Career

A degree from the Master’s Programme in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation* gives you the capability to embark on a wide range of careers or continue with postgraduate studies in different areas of biology. The studies include career orientation, expert identity studies and career planning. Transferable skills are obtained during the regular coursework.

*previously the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Career opportunities for graduates

Upon graduating from the Master's Programme in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, you will:

  • master the main theories and methods in ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation and effectively apply what you have learned to real-world challenges
  • be able to plan and carry out scientific research projects and work as an expert in your field
  • have gained transferable skills that can be utilized in a wide variety of future careers

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career options, for instance:

  • Academic research and teaching
  • Other research tasks at universities, research institutes and centres
  • Expert positions in the administration both internationally (e.g., UN, EU) and nationally (e.g. ministries), as well as in provincial and local administration.
  • Expert positions in the private sector and the media.
  • Expert positions in international and national organisations.
  • Teaching in secondary school and high school, and other institutes of higher education

In addition, the degree makes you eligible to apply for postgraduate studies in different areas of biology at the University of Helsinki or other universities in Finland and abroad.

For Finnish and Swedish-speaking students who have been accepted to subject teacher studies during their bachelor's degree, the programme also provides an opportunity to study towards a biology teacher qualification.
The skills I have learned will benefit me for the rest of my life.
Career services

Studies are part of your career. The Career Services at the University of Helsinki supports, in cooperation with the degree programmes, the growth of your expert identity as part of your studies and with separate services.

From the start of your studies until one year after the completion of your degree, the Career Services supports your career path by:

  • giving career counselling and job-seeking support,
  • arranging info sessions, workshops and events,
  • maintaining the JobTeaser career portal and
  • sharing the university’s subsidy for traineeships.
Networking programme: UNITalent

Please note that the continuation of the programme will be decided in spring 2026.

Do you want to build a career in Finland? Get valuable insight into Finnish working life and build your professional networks by applying to HelsinkiUNI International Talent Programme (UNITalent). UNITalent is a programme to connect university students and doctoral researchers with Finnish companies and organisations. It offers international students the opportunity to

  • explore career paths,
  • build professional networks, and
  • gain insights into Finnish working culture.

UNITalent is not

  • a recruitment or a trainee programme. This means that the host is not obliged to provide a job or traineeship.
Improve your career options with Finnish

Although international students get by with English in the Helsinki region, learning Finnish significantly improves their career options after graduation. It is challenging to find a job without any knowledge of the local language.

The University of Helsinki offers free Finnish language courses for enrolled international degree students. The beginner and intermediate level courses are not only a way to learn the language, but you also learn more about Finnish culture and network with other international students across fields.
Doctoral education

As a graduate of the Master's Programme in Eco­logy, Evol­u­tion­ and Biodiversity Conservation, you can apply for a doctoral programme at the University of Helsinki or other universities. Usually, studies include 40 credits of coursework and a PhD dissertation.
Alumni of the Uni­versity of Helsinki

After graduation, the world is wide open and full of possibilities. How can you venture forward to make the career path you want? What kind of work would you like to do? What kind of life should you lead? The Helsinki alumni community is there to support you as you transition from the University to the world of work.

All previous University of Helsinki degree and exchange students, as well as staff, are our alumni. As a member of the University of Helsinki alumni network, Finland’s largest network of experts, you get valuable support, knowledge and contacts for your working life.
More about the programme