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Alpine and high mountain ecology
MASTER'S PROGRAMME OF STUDY
ALPINE AND HIGH MOUNTAIN ECOLOGY
(field of study: 1610 Ecological and Environmental Sciences)
Programme Focus
Alpine and high‑mountain environments have undergone significant changes in recent years, with tangible ecological and economic impacts on both mountain regions and lowland areas. Rapid climate change is affecting the integrity of alpine ecosystems and influencing thousands of plant and animal species. Glaciers are retreating, the availability of water during the summer and autumn is changing, traditional agricultural practices are disappearing, the quality of running water is being altered, and endemic or relict species are in decline. These shifts are also reflected in the capacity of mountain water sources, power stations and reservoirs, resulting in consequences for the economy, tourism and regional development.
The Master’s degree programme Alpine and High Mountain Ecology prepares young researchers to address these complex environmental challenges. It combines theoretical foundations of ecology with intensive practical training in both fieldwork and laboratory methods. Students gain multidisciplinary knowledge in biology, climatology, geography, landscape ecology and nature conservation. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, scientific methodology, the collection and interpretation of ecological data and independent work, particularly during the preparation of the Master’s thesis. The programme promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and develops students’ scientific communication skills.
The programme also provides a solid foundation for further study at doctoral level in the natural sciences, ecology and related environmental disciplines.
Graduate Profile
The graduate of the Master’s programme in Alpine and High‑Mountain Ecology possesses comprehensive and multidisciplinary knowledge of ecological phenomena, processes and relationships in nature, particularly within high‑mountain environments. They understand the limiting and supporting factors that shape the structure and dynamics of alpine ecosystems and are able to identify and interpret interactions among environmental components such as water, soil, air and biotic communities. Drawing on data from specialised monitoring facilities, model organism groups and landscape‑level changes, the graduate is able to analyse ecological trends and assess the state of the environment.
They are capable of critically evaluating scientific data, methodological approaches and research findings, and can independently address less demanding professional tasks in the field of nature conservation and landscape management, while more complex projects can be undertaken under the guidance of an experienced specialist. The knowledge and skills acquired provide the graduate with a solid foundation for further study at doctoral level in ecology, the natural sciences and related fields.
Career Prospects
The graduate will find employment across a wide spectrum of professions related to environmental research, nature conservation and the management of natural resources in mountain regions. They are prepared to work in both basic and applied ecological research, within state nature‑conservation authorities, as well as in non‑governmental organisations focused on biodiversity and landscape protection. The graduate is able to identify anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems, propose appropriate measures for their mitigation or prevention, and contribute to the monitoring of air, water and soil quality.
They may also work within environmental, consultancy or regional institutions dealing with the assessment of climate‑change impacts, ecological risks and the long‑term development of mountain ecosystems. Owing to their ability to communicate scientific results professionally and engage effectively in interdisciplinary projects, the graduate represents a qualified specialist suited for a wide range of environmental and research teams.
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Basic Admission Requirement
The basic requirement for admission to Master’s studies (second‑cycle degree programmes) is the completion of a first‑cycle higher‑education qualification (in accordance with the Higher Education Act No. 131/2002 Coll., as amended). In the case of an international applicant or a student who has completed their prior studies abroad, the applicant must submit, together with the application for university studies, or no later than on the day of enrolment, a formal decision recognising the certificate of completed studies.
Additional Admission Requirements
A condition for admission to the Master’s degree programme Alpine and High Mountain Ecology is that the applicant must have obtained at least 80 credits during their previous Bachelor’s studies from courses focused on ecological and environmental sciences (such as ecology, biology, geology, limnology, or equivalent subjects). Applicants who meet this requirement will undergo an oral interview. The interview will relate to the applicant’s Bachelor’s thesis and will also verify their knowledge of English, which is essential for the preparation of the Master’s thesis.
As part of the selection procedure, the applicant’s academic performance during Bachelor’s studies will be taken into account, with ranking based on the weighted grade average.
Conditions for International Students
Foreign applicants are subject to the same admission requirements as applicants from the Slovak Republic. International students who study in a language other than the state language are required to pay tuition fees in accordance with § 92(8) of the Higher Education Act. The tuition fee is set by a UNIZA directive and published for the relevant academic year on the university’s website. Foreign students who study in the Slovak language do not pay tuition fees.
Applicants from the Czech Republic may use the application form valid in the Czech Republic. For foreign applicants admitted under intergovernmental agreements, bilateral contracts, or as scholarship holders of the Government of the Slovak Republic, the conditions stated in the respective documents apply.
Without Entrance Examinations
no
Additional information
A condition for admission to the Master’s degree programme Alpine and High Mountain Ecology is that the applicant must have obtained at least 80 credits during their previous Bachelor’s studies from courses focused on ecological and environmental sciences (such as ecology, biology, geology, limnology, or equivalent subjects). Applicants who meet this requirement will undergo an oral interview. The interview will relate to the applicant’s Bachelor’s thesis and will also verify their knowledge of English, which is essential for the preparation of the Master’s thesis.
As part of the selection procedure, the applicant’s academic performance during Bachelor’s studies will be taken into account, with ranking based on the weighted grade average.
Coordinator for students with specific needs
Bc. Jana Závodská
tel.: 041/513 50 40
email: jana.zavodska@uniza.sk
Oral interview
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Apply the application for study
31.03.2026
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Performance of the entrance exam
- 04.06.2026
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Submit additional application form
10.08.2026
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Performance of the additional entrance exam
24.08.2026
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We will send you all the information about important events and deadlines.
- CV (electronic form)
- verified copy of the degree for applicant of other universities (electronic form)
- certified copy of certificate to candidates from other universities (electronic form)
- photocopy of the Diploma Supplement to candidates from other universities (electronic form)
- (electronic form)
Standard length of study: cost free
Study longer than the standard length of study program, parallel studies: 1200 €
Additional information about the annual school year:
Annual Tuition Fees
- Standard length of study: free of charge
- Studies exceeding the standard programme length, concurrent study: €1,200
application form: 30 €
E-application form: 30 €
Expected number of admitted applicants: 20
Required Attachments
- curriculum vitae
- proof of payment of the admission‑procedure fee
- copy of the diploma
- record of previous academic results, including a transcript of grades for individual courses
Annual Tuition Fees
- Standard length of study: free of charge
- Studies exceeding the standard programme length, concurrent study: €1,200
Admission Procedure Fee
- paper application: €30
- electronic application: €30
Billing Information
Žilinská univerzita (University of Žilina), Univerzitná 1, 010 26 Žilina
Bank: Štátna pokladnica (State Treasury)
Account number (IBAN): SK40 8180 0000 0070 0008 0700
Variable symbol: 19032 – Master’s Study
Constant symbol: 0308
Proof of payment must be sent to UNIZA together with the application form electronically.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are charged in accordance with the Higher Education Act. Information on the tuition fee for the relevant academic year is published by the University of Žilina within the designated deadlines on the university website.
For payments made from EU Member States, EEA countries, territories considered part of the EU (Art. 299 of the Treaty of Rome), and countries that have voluntarily joined SEPA, please use:
BIC: SPSRSKBAXXX
IBAN: SK40 8180 0000 0070 0008 0700
Note
If the applicant has not yet completed their Bachelor’s studies at the time of submitting the application, they must send a list of the courses they have completed so far, as well as a list of the courses enrolled in for the final semester, including the expected dates of completion. By the deadline for submitting supplementary documents, the applicant must send the final transcript and the diploma. If the applicant has not yet received the diploma, they must provide a confirmation from the educational institution stating that the degree has been awarded.
The Research Institute of High Mountain Biology will prepare a preliminary list of potential applicants. The final decision will be sent to applicants after they have successfully completed their studies and obtained the Bachelor’s degree.
Always up-to-date news about university The University of Žilina on your email.
We will send you all the information about important events and deadlines.
0911 154 882
0910 288 664
037 / 6414881
037 / 6414890
(7.30 - 15.30 h.)
Responsibility for content:
Bc. Jana Závodská
Aktualizoval:
Bc. Jana Závodská (jana.zavodska@uniza.sk)
Last update: 19.01.2026 13:08