Master’s Programme in Ethology
This programme offers you a solid grounding in ethology as well as deeper insight into the latest research in the subject. The evolution, genetics and function of behaviour form the foundation. You will gain skills and experience in research methods and analytical techniques, which open up a wide variety of career possibilities.
You will study how animals communicate and solve conflicts, the social structure of animal communities, pair formation and reproduction in animals, and how competition and co-operation can develop. How behaviour develops during the life of the individual and how learning and experience influence patterns of behaviour are discussed. Moreover, the genetic background, evolution (both at the micro- and macroevolutionary scale) and function of behaviour are discussed. Knowledge of ethology is important in many fields of biology. These fields include ecology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology and conservation biology. Ethology also has applications outside of the scientific sphere. For instance, one important application for ethology concerns the requirements of ethical treatment of animals and animal well-being.
Reasons to choose the Master in Ethology:
- Broad education in Ethology suitable for diverse carrers involving animal behaviour
- Excellent opportunities for practical studies in the laboratory and at Tovetorp research station
- Flexible programme allows you to create your own direction based on your interests
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Programme overview
The compulsory courses within the Master’s programme in Ethology will give you a strong foundation in ethology, including mate choice, animal cognition and human behaviour.
The elective and optional courses create flexibility in the programme allowing you to adapt your studies to your chosen career path. You are required to choose at least 15 credits of the elective courses listed below (updated each year). You can also include at least 15 credits of optional courses, these are any course that is not compulsory or elective and can be in other subjects or taken at another university.
During the compulsory independent project, the degree project, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed, in conducting a scientific study within ethology.
Year 1
Compulsory courses (autumn term)
Sensory Biology and Animal Communication
Animal Social and Sexual Behaviour
Elective courses (spring term)
Ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change
Elective courses offered by Department of Psychology
Human Development – Positive Psychological Functioning and Adaptation in Youth
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Ethology
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)Elective courses (autumn term)
Elective courses offered by Department of Psychology
Emotion psychology and affective neuroscience
See also Year 1 for elective courses offered in the spring term.
Independent project
Degree projects, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the Department of Zoology, within the current broad research projects within Ethology: adaptive colouration, animal personality, brain evolution, cognition, collective behaviour, foraging decisions, sexual selection, and social behaviour. It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.
Recent degree projects
- Levelling the field: Applying the open field test in situ on voles in the Swedish mountain range
- Investigating traits affecting dominance in domestic fowl: The role of comb size, aggression and age
- The effect of brain size on associative learning and behavioural flexibility in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
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How to apply
The Master's programme in Ethology is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
The programme requires a solid background, e.g., a major, in biology.
Selection process
Additional eligibility criteriaApplicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following four selection criteria, with equal weight:
- relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
- grades of academic courses
- motivation letter
- research ideas
Required supporting documentation
To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form (updated yearly, only latest version accepted).
Cover letter/Motivation letter
Note! Must be submitted by the supporting documentation deadline. The form is only available during the application period, up to the supporting documentation deadline.Recommendation letters and CVs are not concidered.
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Career opportunities
A Master's degree in Ethology opens up a diverse range of career opportunities. Completion of the Master’s program gives you eligibility for PhD studies.
Beyond being an important academic subject ethology is highly relevant in careers where an understanding of animal behaviour is important, including animal parks and zoos, animal husbandry and within animal welfare and environmental agencies.
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Wed: 10.00-15.00 (lunch 12.30-13.30)
Thur-Fri: 10.00-12.30
- Irregular office hours
Summer opening hours
June 27th - August 19th
10.00 - 12.00 Monday- Thursday (closed Fridays)
Study counsellor at master's level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E315c
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
