Communities and Ecosystems

Communities and Ecosystems at Radboud University is a comprehensive Master’s programme designed to explore the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. This programme aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the biodiversity, ecological processes, and sustainability challenges faced by our planet. Throughout the programme, students will examine various ecosystems—ranging from terrestrial to aquatic—and analyze how communities of species interact within these environments. They will also investigate the impact of human activities on ecological systems and explore strategies for conservation and sustainable management.

The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, conservation, environmental consultancy, and policy development. Courses cover topics such as biodiversity assessment, ecosystem functioning, population dynamics, spatial ecology, and the principles of restoration ecology. Students will have opportunities to participate in fieldwork in diverse habitats, gaining hands-on experience in ecological data collection and analysis. Additionally, the programme emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from biology, geography, and social sciences to tackle real-world ecological challenges.

Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, working on projects that address contemporary environmental issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species. The programme also fosters international collaboration, giving students the chance to engage with global ecological research and conservation initiatives. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, students can undertake innovative projects and contribute to scientific knowledge.

Graduates of this programme will be prepared for a variety of roles within academia, governmental agencies, NGOs, and private organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship. The programme’s emphasis on ecological research, sustainable management practices, and policy implications ensures that students are equipped to make meaningful contributions towards safeguarding ecosystems and promoting biodiversity worldwide. Whether your passion lies in scientific research, environmental policy, or hands-on conservation projects, Communities and Ecosystems at Radboud University offers a challenging and rewarding academic experience to advance your career in ecological sciences.

Key courses: Orientation in Biology and Environmental Sciences; Quantitative Conservation Biology; Management of Ecosystems; Environmental and Ecological Modelling; Biodiversity and Ecological Assessment; microbiology of Wetland Ecosystems.

Admission requirements for students with an international Bachelor’s degree

1. A completed Bachelor's degree
   Entering the Master’s specialisation in Communities and Ecosystems requires a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field of science.
   
   An international degree has to be equivalent to a Dutch university diploma. The Admission's Office will determine if an international student has the required knowledge to be admitted, and if the student is required to follow specific courses from the Bachelor's programme to eliminate possible deficiencies.

1. A proficiency in English
   In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
   • A TOEFL score of >575 (paper based) or >90 (internet based)
   • An IELTS score of ≥6.5
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The MSc in Communities and Ecosystems at Radboud University offers an in-depth exploration of the complex interactions between human societies and their natural environments. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how communities can develop sustainable relationships with ecosystems, addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and resource depletion. The curriculum combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches from ecology, sociology, geography, and policy studies. Students will engage in research projects, fieldwork, and case studies to analyze different community structures and ecosystem dynamics across various geographic regions. The program also focuses on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop effective strategies for sustainable development. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in environmental consulting, policy-making, conservation organizations, international development, and academic research. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication skills, and real-world problem solving, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability initiatives worldwide. The institution supports students with state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and opportunities for international exchange. With its multidisciplinary approach, the program aims to produce experts capable of bridging the gap between ecological science and social needs, ensuring resilient and sustainable communities and ecosystems for future generations.