MERGE – double degree Master of Global Change Ecology

“Explore the science of our changing planet and help shape a sustainable future”

This international double-degree Master’s programme offers in-depth, interdisciplinary training in Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Global Change Biology. You’ll gain a strong foundation in key areas such as Applied Ecology, Remote Sensing, and Evolutionary Biology, while examining how species, populations, and ecosystems interact in a world shaped by rapid environmental change.

From your first semester, you’ll dive into the principles of ecological and evolutionary theory, learn observational and experimental methods, and engage with cutting-edge research across a variety of ecological disciplines. Through hands-on projects and lab work, you’ll develop the skills to critically assess and conduct ecological research in both field and laboratory settings.

A key component of the programme is the MSc research project, where you’ll collaborate with active research teams on real-world topics—while also learning how to independently design, conduct, and communicate your own scientific work in your Master’s thesis.

International Experience and Flexible Structure

MERGE is a double degree programme offered jointly by the University of Bergen (UiB) in Norway and the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) in Germany. The mobility structure enhances your academic and cultural experience:

UiB home students: Semester 1 at UiB, Semester 2 at JMU, Semesters 3–4 at either one of the institutions.

JMU home students: Semester 1 at JMU, Semester 2 at UiB, Semesters 3–4 at either one of the institutions.

Find more information on our study structure here.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in both the public and private sectors. Possible fields include:

• Environmental consulting and impact assessment
• Governmental agencies and international NGOs
• Research institutes and universities
• The biotechnology, aquaculture, and seafood industries
• Climate and biodiversity policy and management

Whether you aim to pursue a PhD, contribute to environmental policy, or work in conservation, this programme provides the skills, knowledge, and international perspective to make a meaningful impact.

More information

More information can be found at JMU site here and UiB site here.