Master's Programme in Earth Sciences: Physical Geography/Climatology
You will gain in-depth knowledge of how the Earth's processes and landforms are affected by human activity, what the consequences are for the environment and climate, and how the problems can be prevented and remedied.
The specialization Physical Geography/Climatology will sharpen your skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, programming, and in modeling and analysis of modeled climate scenarios at different scales. This gives you a high level of competence in areas such as environmental protection and natural resource management and will prepare you for work in both the private and public sector, as well as pursuing doctoral studies.
During the first year, you will also go on an extensive field course to an international research facility.
Based on your area of interest, it is possible to do field studies at the Skogaryd Research Station - a national field station consisting of different ecosystems. Here, observations, environmental monitoring and high-tech research experiments are carried out. Field studies can also be carried out at the Latnjajaure research station in northern Sweden. The University of Gothenburg has conducted climate research at this station since 1990, focusing on the impact of climate warming on Arctic vegetation.
Language of instruction: English
Course offerings Physical Geography/Climatology
Courses year 1 2025/2026
Autumn 2025
Quartile 1
Global change - problem, analysis measures (ES2613) 7.5 credits
Quartile 2
Climate Change in an Earth System Perspective (GVN460) 7.5 credits
Quartile 3
Open Source – GIS (NGN220) 7.5 credits
Quartile 4
Quaternary Development and Paleoclimate (GVK440) 7.5 credits
Spring 2026
Quartile 1 - 2
Climate Modelling (GVN465) 15 credits
Quartile 3 - 4
Earth Systems: Field Course (GVN470) 15 credits
Courses year 2
Thesis project or thesis project in combination with courses.
Thesis courses:
Master thesis in Earth Sciences (GV0430/45/60) 30/45/60 credits
Courses year 1 2026/2027
Autumn 2026
Quartile 1
Global change - problem, analysis, measures (ES2613) 7.5 credits
Quartile 2
Climate Change in an Earth System Perspective (GVN460) 7.5 credits
Quartile 3
Open Source – GIS (NGN220) 7.5 credits
Quartile 4
Glacial Landforms and Sediments (GVK450) 7.5 credits
Spring 2027
Quartile 1-2
Climate Modelling (GVN465) 15 credits
Quartile 3-4
Earth Systems: Field Course (GVN470) 15 credits
Courses year 2
Thesis project or thesis project in combination with courses.
Thesis courses:
Master thesis in Earth Sciences (GV0430/45/60) 30/45/60 credits