Earth Science (Master's)
With a Master’s degree in Earth Science, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills to help solve challenges related to climate, environment, geohazards, energy transition, marine science, polar research and more.
- Duration
- 2 year
- Study places
- 52
- ECTS credits
- 120
- Start of study
- Autumn and spring
- Teaching language
- Norwegian and English
What will you learn?
The programme aims to give you a broad general knowledge of the earth sciences, as well as research skills in your chosen field. You will learn how to:
- Combine quantitative and qualitative geoscientific data, models and literature in order to develop new knowledge.
- Critically analyse scientific sources of information, and use these as a basis for scientific reasoning and the formulation of new ideas within geoscience.
- Work independently and as part of a team, in order to solve complex problems.
Student life
Welcome to an international environment at UiB Earth Science! We have close to 40 nations represented on our permanent staff, and about 20 per cent of our Master’s students are international.
The Master’s programme has several times been voted as one of the best programmes at UiB, as students enjoy the subjects, environment and scientific community. In 2018, the programme was voted the best geoscience programme in Norway!
We foster an inclusive student environment and continuously work to make our students thrive. You will be part of a student group that work and grow together throughout your studies, although you might work on different topics. There are many good areas for studying across campus, whether you need time alone or as a group. As a Master’s student you can apply for a designated desk in one of our “Master’s rooms” through our student association, “Geovitenskaplig fagutvalg"..
Career
Earth scientists investigate the history of our planet in order to understand our present and build for the future. They are needed when infrastructure like road and rail networks, and tunnels and buildings, both subsea and on land, are built.
Our department's collaboration with relevant industries and international research programmes ensures that your education will be relevant and attractive to employers.
Graduates go on to find work in the energy industry, or as consultants in public or private sectors, while others continue with PhDs and careers in research, whether at UiB or elsewhere.
Admission requirements and how to apply
Grade requirements: C (2.5)
Requires a minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C (2,5) or the equivalent, to be eligible for admission.
Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.
Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:
Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 December)
Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 March)
Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April)
You will also have to meet the programme-specific entry requirements.
Applicants with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA must pay tuition fees.
The programme has its main admission in the autumn and supplementary admission in the spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all places have been filled in the autumn admission. The spring admission does not apply to applicants from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA.
Submission deadline for autumn semester: 15 April
Teaching language
Teaching language: Norwegian and English
Study structure
As part of the degree, you must achieve 60 ECTS from courses and 60 ECTS from the Master’s thesis.
The programme does not include any mandatory courses and your study plan may consist of laboratory work and fieldwork, seminars, cruises and lectures. With the help of administration and your supervisors you schedule your own course plan, which allows you to gaina tailored degree that suits your interests and is tailored to your needs, so that you begin your thesis with the right knowledge and skills. A personalised course plan will also stand out when you graduate and start your career.
All Master’s students have their main supervisor at the Department of Earth Science, and will belong in their supervisor’s research group:
Quaternary geology and paleoclimate
Before beginning the Master’s programme, you will have the opportunity to choose which research areas you find most interesting. Your interests and previous academic background will be considered when finding a thesis topic that is right for you.
Study abroad
Our Master’s students can attend courses at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), conduct fieldwork and laboratory work, or go on cruises in Norway or abroad as part of their project or as part a course, or attend conferences. We can assist with finding grants to apply for if needed.
Further studies
After completing your Master’s degree, you can continue your academic journey by applying for a PhD position in geoscience at UiB, at another university in Norway, or abroad.
Questions about the study?
Phone number: +47 55 58 30 30
E-mail: studierettleiar@geo.uib.no
Study plan
A study plan is a formal document between you as a student and the University of Bergen. The study plan must provide a clear framework for the study, describe the learning goals you will achieve and how the study is structured.
