Master’s in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (double degree)
What to expect
Facts & figures- Animals, Biodiversity, Genetics, Genomics
- Full-time
- 2 years
- English
- Wageningen University and partner universities
Is this master’s right for me?
Are you interested in animal breeding? Do you have a passion for genetics, genomics, conservation, and biodiversity? Do you enjoy working in a truly international environment? Then you are the right candidate for the European Master’s in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics!
What makes this programme unique?
Expertise in genetics and genomics
A unique opportunity to follow a master’s programme focused on the fascinating and important field of animal genetics, genomics, conservation and biodiversity, with a global perspective.
Study at top universities across Europe
This is your chance to choose a master’s with the opportunity to study at two leading European universities and earn two MSc diplomas, one from each of them!
International approach
The EMABG is a truly international programme, with students and teachers from all over the world. This allows you to create an extensive network and develop a broad intercultural perspective, both academically and personally.
Eramus Mundus programme
From 2025 up and until 2028, the EMABG is recognised and supported as an Erasmus Mundus programme. This means the consortium has full scholarships available for selected EU and non-EU students.
What you will learn
During this master’s, you study at 2 of 6 leading European universities that ensure the excellence in teaching and research in animal biodiversity, breeding, and genomics. You can choose your own study track, based on your personal interest.
What you will learn
- You will learn about different aspects concerning managing and maintaining animal biodiversity and genetics, from a global, social and ethical perspective and in a multidisciplinary setting.
- You will become an expert in quantitative and/or molecular animal genetics and genomics, and in maintaining healthy animal populations.
- You will learn to conduct research around animal biodiversity and genetics, thereby creating solutions for current challenges and developing an academic attitude showing critical thinking and reflective abilities.
- You will develop excellent skills to successfully work and communicate in an international and intercultural setting and context.
Your courses
Would you like to see the full study programme? Check it on the EMABG webpage.
About the NMBU-WUR track:
All EMABG Students begin their studies at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). The programme starts with an introduction course covering genomic selection, genetic diversity, and training in R. The core of the semester includes a hands-on course on phenomics and breeding value estimation, designed in collaboration with industry partners. Depending on their interests, students can choose to deepen their knowledge in either population genetics and molecular evolution or advanced genomics. In the second semester at Wageningen University & Research, students have the possibility to explore topics on wildlife conservation genetics, population genetics, life history evolution, and they will conduct a group internship at an animal genetics organisation.
The second year allows students to deepen their knowledge through a research project (30 ECTS Master’s thesis) in topics as conservation genomics, genetic population management, evolutionary genetics, biodiversity, quantitative genetics, or data science, depending on their research interests. The thesis is often embedded in ongoing research projects at WUR or in collaboration with partner institutions, offering opportunities to contribute to real-world scientific challenges.
After their thesis at WUR, students will return to Norway for their final semester. Here, they will perform a second 30 ECTS Master’s thesis, thereby further specializing in a topic of their choice or broadening their research experience by choosing a different research topic within the field.
Within the EMABG programme, students can choose among five different study tracks. You can specialise in one of the following areas:
- Conservation genomics for rare and endangered breeds and species – NMBU, Norway – Wageningen University
- Designing and implementing breeding programmes for small populations – NMBU, Norway – BOKU, Austria
- Bioinformatics applied to biodiversity and genomics – NMBU, Norway – SLU, Sweden
- One health: Health and welfare in humans and animals – NMBU, Norway – University of Goettingen, Germany
- Understanding biodiversity: integrative biology – NMBU, Norway – AgroParisTech, France
The EMABG is a two-year, full-time double degree programme taught across two European universities. It combines theoretical knowledge with applied research in fields like genomics, conservation, and breeding. You'll follow courses, take part in group projects, and carry out a major thesis within a strong international academic network.
Throughout the programme, you’ll receive guidance from experienced study advisers at both partner universities. They help you select your courses, define your thesis direction, and prepare for your future career in research, industry, or policy.
Curious how you can compare this programme for more help in your study choice? Check more information on Studiekeuze123.nl.
Discover WUR
Experience our programmes, student life and the campus through an open day or study choice activity.
Students about this programme
96%
of our alumni agree that the programme is ideal for anyone pursuing an international career.72%
of our alumni secured their first job within 1 to 3 months after graduation.+50%
of our alumni pursue a PhD after they finish the programme.Life after this master's
Based on the alumni profiles of the European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG), here are a few examples of possible career paths that graduates have successfully pursued:
- PhD student (more than half of the EMABG graduates pursue a PhD)
- Junior or Senior Geneticist
- Research Scientist
- Fisheries Scientist
- Animal Genetics Officer
- Breeding Programme Director
- Policy Adviser or Consultant
Student Career Services facilitates WUR students towards the labour market. If you need help in your orientation towards your future career.
Good to know
BOKU in Austria is the coordinating partner of this MSc programme. For application deadlines and requirements for this specific programme, see the consortium website.
For general information about Application & Admission at Wageningen University read this page.
More information on pre-masters programme can be found here.
Do you want to know what more about what studying will cost? All information about the costs of this programme can be found on this page.
Student life is more than just studying and sitting at the library. It can also look like living in a student house, partying and socialising with your friends, going to a cosy pub, or joining a student association. Whether it is going to a festival or trying a unique sport, there’s always something to do in or around Wageningen. All information about student life in Wageningen can be found on this page.
Questions about this study?
If you have any questions about the master programme Animal Biodiversity and Genomics, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to provide you with an answer. For a quick reply to your questions, you can use our smart search bar. The study advisor will be available for more specific questions.
ir. DE (Dieuwertje) Lont
Study Adviser
