For good animal welfare and husbandry, an understanding of animal behaviour and biology from an applied perspective is important. If you are interested in the well-being of animals and want to preserve biodiversity, this programme is for you.

Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, Master's Programme

Autumn 2024 / Full-time / Linköping

Closed for late application

Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, Master's Programme - Second admission round mainly for Swedish and EU/EEA students

Autumn 2024 / Full-time / Linköping

The programme is conducted in collaboration with Kolmården Wildlife Park, the largest and most renowned zoo in Scandinavia. Several teaching sessions are held at the zoo, where you acquire first-hand knowledge from experienced staff. You will gain in-depth understanding of the biology of stress and its role in animal welfare, the effects of domestication on animal behaviour, the physiology of behaviour, problems associated with keeping animals in captivity, and conservation biology.

Animal behaviour and interactions with humans

Courses are closely connected to ongoing research performed by teachers on, for example, how various genes influence animal behaviour, well-being and personality, the sensory world of mammals, and human-animal interactions. In addition to classroom lectures and seminars, you participate in several hands-on projects. 

Wide choices for degree project

A key part of the programme is a one-year degree project (60 ECTS), which allows you to specialise in a subject based on your interests. If you wish, you may perform your degree project at a zoo, government agency, organisation or company, in Sweden or abroad.

Syllabus and course details

A detailed syllabus, curriculum and information on courses, including literature, can be found in our Study Information database via the link below. For entry requirements and tuition fees, please click the ”Admission requirements” tab at the top of the page.

Career opportunities

As a graduate you will be thoroughly acquainted with animal behaviour and its underlying mechanisms. You will be very well prepared for postgraduate studies, should you be interested in pursuing an academic career. Other professional opportunities include, for example, animal welfare inspector, wildlife conservationist, or advisor for zoos, private businesses, and animal or environmental agencies.

Testimonials

Meet our student Perrine and hear what she has to say about the Applied Ethology and Animal Biology master’s programme and life in Sweden.

Doortje Theunissen talks about why she applied to this programme and what her upcoming thesis will focus on. She also explains what she believes is the main advantage with Linköping University.

Alumni insights

Thorbjörn - Germany - PhD Student

”This programme gave me a good overview of ethological topics. It was interesting and fun to get hands-on experience with various species ranging from farm animals to more exotic ones in Kolmården Wildlife Park. The extensive work on the thesis project provided me with in-depth knowledge and opened the door to my current PhD project. Having a full year to work on your thesis is one of the key characteristics of this programme.”

Stories from the programme

a trainer stands on the edge of a dolphin pool measuring exhaled air, a researcher works on a computer at the pool edge

Zoo biology course opened interesting opportunities for degree project

LiU student Ioulia is doing research for her master thesis on energy requirements in doplhins in both Kolmården Wildlife Park and Oceanografic de Valencia.

Research

Application and admission

Apply button for master's programmes

How to apply for master's degree studies at LiU

A step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about applying for LiU's international master's degree programmes using the application system in Sweden.

Second application round for EU/EEA citizens

Watch the guide on how to apply for the second application round. Mind that you need to change the page language to Swedish to access the application button [Ansök].

You can read about the different admission rounds on University Admissions' Two admission rounds for each semester web page.

Essential information

Contact us