Master’s programme in Ecology

The Faculty of Science at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice offers a Master’s programme in Ecology for non Czech students.
Students are trained in modern ecology research. The courses are focused on ecological theory and analysis as well as interpretation of ecological data using modern computational approaches. The strongest emphasis is on interactions among organisms and with their environment, and consequences for the populations and functioning of communities. The workload is about five courses per semester.
Strong emphasis is laid on the students’ own research throughout the duration of study. The best projects will likely be published with the student as the first author. The lecturers and supervisors lead high quality research, often in close collaboration with the Czech Academy of Sciences.
Students will develop their critical thinking, acquire strong statistical foundations, excellent field skills, learn how to present their research or how to write successful grants. In addition, several field trips and practical-nature-conservation courses are included, broadening the experience and skills of the student.
Graduates will be ready to pursue a PhD in Ecology at any university or research institute in the world.

Main courses:
Field Ecology / Modern Regression Methods / Ecology of Biological Invasions / Tropical Ecology
Functional Traits in Ecology / Tutorials in Ecology / Microbial Ecology and Genomics / Science Communication
Plant-Animal Interactions / Conservation Biology / Vegetation Dynamics / Molecular Ecology
Behavioural Ecology / Restoration Ecology / Ecology of Alpine Ecosystems / Open Source GIS
Biostatistics / Advanced Ordination Methods

Outline:
Guarantor: prof. Jan Lepš
Study duration: 2 years
Study fee – EU: 500 CZK per year (≈ 20 €) / Non-EU: 12 000 CZK per year (≈ 480 €)
Website: www.prf.jcu.cz/ecology
Contact: Petr Blažek, blazek@prf.jcu.cz

Admission:
Admission is based on a cover letter (focused on description of Bachelor’s research),
proposal of Master’s research project, and interview with shortlisted candidates.
Deadline for application: 31 October 2026 / Start of study: February 2027