Master's Programme in Earth Sciences

The programme aims to privide in-depth knowledge of earth sciences for continued professional careers in industry, the public sector or academia.

The programme offers both theoretical and applied courses focusing on the environment, climate change, natural resources and geology.

The program has two specialisations; Geology and Climatology/Physical Geography. Students either focus entirely on one area of interest, or take courses in both subjects.

A Degree of Master of Science with a major in Earth Sciences, prepares students for further studies at the postgraduate level in Earth Sciences.

Admission to the N2GVS Master's Programme in Earth Sciences, requires a university or college degree consisting of at least 180 credits, with at least 120 credits within Earth Sciences. Applicants with equivalent education may be admitted to the programme after review and approval.

Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B/ English level 2, from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL or IELTS.

This programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Earth Sciences (Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen med huvudområdet Geovetenskap).

The Master's Programme in Earth Sciences comprises a total of 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits must be withinin the main field of study, Earth Sciences. Of these 120 credits, at least 30 credits must consist of a master thesis (degree project).

Recommended courses are offered within the two specialisations; geology and physical geography/climatology.

All students participate in the Master's Seminar, which is a comprehensive course covering guest lectures as well as student presentations.

The master thesis is compulsory and should preferably be carried out in close collaboration with current research projects or in collaboration with industry and public authorities. The master thesis can consist of 30, 45 or 60 credits.

Language of instruction: English

General objectives for Degree of Master 

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and to contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work. 
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialouge with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Local objectives

Upon completion of the programme, in addition to theoretical in-depth studies in Earth Sciences, the student will have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills in areas of the Earth Science field to critically evaluate and contribute to research within Earth Sciences.

In addition, the student should have acquired sufficient skills to be able to:

• analyse complex earth scientific problems and plan and carry out projects using suitable experminental and/or e.g. computer-based methods.
• carry out analysis of independently collected or other data using relevant analysis tools.
• synthesise results and conclusions in the form of written reports and oral presentations and decide on appropriate measures.

Excursions may incur additional costs for the students. Programme students have the opportunity to apply for scholarship for travel expenses.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Götborgs universitet). 

Students admitted to the N2GVS Master's Programme in Earth Sciences are guaranteed a place on all courses within the programme, provided that the student meet the entry requirements.