Aquatic Ecology, Master Programme

120 credits

Are you passionate about understanding how aquatic systems function? Do you aspire to be a future researcher in marine or freshwater sciences, addressing the challenges of understanding and restoring aquatic habitats? The master’s programme in Aquatic Ecology is both international and multidisciplinary, focusing on current topics in aquatic microbiology, marine ecology, and human impacts on the aquatic environment.

The oceans and freshwater bodies cover more than seventy percent of the planet, and over forty percent of the human population lives in coastal areas. Aquatic systems are under increasing pressures from various factors, like climate change, overfishing, and pollution. One of the key challenges for future researchers and decision-makers is understanding how aquatic ecosystems work and how to manage water resources better and preserve biodiversity.

In this master’s programme in Aquatic Ecology, you will engage in the latest research in molecular ecology, phytoplankton and fish ecology, and management of aquatic resources. You will also explore the function and evolution of different aquatic systems, incorporating the latest molecular advances in the field. Through project courses in the programme you will be introduced to the latest techniques for designing ecological investigations and analysing monitoring data set, which will give you necessary skills to address environmental issues in the field.

In the second year, you will focus on a research project, including a written thesis. The master’s thesis is carried out in fields related to aquatic research interests at our research center, Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS).

When you apply to the programme, you will be selected based on academic excellence and individual assessment. All applicants should apply via universityadmissions.se, and we want the application to include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, diplomas, and references.

Career

The master programme in Aquatic Ecology is designed to deepen your knowledge of aquatic ecology and sustainable environmental strategies. Future careers include researchers, educators, decision-makers, and environmental consultants.

Degree

Master of Science (120 credits) with specialisation in Aquatic Ecology. Main field of study: Biology.

International possibilities

At Linnaeus University, you have plenty of opportunity to broaden your international perspective. During the course of your programme, you can choose to study abroad through exchange studies to gain international experience. If you do, you will conduct part of your studies at one of our many partner universities around the world.

Also at home you can gain international experience. Many courses contain intercultural elements. For instance, in the form of course literature or guest lecturers from other countries. In your leisure time, you can get involved in associations together with students from a wide range of other programmes and countries, or meet international students through our buddy programme.

Learn more about international possibilities at Linnaeus University

"There is much practical experience involved, and a lot of laboratory work"

Shenhong Ma

Shenhong Ma from China is a student in the master's programme in Aquatic Ecology.

Can you tell me about the programme? How do you like it?

“The teaching style here is very different from that in China. Here, I need to think more independently, and I have to be creative, while in China, what I am expected to do is just follow the teacher’s instructions and try to memorise as much as possible. What I like most about the Swedish education system is that I can focus on one course at a time, and intense studying like that works better for me. Also, the teachers here are so friendly; I can fully express my opinions."

Centre for research excellence, EEMiS

Healthy ecosystems are vital for the planet, providing food, water, recreation, and support for human well-being. They are complex systems influenced by environmental changes and global warming, which affect community composition and ecosystem functioning. Understanding biodiversity and interactions is crucial for predicting future impacts on ecosystem services.

At the EEMiS research center, we study the dynamics of ecology and evolution in aquatic ecosystems, from land to open waters. Our expertise spans microbial food webs to higher trophic levels like fish and birds, helping us understand how interactions shape temporal dynamics. This knowledge is essential for predicting future changes in food web architecture and biodiversity. EEMiS fosters curiosity-driven research and integrates high-quality education, generating globally significant knowledge for healthy ecosystems.

Kalmar – the student city by the sea

In Kalmar centre, right next to the sea, you will find the university’s facilities that were inaugurated in August 2021. In Kalmar, everything is nearby, and you can take your bicycle to the university regardless of where you live in the city.

New students have housing guarantee. This means that you are entitled to student accommodation within two months. This is one of the reasons for Kalmar being appointed Student City of the Year 2023 by the Swedish National Union of Students. Kalmar has also received the award because the city offers students an excellent living environment. What is more, the city works actively to create opportunities for students to stay in Kalmar to work when they have completed their studies.

Kalmar municipality has about 70 000 inhabitants. Kalmar has a strong trade and industry with many companies that are on the forefront in green energy, e-commerce, and eHealth, which means there is good opportunity to establish contacts for your future work life.

Kalmar has a cultural history centre and has been named Sweden’s Summer City several times. No wonder, with all the hours of sun, beaches and concerts. What is more, the island of Öland is just one bridge away.

Learn more about our student cities

House Vita at universitetskajen in Kalmar