to Your Interests
You complete compulsory modules in key areas such as Evolutionary Research and Ecology, then choose from a wide range of electives to shape your education around your interests.
Info events by the University
18 November 2026, 12:30 PM (CET)
OnlineThe 5 Pillars of Student Financing
How do you finance your studies – beyond BAföG? In this online session, the Studierendenwerk Thüringen (student services organization) gives you a compact overview of all five pillars: BAföG (state funding), parental support, scholarships, part-time jobs and housing benefit. You'll also get to know the Studierendenwerk itself, which brings many services together under one roof – from dining halls and student residences to social and psychosocial counselling, daycare centres and cultural programmes. Conveniently via Zoom, no registration needed.
14 December 2026, 12:00 PM (CET)OnlineDoubts About Your Studies? – Anonymous Online Workshop by the Student Advisory Service
Almost every student reaches a point where they question their studies – and that's exactly what this workshop is for. The Central Student Advisory Service shows you how doubts arise, how to deal with them productively and which paths are open to you: continuing your programme, switching subjects or universities, or reorienting completely. The BAföG question is covered too. What makes it special: The workshop is deliberately anonymous – you log in with a pseudonym, keep your camera off and ask questions by voice or chat. Confidential, open-ended and low-threshold.
24 April 2027, 09:30 AM (CET)On campusOpen Campus in student paradise
Thinking about studying in Jena? Get to know the university at Open Campus! At the big info day on the Ernst-Abbe-Platz campus, degree programs from all faculties introduce themselves – from law and sports science to life sciences. The Central Student Advisory Service and program advisors answer your questions about applications, admission requirements and financing, you talk directly with students and lecturers, sit in on taster lectures and join guided tours of labs, libraries, campus and city. At the marketing stand, a free Polaroid photo and a university tote bag are waiting for you.
Requirements
Qualification Requirements
The application requirements for the study program in "Evolution, Ecology and Systеmatiсs" are:
Subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree.
The overall grade of the bachelor's degree must be GOOD or better (German and US systеms: 2.7).
- Basic training in zoology, botany, and ecology.
- Basic knowledge of concepts in evolution and biodiversity.
- Experience with taxonomic species determination of animals and plants.
- Experience with statistical data analysis, prefеrablу with R.
Language Requirements
The following certificates are recognized as proof of your language proficiency.
EnglishApplication & Admission
Application Deadlines
German Students 
Other EU Students 
Non-EU Students Non-EU Students| Intake | Winter Semester |
| Application deadline | 31 Mayin > 6 months |
| Application mode | Directly at university → More info |
German Students
| Intake | Winter Semester |
| Application deadline | 31 Augustin > 9 months |
| Application mode | Directly at university → More info |
Other EU Students
| Intake | Winter Semester |
| Application deadline | 31 Augustin > 9 months |
| Application mode | Directly at university → More info |
Application Procedure & Selection
Application Documents
In the case of subject-specific work experience, applicants can upload corresponding certificates to support their application.&nbsр;
Good English language skills are required, but a language certificate is not needеd.
Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation.&nbsр;
External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system used at the respective University.&nbsр;
Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassу.
Podcast
Location
Further Information
Your Personal Contact
Prof. Dr. Christine Römermann
Course Guidance Service MEES
Contact Details:
+49 3641 9-49985
mees@uni-jena.de
For more information please check the
Course Website
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