Programme structure

The master's programme in Geosciences is a two-year full-time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.

The programme has the following structure:

  • Mandatory courses, 20-50 ECTS credits, depending on the programme option
  • Recommended courses, 10-40 ECTS credits, depending on the programme option
  • Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits

If you are admitted with a non-geoscience background, your course of study has the following structure: 

  • Mandatory courses, 40 ECTS credits
  • Elective courses, 20 ECTS credits
  • Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits

The programme has 4 programme options:

Programme options that no longer admit students

Course of study

4th semester Master's thesis
3rd semester Master's course Master's thesis
2nd semester Master's course Master's course Master's thesis
1st semester Master's course + HMS courses Master's course Master's course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

The master’s programme is organised into four semesters. In the first semesters, you will take mandatory courses and courses based on your interest. From the second or third semester, you start working on your Master's thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.

Courses

The course of study above is general for the programme. Some programme options may have a different structure, and mandatory and recommended courses depend on the programme option. Please see each programme option for more information. 

All programme options have mandatory courses in Health, safety and the environment (HSE) at the beginning of the first semester.

HSE courses do not give ECTS credits. 

Selection of topic for the master's thesis

The master's thesis is worth 60 ECTS credits. The thesis project and supervisor are assigned towards the end of the first semester. The availability of thesis topics depends on the programme option, and further information on available topics can be found below.


Express your interest in specific topics to the programme supervisor. If multiple students are interested in the same topic, the supervisor will assign topics based on factors like academic background, average grades or enthusiasm for the topic. All admitted students are guaranteed a topic for their master's thesis.

The master's programme concludes with a thesis presentation and examination. You must have completed all mandatory courses, including HSE courses, before you present your thesis.

More information about (formal requirements for) the master's degree

Information related to the completion of the master's thesis, inlcuding the master's agreement and other application forms, can be found at the information page for master's studies at the Department of Geosciences.

Honours certificate

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master's programme.

Recognition of masters's courses from former education

If you are admitted to the master's programme and have completed master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these course (s) recognised as part of your degree. Contact the Student administration at the Department for Geosciences for more information.

Diploma and degree

This programme leads to the following degree: Master in Geosciences

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.

Published Oct. 6, 2022 9:49 AM - Last modified Dec. 3, 2024 2:08 PM