Evolution, Ecology and Systеmatiсs
(Starting: Winter Semester)
- Starting
- Winter Semester
- Mode of Admission:
- no admission restriction
- Study Mode:
- On campus
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.
Special Program Features
Live in young and booming Jena
Jena is in the heart of the Thuringia region and is a student city full of young people. It is located not far away from other German cities such as Leipzig, Berlin, and Frankfurt, as well as the Czech Republic. It is also a city with a blossoming economy based on research and high-tech industry.
Excellence Recognized: The Honours Program
The Honours Program is an exclusive opportunity for outstanding MS students in the Master's program in Evolution, Ecology, and Systematics. Selected students gain deeper insights into research and the scientific community, benefiting from personal mentoring, additional courses, and funding for conference participation and networking activities.
Tailor-Made Education for Every Student
Students get to complete compulsory modules in key areas like Evolutionary Research and Ecology. The program also offers a wide range of elective modules, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests.
Info events by the University
22 October 2026, 04:00 PM (CET)
On campusMissed the Orientation Days? Orientation and Networking for First-Semester Students
Just arrived in Jena and missed the regular orientation days? No problem: In this workshop run by the Welcome Days team and the Central Student Advisory Service, you'll catch up on everything you need. You'll get compact information about starting your studies, personal advice and the chance to connect with other newcomers – from creating your timetable and organizing your studies to getting to know people, leisure activities and Q&As for international students. Bring a laptop if you'd like help putting your timetable together. Open to both international and German first-semester students.
27 October 2026, 06:00 PM (CET)On campusPractical Semester? Go Abroad!
Studying to become a teacher and thinking about completing your practical semester at a school abroad instead of in Thuringia? At this info evening hosted by the Centre for Teacher Education and Educational Research (ZLB), you'll learn how to organize and finance your mandatory internship at schools worldwide. Working in multicultural teaching teams and culturally diverse classrooms broadens your perspective as a future teacher – and prepares you for the intercultural challenges you'll also encounter in German schools. Open to teacher training students of all subjects.
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
Locked
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(Starting: October)
Germany
Another EU Country
Rest of the worldApplication Procedure & Selection
There are no application fees.
However, students are required to provide a semester contribution of € 260,30.
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
[email protected]
For more information please check the
Course Website
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