Master's Programme in Earth Sciences
In this education, we address issues related to sustainability. The content of the course or program fits into at least one of our 10 sustainability criteria. For you as a student, the sustainability label means guidance, quality assurance, and a guarantee that courses or programs contain a pronounced sustainability perspective.
Summary
Against the background of global change, modern society has an increasing need of citizen competence in Earth sciences. The accessibility of Earth science information is greater today, resulting in new areas of application and new methods to manage geo-resources on a local and global basis.
About
The courses in the Earth science Master's Programme provide depth and diverse possibilities for subject specialisation. The courses also give you extensive experience with new analytical methods and the ability to evaluate and present complex issues within the Earth sciences.
Diverse learning opportunities
As a student of the programme, you will deepen your understanding of our planet through advanced courses and an in-depth research project. Three profile areas help you define your specialization:
• Environmental and applied geology explains and illustrates why different geological materials have specific characteristics, why there are systematic trends in the physical environment, and how this knowledge can be applied in society.
• Bedrock geology focuses on magmatic and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, economic geology, and geophysics combined with excursions to study the Scandinavian Precambrian bedrock. (For clarification, we don’t offer petroleum geology).
• Physical geography and climatology investigate interactions between climate, society, and terrestrial environments, both natural and urban. Here, knowledge of past climate and natural geography is combined with applied studies of how climate affects humans and the environment.
Our programme also addresses the increasing use of computer-aided mapping in many Earth science research questions by offering advanced courses in Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing tools to increase your skillset and make you more attractive to employers.
Strong research in climate and geology
A strength of our department is the extensive opportunities within climatology, with many of our climate studies involving climate modelling to explain and predict climate change. The paleoclimatology of the planet is studied using dendrochronology in our joint Chinese-Swedish tree-ring laboratory. We also have a strong urban climate group studying how climate affects cities (and vice versa) and how climate change influences city planning. Volvo Cars, located in Gothenburg, has inspired a strong road climate group that studies how driving can be safer by understanding how roads and climate interact.
A field-oriented and expansive programme
Our department offers a 2–3-week geology field trip each autumn to a different part of the world, such as the Alps and Oman. You will have field-work opportunities nationally and within Scandinavia, as well as internship possibilities. Some research projects are done at Skogaryd, one of Sweden’s nationally supported field stations. Your supervisor might also recommend courses at other universities that advance your research network and complement your profile, including possible undergraduate courses that can count towards your master’s degree. You may also choose to pursue exchange studies abroad.
Application and admission
If your application leads to an admission, you will be contacted by academic counselling for your course selection for your first fall term. Academic counselling can support you with your choices. You have guaranteed placement to all elective courses offered by our departmen (coursecodes start with: GVG-, MP-, GVN-, GVK-).
Programme structure and content
The programme consists of three profile areas, which intent to give you a clearly defined specialisation in the orientation of your choice.
Environmental and Applied Geology has three goals, to explain and illustrate why different geological materials have specific characteristics, why there are systematic trends in the physical environment, and how this knowledge can be applied in society.
Bedrock Geology focuses on courses in magmatic and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, economic geology and geophysics combined with excursions to study the Scandinavian Precambrian bedrock.
Physical Geography/Climatology investigates the interactions between climate, society and terrestrial environments, both natural and urban. Here knowledge of past climate and natural geography is combined with applied studies of how climate affects humans and the environment, now and in the future.
Who should apply?
Have you done field work in geology, physical geography, or climatology and want to improve your skills?
Are you concerned about how climate change, social justice, and resource distribution are posing increasingly complex challenges for the future?
Do you want to build a skillset in Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing tools, making you more attractive to employers?
If you want to gain competence in geology, physical geography, climatology, or another area of earth science, then apply for the master’s programme in Earth Sciences.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences of 180 credits at an accredited (internationally recognized) university including at least 90 credits in a major subject. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Assessment of qualifications
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
This educational programme gives you the tools required for working with advanced Earth science applications within government and industry, as well as preparing you for a possible continuation of your academic career. Examples of working areas are at national and international companies, governmental agencies, institutes and other organisations dealing with natural resource and environmental management, for instance consultants and companies within the energy, insurance and construction sectors.
