Master in Earth Science

Within the Master's Programme in Earth Science you will study natural earth processes, climate change and the impact of human influences such as natural resources and environmental disruption. Impact on earth processes leads to substantial changes in the environment. You will develop awareness and in-depth knowledge of environmental changes over years to millennia in different types of environments.

Theoretical studies of important earth processes are consolidated via experiments and field studies in the Northern landscape, including a variety of boreal and arctic habitats. As a master's student in Earth Science in Umeå, you will develop your skills for individual integration and application of knowledge. You also develop the ability to handle complex phenomena, problems and situations, as a preparation for research practice or other jobs that have high demands of independence.

Many elective courses

The mandatory elements of the Master's programme in Earth Science consists of five courses during Year 1, and a final Degree thesis project of 30 ECTS or 60 ECTS.

If you start in the autumn, as first courses you take Aquatic Ecosystem and Aquatic Biogeochemistry followed by Analysis of Field Data. These courses are then followed in the spring by Analysis of Environmental Changes and Terrestrial Biogeochemistry.

If you start in the spring, as first course you take Analysis of Environmental Changes followed by Terrestrial Biogeochemistry. These courses are then followed in the autumn by Aquatic Ecosystem, Aquatic Biogeochemistry and Analysis of Field Data.

There are also several elective courses to take during the first and second year. In addition, choose freely among our courses at advanced level, provided that your choice meets the qualification requirements for the Master's degree. The teaching is conducted in close collaboration with on-going research at our department. All teaching is in English.

High score in quality review

The programme received the highest score in the Swedish Higher Education Authority recent quality review.

Umeå University - Number 1 for student satisfaction

Umeå University placed first of all participating universities in the International Student Barometer (ISB) in the categories of living, support, and overall satisfaction.