Are you ready to dive into exciting topics such as climate change, water resource management, geo-resources, geohazards, and pollution? In the Master's programme in Geosciences at the University of Oslo, you have the opportunity to explore the interaction between humans and nature.
Our broad research profile offers you many study paths to choose from, based on your academic background and interests. If you already know what you want to do after your studies, you can tailor your study path accordingly. If you're unsure about what’s right for you, we're happy to have a chat with you to explore the options that best suit your interests and career goals.
A brief overview of the programme
The Master's programme in Geosciences offers you a unique combination of advanced courses and independent work on a master’s thesis. The programme lasts for two years and is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits – half of which consists of courses, while the other half is dedicated to your thesis work. In most programme options, you will participate in field and laboratory work as well as data modelling.
You will be assigned a supervisor who will assist you in selecting the right courses, and assist you in your work on your master’s project, which will lead to an independent final work which will be your master's thesis. Working on your master’s thesis, you will concentrate on a specific area within your field of study and you be given a research approach to the subject you are working on.
The programme offers four programme options:
- Applied Basin Analysis: Processes, Resources and Evolution of Life
- Earth’s Structures and Planetary Processes
- Environmental Geosciences, Geohazards, and Geomatics
- Water and Climate
Each programme option is composed of mandatory and recommended courses, allowing you to tailor the programme somewhat to your interests (depending on the programme option), while still providing the necessary academic foundation.
As one of our students you will participate in fieldwork and excursions to observe natural processes, learn to model these processes, and conduct experiments either in nature or in the laboratory, depending on the programme option. The studies are based on a good knowledge in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and chemistry.
Student life
We want you to thrive as a student with us! Become part of our dynamic student environment and experience what it's like to study Geosciences here! Begin your studies with a mandatory welcome meeting where you will receive important information about the programme and meet both your fellow students and the programme coordinators.
Do you have questions or need guidance during your studies? Get in touch – we are here to assist you!
As a geoscience student, you can participate in associations related to student politics and social activities. Get involved, meet people across different disciplines, and build a network. Find out more about our student associations under Student life.
The University of Oslo also offers an active student life with over 250 various associations.
Semester abroad
The Department of Geosciences has several international exchange agreements with universities abroad, to which you can apply depending on your chosen programme option.
We work closely with The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), and you can register for single course in the autumn, spring, or summer.
Read more about exchange opportunities.
Career opportunities
A master's degree in geosciences opens many exciting opportunities, both for employment and further studies such as a PhD. You gain expertise in geology, geophysics, geography, geomatics, hydrology, meteorology, and oceanography. This provides access to important positions in both the public sector and private industry, where you can contribute to sustainability, climate, natural resources, and technology.
A geosciences education is also an international education. Many of our master's students come from abroad, highlighting the global relevance and opportunities within this field.
One possible way forward after a master's degree is to pursue a doctoral degree. You can read more about this at PhD in Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Read more about career opportunities
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.