The International Master’s in Biodiversity Ecology and Evolution – IMABEE – is a two-year research-oriented master’s programme for talented and motivated students who want to understand and work in the field of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. This is a joint programme between four European universities: The University of Rennes 1 in France, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the University of Göttingen in Germany, and Aarhus University in Denmark. On completion of the programme, students are awarded a double degree from the two partner universities selected.

BUILD YOUR OWN STUDY PLAN

IMABEE offers students the opportunity to compose an individual study programme in biodiversity, ecology, and evolution by combining elements from complementary programmes at the two selected partner universities. Students spend their first year at their home university, then the second year at their chosen host university among the four partners.

The Master’s programme is built upon existing master’s tracks within each partner university and involves three stages: a starting track during semesters one and two, advanced teaching modules in semester three, and a Master’s thesis project in semester four.

STUDENT LIFE

As a student in the Master’s programme at Aarhus University, you will have close contact with your lecturers, who are conducting their own research and working with the latest knowledge in their field. This gives you the opportunity to work with research groups and in an international research environment.

The Department of Bioscience, in which IMABEE is located, has a great student environment with both academic and social activities. The department has its own student-run newsletter, as well as a student committee that keeps students informed about departmental activities. Student organisations in the department organise academic activities, excursions, celebrations, and social events.

CAREERS

The IMABEE Master’s provides students with an advanced understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution by applying a multidisciplinary approach. Over and above general competence in academic approach and skills, graduates of the IMABEE Master’s will acquire specific competencies and knowledge in the following areas: the main theories, concepts, and tools of scientific ecology, biodiversity, and evolution; methods of statistical analysis; modelling; molecular tools; sampling protocols; experimental techniques in situ or in the lab; field and lab observations; and long-term monitoring.

This international master’s degree is designed to prepare graduates for the research activities carried out by researchers, engineers, and R&D managers, but it also offers the possibility of pursuing other careers such as ecological consulting or working in government institutions or local or regional public administration.

Graduates will be able to work in the fields of R&D, patents, technological monitoring, advice and expertise in public and/or private research structures, and also within a range of national and international institutions. IMABEE graduates will also be trained to efficiently start and handle a PhD project.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Graduates with a high-profile bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS or three years or equivalent) in biodiversity, ecology or evolution with outstanding study results and an above-average GPA are eligible for admission to the IMABEE programme. A bachelor of science in biology from Aarhus University, the University of Southern Denmark, or the University of Copenhagen will qualify students for admission; a bachelor of science with subject components in biology equalling 60 ECTS credits and basic subject components in mathematics, chemistry, and statistics may also qualify students for admission. Other qualifications are subject to the university’s assessment that they are equivalent in level, extent, and content to the degrees named above.

English is the language of instruction in all subjects, and all applicants are therefore required to provide evidence of their English-language proficiency.

SELECTION CRITERIA

There are a limited number of places on the programme. Applicants will therefore be assessed on the basis of their study results in subjects relevant to biodiversity, ecology, and evolution, as well as the motivation letter for acceptance into the programme.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission

If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now

There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements

Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants

Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees

Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/