MSc

Aquatic Ecology

Learn more about studying Aquatic Ecology as an international student.

Person writing in notebook
Linnaeus University university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Master's
  • Duration
    2 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    175,000SEK
  • Start date
    Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Program overview

What Linnaeus University says about their program:

Both the ocean and freshwater bodies cover more than 70% of the planet and over 40% of the human population lives in coastal areas. One of the challenges for future researchers and decision makers is to understand the functioning of the aquatic systems for a better management of water resources.

The Master of Science in aquatic ecology is a programme at the advanced level, equivalent to 120 higher education credits. The programme is international, multidisciplinary and oriented towards current topics in aquatic microbiology, marine ecology and environmental policies

During the first year, students are introduced to the latest research in the field of aquatic ecology/marine ecology and will deepen their knowledge of marine microbiology, advanced systematics, and resources and ecology of marine waters. The function and evolution of different aquatic systems ranging from polar to tropical and from coastal to deep ecosystems are discussed in the light of the newest molecular advances in the field. Students are also introduced to simulation modelling and ecological applications that can offer solutions to complex management problems of water resources, including freshwater resources.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Have successfully completed your upper secondary (high school) education (post-16)
  • Be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. The entry requirement for bachelor's studies in Sweden is to have studied the equivalent of the Swedish upper secondary course English 6
  • For students who received their final school grades after 31 December 2009, there is an additional mathematics requirement. You must have successfully completed courses equal to the Swedish courses Mathematics 1a, 1b or 1c
  • Most courses and programs have specific entry requirements in addition to the general requirements. These are often linked to the area of study. For example, an economics course may require a higher level of upper-secondary school mathematics. These specific requirements are outlined in the individual course and program descriptions found on the university's website.

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Must have been awarded a Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen) from an internationally recognized university.
  • Many master's level courses and programs require the completion of specific bachelor's programs or courses in certain subject areas. They're most often related to the subject of the course or program you've applied for. These specific requirements are outlined in individual course or program descriptions which are found on the university's website.

English proficiency

  • TOEFL 90

    (no section below 20 in written test)

  • IELTS

    6.5 (no section below 5.5)

  • Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments

    University of Michigan, Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)

  • PTE

    62 (no section below 61)

  • University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL)

    C1 Advanced (CAE) minimum overall score 180 (points awarded since 2015) or Cambridge English certificate level C1 minimum score 180 or Cambridge English Advanced

Be mindful that some programs may have other specific English requirements

English proficiency waivers

  • There are many countries from which you can meet the English 6 requirement with your upper secondary studies.
  • If you have previous university studies, you may meet the English 6 requirement for the course or program you've applied to in either of the following ways.
  • Students with a degree equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen where English is the main subject, meet the English requirement. Please note that if an applicant requires more than one degree to meet the requirement of a degree equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen (for example a 2-year bachelor’s degree + a 2-year master’s degree), both degrees must have English as the main subject.
  • 60 credits with English as language of instruction from an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or certain other English speaking countries
  • Bachelor's degree from African countries

Documents required

Undergraduate and Graduate requirements

  • Application form
  • Proof of proficiency in English
  • A copy of your passport or another document of identification
  • Upper Secondary School Certificate and grades, such as High School, Abitur, Baccalaureate, GCE-O/A-levels, etc
  • Certificates and Diplomas from your previous education at university level.
  • Transcripts of Records, including a list of courses from all your years of study.

Note: For applications to Linnaeus University, no letters of recommendation are required. They will not be considered. Some master's programs may require that you send in a Statement of Purpose and CV. Also that there might be special requirements for documents from your country.

Illustration of academic elements  representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Fees and funding

Students with citizenship not within the EU / EEA, or Switzerland, are required to pay application and tuition fees.

The tuition fees at Linnaeus University are divided into categories. Course fees are determined on an annual basis but will apply to the whole period of study for which the student has been admitted.

Each year Linnaeus University offers scholarships to outstanding students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland through the program 'Linnaeus University Scholarships'.

Scholarships are available for students who study master's programs as well as for students who are studying courses within the Summer Academy. It's possible to get up to 100 percent reduction of the tuition fees for a full program. Scholarships for students who study programs will not cover living costs or other costs. Scholarships for courses within the Summer Academy will, however, cover both tuition fee and living costs.

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    from SEK110,000 to SEK285,500 per year

  • Postgraduate tuition

    from SEK109,700 to SEK285,000 per year

Funding

Linnaeus University Scholarship

  • Amount

    Up to 75% reduction of the tuition fees for the rest of the program. The scholarship is initially granted for one semester, but will automatically be extended for the duration of the study program (2 up to 4 semesters), provided that study results are satisfactory. The scholarship does not cover living costs or other costs.

  • Requirements

    You are eligible to apply if you are from a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland; have applied for a master program at Linnaeus University before January 16 AND have sent/uploaded all required documents before February 1; have chosen Linnaeus University as your first choice on your application; paid the application fee before February 1 and have filled out the application form before the deadline of the application.

Scholarships for Current Students at Linnaeus University

  • Amount

    This scholarship is for students already enrolled in a two- or three-year lasting programs at Linnaeus University at bachelor or master level and covers 75 percent of the tuition fee. The scholarships will initially be granted for one semester, but will automatically be extended for the duration of the study program (2 up to 4 semesters), provided that study results are satisfactory.

  • Requirements

    You are eligible to apply if you are from a country outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland; already are enrolled in a two- or three-year lasting program at Linnaeus University at Bachelor or Master level; are registered on full time studies and have passed at least 30 credits within your program. Linnaeus University's decision to award scholarships will be based on study completion and grades of the previous year/years of your program. With study completion, we mean the number of credits that you have passed in comparison to the possible number of credits that you could have taken. CV and motivation letter is not required.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Linnaeus University?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect Sweden-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in Swedish Krona)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centrekr 8,592Range: kr 6,000 to kr 16,877
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centrekr 6,898Range: kr 4,800 to kr 10,600
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)kr 1,218Range: kr 654 to kr 2,721
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)kr 375Range: kr 250 to kr 500
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)kr 267Range: kr 145 to kr 398
Monthly public transport passkr 860Range: kr 634 to kr 1,060
Monthly grocery basketkr 3,000Range: kr 2,200 to kr 4,000
Coffee shop drinkkr 46Range: kr 30 to kr 69
Cinema or cultural event ticketkr 159Range: kr 135 to kr 220
Gym membershipkr 393Range: kr 250 to kr 600

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Linnaeus University

Many international students will require a visa to study in Sweden, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.