Study location	Italy, Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2 - email: studenti.sanminiato@unisi.it
Academic field	Biodiversity (JACS C181)
Type	Master's Degree, full-time
Nominal duration	2 years (120 ECTS)
Study language	English
Awards	M (LM-6 Second cycle degree in Biology)

Application fee	€49.90 per program

Entry qualification

Bachelor/Undergraduate diploma (or higher) After You Apply An Enrolment Committee will evaluate your competencies and skills to determine if they meet the program requirements. Admission Criteria The required competencies for admission include: A background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science equivalent to that of a first-level (Bachelor’s) degree in biology; Fundamental knowledge of the morphological, functional, and structural organization of living organisms, including essential concepts in Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cytology and Histology, Developmental Biology, Microbiology, General Physiology, Genetics, and Pharmacology. After the Evaluation You will be notified of the outcome approximately one month after the application deadline, or earlier. At the discretion of the Enrolment Committee, students who pass the initial selection based on the submitted documents may be invited to take a remote online test and/or attend an interview. The dates for any additional selection tests will be communicated via email. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Italian. Schools and universities usually provide documentation translated into English. If this is not available, an official translation will be required, along with certification of the authenticity of the original documents. Review the documents required for the admission application at this link: admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Review the documents required for enrollment (upon admission) at the link admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Upload copies on the application

Territory requirements	Applications are accepted from the following territories (based on citizenship): World.

Language requirements	English English fluency is required, with a minimum proficiency level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For further information, check the following link admission.unisi.it/?p=1944

More information	bceq.unisi.it/en

Overview

The Master’s Degree in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Environmental Quality provides advanced training in environmental biology, emphasizing biodiversity from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. The program is designed to equip students with the methodological and cultural foundations required for biodiversity conservation and environmental quality assessment. Graduates are expected to possess a strong understanding of the scientific method, particularly techniques for acquiring and analyzing biodiversity data, and to demonstrate the ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy.

The program is organized into two interconnected areas of study: Biodiversity and Environment and Biomolecular approaches for Biodiversity.

The Biodiversity and Environment area covers the scientific principles of environmental biology, focusing on the analysis of animal, plant, fungi and microbial biodiversity. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of biodiversity monitoring and management, including its legal and ecological implications, as well as skills to assess and conserve biotic components in both natural and artificial ecosystems.

The Biomolecular approaches for Biodiversity area advances the understanding of biological diversity at morphological, genomic, and molecular levels. It provides students with a strong methodological and cultural foundation in biomolecular, bioinformatics, and biostatistics research applied to biodiversity and environmental biology.

The program also includes Contextual Knowledge and a Final Dissertation, combining theoretical and practical learning to ensure students develop:

• Hands-on experience through fieldwork and laboratory activities;
• Skills in planning experimental and observational studies, including data collection, processing, and analysis;
• The ability to produce an original dissertation based on research conducted during an internship. This dissertation explores various aspects of biodiversity monitoring, conservation, or environmental quality and adheres to internationally accepted scientific standards.

The program’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on practical experience prepare students for careers in biodiversity conservation, environmental management, and related scientific fields, aligning with global sustainability and scientific standards.

Program structure

MUR degree class: LM-6 Biology
Duration in years: 2
Credits: 120
Language: English

Career opportunities

In addition to working as freelance biologists, graduates in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Environmental Quality can pursue careers as researchers and managers in:

• International, national, and regional agencies focused on the environment and biodiversity
• Universities and public or private research institutions
• Local authorities and consortia responsible for managing museums, parks, protected areas, and nature reserves
• Biological, environmental, and quality control laboratories
• Independent consulting roles, particularly in environmental sustainability for agro-ecosystems

Graduates of the program are also eligible to apply for doctoral programs and research schools both in Italy and abroad.