Program Overview

Master's Degree Thesis in Earth Science

The Master's Degree Thesis in Earth Science is a 60-credit course that allows students to perform and present a scientific study on a subject by applying knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. This occurs in conditions similar to those in a vocational situation. The course also includes review and comment on a similar work.

Course Structure

The course is divided into the following sections:

• Section 1: Project Description as instructed (1 hp)
• Section 2: Execution (29 hp)
• Section 3: Execution and presentation (30 hp)

Eligibility

To be eligible for the course, students must have completed the following requirements:

• Analysis of field data (15 ECTS)
• 30 ECTS of the following courses:
  • Environmental Analysis (15 ECTS)
  • Global Change Science (15 ECTS)
  • Terrestrial Biogeochemistry (15 ECTS)
  • Aquatic Ecosystems (7.5 ECTS) and Aquatic Biogeochemistry (7.5 ECTS)
• A Bachelor's thesis
• English B/6

Selection

Selection is based on academic credits.

Application and Tuition Fees

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

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 152,300
• Total fee: SEK 152,300

Course Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Full time
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-50782 (Autumn 2025) and UMU-50784 (Spring 2026)

Start and End Dates

• Autumn 2025: Starts on 1 September 2025, ends on 7 June 2026
• Spring 2026: Starts on 19 January 2026, ends on 17 January 2027

Teaching Hours and Study Location

• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Study location: Umeå

Department

The course is given by the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience.