Program Overview

Introduction to the Earth Sciences Programme

The Earth Sciences programme at VU Amsterdam is a two-year Master's programme that provides students with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex problems facing our planet. The programme has an excellent reputation and is small-scale, allowing for personal contact with all students.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of three specialisations: Geology and Geochemistry, Earth and Climate, and Global Environmental Change and Policy. Each specialisation has different streams, allowing students to build their own individual profile in preparation for their future professional career.

Geology and Geochemistry

This specialisation focuses on the Earth's crust and mantle, dealing with geodynamics, tectonics, sedimentary and structural geology, stratigraphy, petrology, isotope geochemistry, planetary evolution, and basin analysis. Students apply geological, (isotope) geochemistry and radio-isotope dating techniques to understand various processes, including:

• The relations between subduction, volcanism, and metamorphism
• The age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence, and denudation
• The origin, filling, and deformation of basins
• The relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes, and sedimentary sequences
• The evolution of Earth compared to other rocky bodies in our solar system

Streams

The Geology and Geochemistry specialisation offers five streams:

• Stream G&G 1: Geochemistry and Petrology
• Stream G&G 2: Geodynamics and Tectonics
• Stream G&G 3: Subsurface Resourcing
• Stream G&G 4: Planetary Science
• Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Earth and Climate

This specialisation focuses on the Earth's surface processes and studies climate records by applying fieldwork with laboratory research. Students explore their own areas of interest and can choose from a wide range of research and thesis projects. The specialisation offers five streams:

• Stream E&C 1: Climate Dynamics and Earth System Modelling
• Stream E&C 2: Paleoceanography and Biogeochemical Cycles
• Stream E&C 3: Earth Surface Dynamics
• Stream E&C 4: Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
• Stream E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Global Environmental Change and Policy

This specialisation looks at global earth and environmental systems, addressing international challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, sustainable development, natural hazards, and biodiversity loss. The programme brings together different disciplines, including climate studies, environmental sciences, geography, economics, and policy. In the first year, students conduct international fieldwork, applying their skills to real-world challenges.

Streams

The Global Environmental Change and Policy specialisation offers three streams in the second year:

• Stream 1: Energy
• Stream 2: Ecosystem Services
• Stream 3: Water

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Earth Sciences programme have great career prospects, including working in environmental consultancy companies, governmental institutions, geothermal energy research, or as minerals surveyors. Many graduates continue their academic careers or take up positions in research and development.

Internships

Students can spend time working on an external research project or traineeship under the supervision of VU staff, who have excellent contacts in national and international companies and universities. This hands-on experience provides an excellent start for future careers.

Conclusion

The Earth Sciences programme at VU Amsterdam offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex problems facing our planet. With its excellent reputation, small-scale structure, and diverse specialisations, the programme provides students with a unique opportunity to build their own individual profile and pursue a successful career in their chosen field.