The Master's programme Global Change Biology focuses on the complex causes and far-reaching consequences of global change. You will learn about the multifaceted nature of global change, encompassing changes in climate, land use, water and biogeochemical cycles, as well as environmental pollution and the loss of biodiversity, and how these changes impact all levels of biological organisation, from molecules to ecosystems. 

Specific attention within the Master's programme is given to the development of nature-based solutions, where fundamental knowledge on ecosystems is translated into applied ecosystem management, that addresses the negative impacts of global change. For example, you can perform Master's thesis research on:

• negative CO2-emission technologies

• novel techniques for wetland restoration

• management of invasive species

• management of vector-based diseases

You can thus participate in state-of-the-art research performed at the internationally renowned Department of Biology of the University of Antwerp. 

Your programme:

The Master programme in Biology comprises of 120 credits, to be acquired over a two-year period. Each year you register for 60 credits (deviations between 54 and 66 are possible).

English is the teaching language for all courses in the specialisation Global Change Biology.

The entire first semester, and also the main part of the second semester, of the first year consists of compulsory courses. During the first semester students decide which optional courses they will take, and they also choose a subject for their Master project. These components of the programme are largely undertaken in the second year of the programme.

You will be trained in a variety of research methods, both via the practical and theoretical courses and via specific courses on skills relevant for global change biology. Laboratory skills are sharpened during a 12 credits worth integrated practical class. Field work skills are also acquired during a two-week field course on ecohydrology in a pristine ecosystem abroad (Poland).

The Master project is the final part of the Master programme, where you conduct a scientific study under supervision to demonstrate your:

• scientific background

• capacity to understand/apply primary literature

• capacity to correctly and adequately communicate the results in a succinct manner via a written document

You will choose from a wide variety of subjects, with the possibility of conducting research within a research group from the Department of Biology or in an external research group.

Job opportunities:

Biology is related to the broader society in many ways, and biologists’ employment is consequently much broader than generally thought.

Fundamental and applied scientific research (more than 40% of graduates) at universities and institutes (in Flanders for example KBIN, INBO, VIB, KMDA...) is a first major job opportunity. A research career usually starts with a PhD, through an appointment as university assistant, PhD grantee or project collaborator. A full academic career is achieved by only a limited number of outstanding researchers.

The private sector offers many possibilities in Research & Development (often after having acquired a PhD) and in marketing, among others in the medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and in industrial labs.

Your future:

The increasing recognition that global change poses a clear challenge to society makes expertise on the subject a widely sought asset for any future professional career. As a specialist in global change biology, you will develop the skills to analyse policy, influence decision-making and implement novel solutions for a sustainable economy.

The city of Antwerp is situated in the heart of Europe, and houses one of the largest port areas in the world, while the city of Brussels, the centre of European decision making, is only 40 km away. This way, the Master's programme in Global Change Biology provides ample possibilities to achieve a career in industry or policy.