Home
/
Studies
/
Master studies
/
Natural Systems Management
M_informacinių technologijų valdymas_II.jpg

Natural Systems Management

The programme integrates science, practice and decision-making. Students will learn how to restore natural environments and biodiversity, translate research evidence into applied solutions, and apply policy measures in nature conservation. Experiential learning takes place in laboratories and organisations addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Students will model change in nature, assess aquatic ecosystem parameters, and address issues related to threatened species and wider conservation priorities. Graduates may pursue careers in the public sector and environmental organisations.

  • The programme is taught by an internationally recognised team of scientists and ecology practitioners
  • You are free to choose your own research direction
  • Partial studies abroad

Natural Systems Management

The programme integrates science, practice and decision-making. Students will learn how to restore natural environments and biodiversity, translate research evidence into applied solutions, and apply policy measures in nature conservation. Experiential learning takes place in laboratories and organisations addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Students will model change in nature, assess aquatic ecosystem parameters, and address issues related to threatened species and wider conservation priorities. Graduates may pursue careers in the public sector and environmental organisations.

  • The programme is taught by an internationally recognised team of scientists and ecology practitioners
  • You are free to choose your own research direction
  • Partial studies abroad
M_informacinių technologijų valdymas_II.jpg
2025_09_23-8.jpg
Apply now

  • degree of Master of Life Sciences
  • Šiauliai Academy
  • 2
  • Life Sciences
  • Ecology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

  • degree of Master of Life Sciences
  • Šiauliai Academy
  • 2
  • Life Sciences
  • Ecology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

The programme provides a coherent pathway from research fundamentals to evidence-based ecological management. In year 1, you will develop skills in atmospheric bioaerosol monitoring, assessment of anthropogenic impact, ecological modelling, and natural resource management. Later advances to restoration ecology, ecosystem services, and climate-change impact assessment, along with an research project. In year 2, students take subjects on environmental management projects and statistics for ecological data analysis. Electives enable maximum personalisation, and the degree culminates in a Master’s thesis.

Peržiūrėti programos planą
  • You will be able to critically evaluate ecosystem management tools and approaches.
  • You will be able to analyze the ecological and environmental complexity of system formation and implementation.
  • You will be able to make ethical and socially responsible decisions when working with natural systems.
  • You will be able to apply appropriate assessment methods in operational ecology and related scientific and practical fields.
  • You will be able to create original innovations based on the latest scientific theories in Applied Ecology, focusing on methods and technologies.
  • You will be able to develop ideas and take responsible environmental decisions to manage complex natural systems effectively.
  • You will be able to evaluate complex environmental situations, anticipate potential threats, and implement strategies to address them.
  • You will be able to implement quality management practices in environmental projects and research.
Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

N. B. for non-EU/EFTA applicants: The gap since your completed Bachelor degree should not exceed five years.

University Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.

In case Bachelor degree is in different fields from the mentioned above, students will be asked to take bridge courses and pass the following exams: Molecular Biology of Cell, Physiology of Plants and Animals, Biological Resources, Meteorology, and Climatology, Hydrology

If your qualification and motivation meet the requirements, you will receive an invitation for an interview with the Admissions Committee.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Lithuanian.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.

Check additional country-specific requirements
Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Proving your language skills
Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals.

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme.

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

 

Check the country-specific requirements

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Create the application accountPrepare the required documents

Take the interview

If your qualification meets the requirements, you will receive an invitation for a motivational interview. 

Confirm the acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Visa & Residence PermitArrange you accommodation
  • 5 538 EUR
Tuition fee

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Learn more
Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

Scholarships for Master's

  • degree of Master of Life Sciences
  • Šiauliai Academy
  • 2
  • Life Sciences
  • Ecology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

  • degree of Master of Life Sciences
  • Šiauliai Academy
  • 2
  • Life Sciences
  • Ecology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

The programme provides a coherent pathway from research fundamentals to evidence-based ecological management. In year 1, you will develop skills in atmospheric bioaerosol monitoring, assessment of anthropogenic impact, ecological modelling, and natural resource management. Later advances to restoration ecology, ecosystem services, and climate-change impact assessment, along with an research project. In year 2, students take subjects on environmental management projects and statistics for ecological data analysis. Electives enable maximum personalisation, and the degree culminates in a Master’s thesis.

Peržiūrėti programos planą
  • You will be able to critically evaluate ecosystem management tools and approaches.
  • You will be able to analyze the ecological and environmental complexity of system formation and implementation.
  • You will be able to make ethical and socially responsible decisions when working with natural systems.
  • You will be able to apply appropriate assessment methods in operational ecology and related scientific and practical fields.
  • You will be able to create original innovations based on the latest scientific theories in Applied Ecology, focusing on methods and technologies.
  • You will be able to develop ideas and take responsible environmental decisions to manage complex natural systems effectively.
  • You will be able to evaluate complex environmental situations, anticipate potential threats, and implement strategies to address them.
  • You will be able to implement quality management practices in environmental projects and research.
Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

N. B. for non-EU/EFTA applicants: The gap since your completed Bachelor degree should not exceed five years.

University Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.

In case Bachelor degree is in different fields from the mentioned above, students will be asked to take bridge courses and pass the following exams: Molecular Biology of Cell, Physiology of Plants and Animals, Biological Resources, Meteorology, and Climatology, Hydrology

If your qualification and motivation meet the requirements, you will receive an invitation for an interview with the Admissions Committee.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Lithuanian.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.

Check additional country-specific requirements
Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Proving your language skills
Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals.

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme.

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

 

Check the country-specific requirements

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Create the application accountPrepare the required documents

Take the interview

If your qualification meets the requirements, you will receive an invitation for a motivational interview. 

Confirm the acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Visa & Residence PermitArrange you accommodation
  • 5 538 EUR
Tuition fee

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Learn more
Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

Scholarships for Master's
M_Informacinių technologijų valdymas_III.jpg

Career opportunities / From protected areas to international projects.

Natural Systems Management programme opens pathways into the public sector, research, NGOs and private industry in Lithuania and across Europe. The competences gained are directly applicable to environmental status assessment, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity management, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and the design and implementation of sustainability solutions. Graduates work successfully in national and municipal institutions (e.g. the Environmental Protection Agency, the Environmental Protection Department, the State Service for Protected Areas, and local government bodies), research organisations (e.g. the Nature Research Centre), as well as consultancy and engineering companies delivering EIAs and environmental management solutions (e.g. “Geomina”). At European level, opportunities include evidence-based environmental policy and data-driven work (e.g. at the European Environment Agency), participation in LIFE Nature and Biodiversity projects, and careers in international consultancies (e.g. ERM, Ramboll).

Ecologist / Health ecologist / Environmental protection specialist / Environmental strategy developer and implementer / Conservation consultant / Environmental impact assessor / NGO project or programme leader / Laboratory technician in ecological research
Accommodation
Financial Support
Exchange opportunities

Chat with VU students

If you need more information or personalised advice, choose a VU Ambassador from your home country or the desired study programme and submit your question using the form below. You can expect to hear back from us within 2–3 working days.

Contact our Ambassadors
Nespalvota_James_McLean.png