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Profile of Programme

The Ph.D. Degree in Biodiversity and Ecology aims at providing students with high quality education of international standing, so that that they can develop a deep understanding of their science and a versatile thinking, something critical for their professional career in the modern environment.

The Program entails theoretical coursework as well as a laboratory-based or field-based thesis dissertation.

Graduates may find employment including in education, aquaculture, organic farming, environmental impact studies, environmental management, biodiversity conservation and similar.

Key Learning Outcomes

Education of new scientists at the postgraduate level, who are competitive in the European and international setting.

Upon successful completion of their studies, graduates will be able:
1. to apply their knowledge in practice,
2. to transfer their knowledge of biology to students and to the society in general,
3. to satisfy professional requirements for career fields such as biomedicine, laboratory testing, environmental studies, biotechnology, sustainable use of biological resources etc.,
4. to adapt to technological advancements and new knowledge in the field,
5. to work independently or in groups at an international and/or interdisciplinary level,
6. generate new ideas and scientific knowledge,
7. respect diversity, multiculturalism and the natural environment,
8. demonstrate social, professional and moral responsibility and sensitivity to gender issues,
9. view themselves as well as others critically,
10. promote free, inductive and deductive thinking

Key Information

Department: Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty: Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences

Programme Name: Biodiversity and Ecology

Direction: Biodiversity and Ecology

Level of Qualification: 3rd Cycle (Doctoral's Degree) [8 Semesters]

Programme Category: Conventional/In person

Mode of Study: Full time

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Assistant Professor Chrysoula Pitsouli

Curriculum Structure

Course Type	ECTS
Compulsory
Compulsory	160
Restricted Elective	80
TOTAL ECTS	240

Courses per Semester

Conditions of Study

Specific Admission Requirements

The number of places available and the eligibility criteria for candidates are announced by the Graduate School. Documents that must be attached to the application include:
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University.
• Previous University education in a suitable subject (academic background) and transcripts of grades of relevant degrees.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal interview and/or written examination (at the Department’s discretion).

The Department may also consider additional criteria and quality indicators for the selection of candidates, including: (a) publications in scientific journals, (b) participation in seminars, symposia, research programs, (c) presentations at conferences, (d) knowledge of foreign languages, and (e) professional experience.

English Language Knowledge
To be considered for postgraduate studies, the applicant is required to have certification for “Very Good Knowledge” of English at level B2-C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Acceptable certificates that prove Very Good Knowledge of English are listed on the Graduate School website and on the table of Matching results of international examinations with the CEFR. The University of Cyprus Language Centre Certificate for the knowledge of English language (level B2+) is also accepted.

Applicants who have acquired their University degrees from English-taught Schools are not required to provide proof of English language proficiency.

Rules of Study

The duration of study is at least eight semesters with a maximum of sixteen semesters.

Students should consult the Postgraduate Study Rules

Students must follow the Flowchart of requirements for the program of study.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the requirements of the Program

Up to 60 ECTS may be exempted from postgraduate courses

Examination Regulations

Students should consult the Postgraduate Study Rules

Assessment and Grading

The diploma dissertation, thesis, research and writing stages are graded with Success / Failure. The final grade of the dissertation is registered in the last semester of its elaboration. The doctoral dissertation is graded as Success or Failure.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

The enormous growth in biological sciences over the last decades and the anticipated continuation of this course in the foreseeable future will continue to offer many opportunities to our PhD graduates. The PhD graduates of the Biodiversity and Ecology may be employed in both the private and the public sectors, as well as in research/academic laboratories as postdoctoral fellows. Developing fields that require an increasing demand for specialized personnel trained in biodiversity and ecology include organic farming, aquaculture, environmental assessments, environmental impact studies, management of protected areas/species, implementation of national and international conventions and strategies on biodiversity related issues, etc. Finally, employment in the higher education sector is also a possibility.