PhD in Ecology
The PhD programme in ecology focuses on the relationships between various environmental impacts and ecological and evolutionary processes, viewed in relation to genetic structure and selection.
Study facts
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Campus: Bø and Kongsberg -
Credits: 180 -
Duration: 3 years full time studies -
Teaching Language: English -
Teaching model: Campus -
Admission requirements -
Academic background -
How to apply
About the programme
Environmental research in general, and particularly national and international issues related to biodiversity, is facing increasingly complex challenges and emerging research needs. This underlines the necessity of ensuring a doctoral education that takes interdisciplinarity seriously.
Essential specialist expertise is provided by staff with advanced knowledge in key areas of terrestrial and aquatic ecology.
'The programme is also designed to incorporate additional methodological and thematic academic groups, both at USN and at partner institutions, as long as they fall within the thematic framework described above.
Academic Content
The objective of the PhD programme is to educate candidates of the highest international standard, capable of acquiring the knowledge, skills, and general competence required to conduct high-level research suitable for publication in leading academic journals. Our candidates must be able to address research questions of significance to academia, industry, and the business sector.
The PhD programme consists of an independent research project carried out in active collaboration with supervisors and other researchers, an approved coursework component, participation in active research groups, and scholarly dissemination.
Coursework
During the PhD training, each candidate must complete a coursework component equivalent to 30 ECTS credits.
The coursework must be planned in collaboration with the supervisor and approved by the programme committee. A 5‑ECTS ethics course is mandatory for all PhD candidates at USN.
Research Groups
Within the field of ecology, USN hosts a range of active research groups.
Research groups associated with ecology include:
- LEBE!
- Health and Exercise in a Life Course Perspective
- AQUAHiT
- Climate change and alpine ecosystems
- Molecular Ecology
- EcoHUB
- Quantum Technology
Research Schools
We participate in the International Research School in Applied Ecology, which provides our candidates with additional opportunities for courses and summer schools.
Programme Structure and Course Descriptions
A programme plan outlines the content, structure, and organisation of a study programme. Each programme plan is accompanied by course descriptions that detail the individual courses. These also include reading lists.
Below, you will find a programme model showing which courses are offered in each semester. From the model, you can also access links to the individual course descriptions.
Study Plan and Course Plans
A study plan describes the content, structure and organization of a study programme. To each study plan there is a set of course plans that describe the different courses. In the course plan you will also find a reading list. Below you will find a study model that shows you which courses that are taught in each term. In the study model you'll also find links to each course plan.
Study plan for 2026 autumn
Admission requirements
Applicants must have an excellent command of English, both oral and written. Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is considered an advantage.
Admission requires a completed master’s degree with a grade of B or better as the average at the master’s level, and B or better on the master’s thesis.
