Program Overview

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Master's Programme in Earth Science

The Master's Programme in Earth Science is a 2-year, full-time programme that provides students with a comprehensive education in geoscience, equipping them with the skills needed to analyze environmental changes, assess natural resources, and contribute to sustainable solutions.

About the Programme

Within the master's programme in Earth Science, students will study natural earth processes, climate change, and the impact of human influences such as natural resources and environmental disruption. The programme develops awareness and in-depth knowledge of environmental changes over years to millennia in different types of environments.

While Studying

The Master's Programme in Earth Science combines theory and practical experience, allowing students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge of Earth Sciences through experiments and fieldwork in the unique boreal and Arctic environments of northern Sweden. As a master's student, you will develop critical analytical skills, the ability to tackle complex environmental challenges, and an independent research approach.

A Flexible and Broad Earth Science Education

In addition to mandatory courses, the programme offers a wide range of elective courses where you can deepen your knowledge in earth science or broaden your skills in related areas. Examples of elective courses include:

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – Analyzing spatial data for environmental research
• Sustainability Science – Exploring sustainable resource management and environmental policies
• Global Change Science - Learning about the transformations in the Earth system in the context of the Anthropocene

A Research-Connected Programme with High Quality Standards

The programme has been awarded the highest rating in the Swedish Higher Education Authority’s latest quality review, highlighting the programme’s strong academic foundation and close connection to cutting-edge research. The teaching is conducted in close collaboration with research, ensuring that you are exposed to the latest developments in Earth Sciences.

Master’s Thesis in Earth Science

The final thesis project allows you to specialize in a chosen area within Earth Sciences, conducting independent research under faculty supervision. Depending on your academic and career goals, you can choose between a 30 ECTS or 60 ECTS thesis. The project includes collecting your own data, usually by fieldwork in the region.

Courses within the Programme

The programme consists of the following courses:

• Year 1:
  • Aquatic Ecosystems, 7.5 credits
  • Aquatic biogeochemistry, 7.5 credits
  • Analysis of field data, 15 credits
  • Analysis of Environmental Changes - focus: Archives, 15 credits
  • Terrestrial biogeochemistry, 15 credits
• Year 2:
  • Elective courses, 30 credits, examples:
    • Global Change Science, 15 credits
    • Soil and water – field methods, 15 credits
    • Geographical information system, 15 credits
  • Thesis work, 30 credits or 60 credits

Future and Career Opportunities

After completing a geoscience degree, you will be well-prepared for careers in environmental analysis, climate research, and natural resource management. The programme provides strong qualifications for positions in both the public and private sectors, including governmental agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions.

Common Jobs for Graduates

• Geospatial analysis and GIS applications
• Climate change adaptation and risk assessment
• Water resource management and hydrology
• Natural disaster monitoring and mitigation
• Environmental policy and planning
• Administrative Officer at county boards, municipalities, and government agencies – Working with environmental policy and natural resource management
• Environmental Consultant in private industry and mining companies – Conducting environmental impact assessments and sustainability planning
• Geoscientist in research institutes – Studying climate change, earth materials, and natural resource use
• GIS Analyst – Using spatial data to analyze environmental and geographical trends
• PhD and research in academia or in the private sector

Eligibility

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Earth science alternatively 60 ECTS in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in Earth science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Selection

Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)

Degree

After a completed programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor. In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Qualification is issued in the main field of study (Earth Science/Physical Geography).

Application and Tuition Fees

As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
• Total fee: SEK 304,600

Research Excellence at Umeå University

Be a part of a world-class environment for teaching and research – where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing began, and where innovation continues to shape the future.

• Innovative with international impact
• Open climate for groundbreaking research

Programme Coordinator

Ryan Sponseller, Professor

Programme is Given By

Faculty of Science and Technology

Similar Programmes

• Master's Programme in Ecology
• Master's Programme in Environmental Science and Sustainability

Good to Know

• How to apply
• Chat with our students
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