UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Master in Geosciences
Tromsø, Norway
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
NOK 150,500 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* For EU/EEA and Swiss applicants | Nordic applicants: 15 April | Non-EU/EEA applicants: 15 November for admission autumn 2027.
** Tuition fees are for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland applicants. Applicants from EU/EEA and Switzerland do not have to pay tuition.
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
As a master's student in geosciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway you can choose among a large variety of topics that are relevant for the future of society. You can choose topics related to past and present climate change, environmental geology, terrestrial and marine geohazards, the formation of mountain chains, as well as the formation and distribution of natural resources. As part of your thesis, you can perform practical fieldwork on land or at sea, and/or carry out laboratory work using a large variety of methods and instruments, and/or focus on data analyses using a computer. The majority of topics offered for M.Sc. focuses on studies of areas in northern Norway, the Barents Sea, Svalbard, and East Greenland, but also elsewhere in the world. After finalizing your M.Sc. thesis, you can apply for jobs in private companies, public authorities, and research institutions all over the world or you can even start your own business.
Program description
- Duration: 2 years
- Credits (ECTS): 120
- Admission requirements: Bachelor's degree in geology (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in geology or related subject area of minimum 80 ECTS. An average grade of equivalent to C or better in the Norwegian grading system is required
- Degree Name: Master in Geosciences
- Application code:
- Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 4007
- International applicants: 2026
The study consists of a Master's Thesis (60 ECTS) as well as mandatory and optional subjects (60 ECTS). The number of optional subjects varies between the study lines. You can either follow subjects at The University Centre in Svalbard, elsewhere in Norway or abroad.
There are four lines of study:
- Structural Geology, Petrology and Ore Geology
- Marine Geology and Geophysics
- Sedimentology and Quaternary Geology
- Petroleum Geoscience
The research undertaken in geology at UiT Arctic University of Norway focuses mainly on fieldwork in Northern Norway, in climate and marine geology with research cruises in the polar areas. We have unique geology right on our doorstep, which offers a special understanding of the processes that continue to shape the earth. Close cooperation with e.g. industry, the public sector, and other research institutions ensure that you as an M.Sc. student gain experience in fields relevant to the job market.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods consist of lectures in classrooms, laboratory work in modern lab facilities, fieldwork, and cruises to interesting areas, mainly in Northern Norway.
Examinations will be given as written exams, oral exams, and reports, depending on the individual course description.
Access to further studies
Successful completion of a master's degree in geology qualifies a candidate for admission to Ph.D. studies, depending on satisfactory marks in the master's and bachelor's degrees.
Ph.D. studies in geology are offered at UiT Arctic University of Norway.
Learning outcomes
In addition to a solid competence in a specialized field of geology, students will have acquired the following after completing the Master of Science in Geology:
Knowledge
The candidate has:
- advanced knowledge within general geology and specialized insight in one of the following fields; marine geology and geophysics, petrology/structural geology, sedimentology, and Quaternary geology, or petroleum geoscience.
- thorough knowledge of scientific theory and geological methods within the selected specialization, i.e. marine geology and geophysics, petrology/structural geology, sedimentology, and Quaternary geology, or petroleum geoscience. This includes understanding geology based on scientific observations from the field and the laboratory.
- the ability to apply geological knowledge in new technological or scientific areas within the selected specialization.
- the ability to solve geological problems on the basis of the scientific history, tradition, and distinctive character of geosciences. This includes a deep understanding of geological data from the field and/or the laboratory as well as an understanding of geological time, processes, and products.
Skills
The candidate can:
- critically analyze geological problems using data, methods, and results from peer-reviewed, international geoscientific research literature. The candidate can also structure and formulate scholarly arguments building on such information.
- analyze existing geological theories, use methods, and interpretations, and work independently with applied and theoretical solving of geological problems. This regards both the solution of academic research questions and applied aspects of the selected geological specialization.
- use relevant geological methods for research and professional development within the selected specialization in an independent manner. This can include geological field observations, data collection, laboratory analyses, and literature review.
- carry out an independent, well-defined research project under academic supervision. The project is based on geological field observations, laboratory data, literature, or a combination thereof.
- conduct his/her work in accordance with current ethical standards within the selected geological specialization.
General competence
The candidate can:
- analyze and carry out the most important elements of academic and professional geological research projects: penetrate literature, carry out field and laboratory research, analyze geological data, and communicate results to fellow students and scientists.
- apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas for completing advanced tasks and projects within the selected geological specialization.
- communicate comprehensive independent work and master the geological terminology as well as the use of key literature and academic referencing. This includes communication in the form of written academic theses, research reports, and oral presentations to peer students and geologists.
- discuss, argue, and critically assess geological problems, analyses, and conclusions, both with specialists and with the general public.
- contribute to academic, technological, and industrial innovation within the field of geology.
Job prospectives
Writing your M.Sc. thesis in geosciences at UiT qualifies you for a large variety of jobs in the industry, public authorities, and research institutions, both nationally and internationally. Or maybe you even want to start your own business? Our former students work, e.g. with:
- Investigations of unstable rock slopes, rock-slope failures, and flooding.
- Environmental investigations.
- Carbon capture and storage.
- Exploration and exploitation of natural resources relevant for the Green Shift.
- Searching for oil and gas.
- Own consultancy business.
- Geohazards at The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).
- Geological mapping onshore and offshore at the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU).
- Onshore and offshore investigations in the Arctic and Antarctica at the Norwegian Polar Institute.
- Investigation and management of natural resources at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, as well as at the Directorate of Mining with the Commissioner of Mines at Svalbard.
- Planning of new roads and safe infrastructure at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
- Research and education at universities and research institutions.