Restoration Ecology MSc
Want to learn ways to combat degradation and restore degraded ecosystems in a unique environment?
Who is the programme for?
If you have a bachelor’s degree with some background in natural sciences and ecology, are interested in understanding the processes and underlying causes of environmental degradation and developing skills for addressing these changes and restoring degraded ecosystems, then Restoration Ecology is for you!
Programme to launch in fall of 2023 - Open for applications.
The application deadline for master's studies in Restoration Ecology:
Non EU/EEA students: 31st of January. Icelandic and EU/EEA students the application deadline 15th of April.
Please note that applications are only accepted every other year (2023, 2025).
All applicants must include in their applications their CV, a motivation letter, transcripts of their bachelor diplomas, proof of their English language proficiency, and copy of their passport. These transcripts and diploma supplements should be in the original language and in English, as a certified English translation.
Incomplete applications will not be processed. Late applications are not accepted.
Students do not have to find a supervisor prior to their application.
Why study Restoration Ecology at AUI?
Iceland is a unique place to study within this rapidly growing field. Iceland’s ecosystems have undergone severe degradation since its first human settlement, due to unsustainable land use in combination with harsh climatic conditions and volcanic activity. Nationally coordinated efforts to combat soil erosion and restore lost and degraded ecosystems span more than 100 years. Iceland therefore offers substantial expertise and practical experience on the subject, with restoration projects spanning various scales and diverse ecosystems.
The Agricultural University of Iceland (AUI) has had a major role in scientific research, education, and training of professionals within the field for a long time. AUI also hosts UNESCO’s GRÓ Land Restoration Training programme in cooperation with the Icelandic Soil Conservation Service.
Programme structure
The Restoration Ecology programme at AUI is a two-year Master’s degree programme (120 ECTS) designed as a full time study. The programme is composed of 60-90 ECTS worth of organized courses depending on the size of a final research project, where students can choose between a 30 or 60 ECTS thesis. In addition to compulsory core courses, students can choose between a range of electives based on their area of interest, allowing for a good amount of flexibility and specialization within the field. The programme has an international focus with courses generally taught in English.
The programme will help you gain the practical and theoretical skill-set necessary to set priorities, develop a structured approach to ecosystem restoration and critically assess their progress in highly complex and unpredictable environments, across different scales and with significant uncertainties. The unique, interdisciplinary curriculum will produce graduates with an integrated body of knowledge and skills for advancing restoration ecology theory and practice.
You will learn the importance of and ways to adjust the restoration process based on monitoring and assessment by employing the principles of adaptive management, accounting for both the ecological and social context. With an international focus, the programme provides preparation for a career anywhere across the globe where a highly qualified talent pool with deep understanding of restoration ecology theory and practice is urgently needed to restore and manage different types and scales of degraded ecosystems.
