Biology Radboud University

Overview

The Master’s in Biology at Radboud University offers a flexible, research-driven programme that allows students to explore the biological sciences from multiple perspectives — from molecular and cellular mechanisms to ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. Through a choice of specialised tracks, students gain in-depth expertise while engaging directly with cutting-edge research and real-world challenges such as environmental change, species conservation, health, and sustainable innovation. The programme emphasises hands-on laboratory and field experience, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in research, industry, conservation, education, or policy.

Specialisations:

Conservation and Restoration Ecology

Focus on the relationships between different communities within an ecosystem. Find out how they respond to environmental stress and unravel ecosystem dynamics. Use these insights to contribute to nature conservation and restoration.

Environment & Sustainability

Do you want to contribute to solving the environmental sustainability challenges of our time? In this specialisation, you focus on unraveling human impacts on nature and using this knowledge to identify environmental sustainability solutions.

Microbiology

Focus on the functioning of microorganisms and their potential to improve our health and the environment. This includes applications such as energy-efficient waste management or new vaccines. You will gain extensive experience in microbial research.

Plant and Animal Molecular Physiology

Become an expert in the molecular, cellular, and physiological processes of stress adaptation in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in this specialisation (previously Adaptive Organisms) for a career at the forefront of science and R&D.

Science, Management and Innovation

In Science, Management and Innovation (SMI) you will gain expertise addressing societal challenges, work towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and learn to speak in the languages of policy and business.

Science in Society

How can we improve the interaction between science and society? What societal and ethical responsibilities do scientific experts have? What does it take for scientific knowledge to make an impact outside of the laboratory? If you are interested in question like these, enrol in this Master’s specialisation to learn how science and society shape each other and how to make science better—for us.

Thinking of getting a teaching qualification?

Are you interested in obtaining your first-degree teaching qualification in biology, while also broadening and deepening your subject knowledge? The (Dutch-only) Two-year Educational Master's in Biology at Radboud University combines biology subjects, didactics and internships, which trains you to become a teacher for secondary or higher education.

Pre-Master's

Students who'd like to study Master's in Biology but who lack a (small) part of the admissions criteria might be eligible for a (customised) pre-Master’s in English. The pre-Master's programme consists of specific courses from our Bachelor's programme in Biology and depends on the specialisation that you intend to choose in the Master’s programme. The content and duration of these pre-Master’s are determined and constructed on an individual basis.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the NVAO (the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation).