Master's Degree in Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards
Barcelona, Spain
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
Spanish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 19 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 19.37 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2025-2026
Key Summary
About: The Master's in Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards at The University of Barcelona (founded 1450) complements research training in mineral resource characterization and modelling and in the identification, analysis, evaluation and management of geological hazards. The programme offers two specializations and covers exploration, environmental impact assessment, hazard mapping and risk management, and leads to doctoral study.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in exploration and mining companies, environmental remediation and mine restoration firms, geological services and civil protection agencies, engineering and environmental consultancies and NGOs, or pursue academic and doctoral research. Roles include hazard analysis, mapping, risk mitigation, resource evaluation, consultancy.
Excellent Accreditation by AQU – Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency
The main objective of the Master's Degree in Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards is to complement the training provided by research teams in the fields of mineral resource characterization and modeling, as well as the identification, analysis, evaluation, and management of geological hazards.
The program offers two distinct specializations. TheGeology and Modeling of Mineral Deposits specialization trains professionals with an in-depth understanding of the magmatic, hydrothermal, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes that give rise to different types of mineral deposits. It also equips students with the ability to apply this knowledge in mineral exploration, and with expertise in the most advanced quantitative methods for mineral resource characterization and evaluation.
The Geological Hazardsspecialization focuses on techniques for mapping, analyzing, processing, modeling, and assessing the hazard and risk associated with potentially destructive geological phenomena and processes. It also provides students with current methods and techniques used in various geological risk mitigation strategies.
This is an interuniversity master's degree, offered in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and it has been awarded the seal of excellence by the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency (AQU Catalunya).
The master's degree Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards seeks principally to complete students' training in the concepts, methodologies and techniques currently used by research teams involved in the characterization and modelling of mineral resources and in the identification, analysis, evaluation and management of geological hazards. Students in the master's degree Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards will:
- Obtain professional preparation to meet the most demanding requirements of companies engaged in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources.
- Expand and consolidate their knowledge of geological materials and structures and the characterization and modelling of natural phenomena and processes that could produce a hazard.
- Enhance their knowledge of methodology in order to work successfully as researchers in the analysis and modelling of mineral deposits and the analysis and prevention of geological hazards.
- Acquire this training within a solid conceptual framework of general and specialized geological knowledge, enabling students to develop general standards in the application of these techniques in each circumstance.
The University of Barcelona consistently ranks among the top institutions nationally, in Europe, and worldwide. Its performance in the most prestigious international rankings reflects excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and global engagement.
- Ranked 1st nationally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 1st nationally in the THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 68th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 27th in Europe in the Best Global Universities Rankings
Studying at the University of Barcelona means joining a world-class academic community recognized for its innovation and impact.
Learning objectives
The master's degree Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards seeks principally to complete students' training in the concepts, methodologies and techniques currently used by research teams involved in the characterization and modelling of mineral resources and in the identification, analysis, evaluation and management of geological hazards. Students in the master's degree Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards will:
- Obtain professional preparation to meet the most demanding requirements of companies engaged in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources.
- Expand and consolidate their knowledge of geological materials and structures and the characterization and modelling of natural phenomena and processes that could produce a hazard.
- Enhance their knowledge of methodology in order to work successfully as researchers in the analysis and modelling of mineral deposits and the analysis and prevention of geological hazards.
- Acquire this training within a solid conceptual framework of general and specialized geological knowledge, enabling students to develop general standards in the application of these techniques in each circumstance.
This official master's degree grants access to doctoral studies and an academic career at universities or research institutions.
The main career opportunities for specialists in geology and mineral deposit modelling include:
- Companies specializing in the exploration, assessment and exploitation of mineral deposits.
- Companies specializing in the prevention, mitigation and restoration of the environmental impact deriving from mining activities.
- Academic career at universities and research institutions (geological services). This official master's degree grants access to doctoral studies.
The main career opportunities for specialists in geological hazards include tasks such as the following:
- Analysis, mapping and assessment of geological hazards (floods, landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanism, etc.) that affect and have an impact on the land and its occupation. Design of defence and geological risk mitigation and management proposals.
- These professional tasks are carried out in public organizations such as geological services, civil protection services, natural disaster management units; or in companies, environmental, public works or natural resources engineering and consultancy agencies, and NGOs working in natural disaster mitigation and care.
The master's degree Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards is a qualification that deepens knowledge previously acquired by students in the geological sciences. The master's degree is recommended for students with broad education in the Earth sciences, including prior knowledge of disciplines in the program.
Applicants should also be motivated to work in the field as well as in the laboratory, have a relatively strong level of mathematics, chemistry and physics and possess a good understanding of software tools.