The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Earth Science. It is a two year programme

(120 ECTS credits).

The programme aims to give you as a student a broad general knowledge of geoscience, as well as research skills in your chosen speciality. Candidates generally find employment in the oil industry, within research, or as private or civic consultants. Master's projects range from dealing with theoretical aspects of solid Earth physics to applied geology, and aim to make use of each student's individual skills and background. The course programme and the master's thesis also take advantage of the fact that Western Norway offers a unique environment for different types of field geology, ranging from Quaternary and glacial geology to Precambrian orogenic and magmatic processes. The proximity to the North Sea oil fields, and the access to two ocean going research vessels equipped for marine reflection seismics, mean that you will have excellent opportunities within petroleum research and marine research. As a master's student you will also have access to a wide range of modern laboratory and computer facilities.

Within the Master's Programme in Earth Science you can choose between five specialisations, mirroring the five main research groups at the department:

• Quaternary geology and paleoclimate
• Geobiology
• Petroleum geoscience (Only open for international applicants residing in Norway)
• Marine geology and geophysics
• Geodynamics

Who may apply?

Self-financing degree students

The Master's Programme in Earth Science, specialization petroleum geoscience will not be offered to self-financing students the academic year 2016/17.

The selection of students for admission to the other four specializations in the Master's Programme in Earth Science - (1) Geobiology and Geochemistry, (2) Geodynamics, (3) Marin Geology and Geophysics, and (4) Quaternary Geology and Paleoclimatology, is based on the following criteria:

• You need a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science with first class results. Admission to the programme will be based on content and performance in earth science courses, which in general should not be any less than three semesters worth of courses, 90 ECTS (one and a half academic year) 
• In addition practical field experience is required
• Applicants with 2nd class, upper division/B average or the equivalent will not be considered for admission. Only applicants with grades in first division will be considered.

Additional requirements and selection criteria:

• Depth and relevance of educational training
• A good knowledge and understanding of English
• Academic degree not older than two years (exceptions can be made if the applicant has relevant work experience)
• The applicant's prospects for having a productive career in the special field of study
• Consideration to ensure diversity in the pool of students admitted to the Programme

How many places?

5 places are reserved for qualified international applicants in the Master's Programme in Earth Science in the academic year 2016/2017

Application procedure

Main admission in autumn semester. For more information about the application procedure please see:

For international applicants residing abroad (Application deadline 1 December) http://www.uib.no/en/education/48772/international-masters-degree-applicants-residing-abroad

For international applicants residing in Norway (Application deadline 15 April) http://www.uib.no/en/matnat/54992/international-masters-degree-applicants-residing-norway

Student counsellor at the Department of Earth Science

studiekonsulent@geo.uib.no

A first degree (bachelor´s degree) of three or four years´ duration from an approved institution of higher education, as well as proficiency in the English language.

When working with your master´s thesis, you will make use of relevant methods and scientific techniques to study your material. The master´s thesis may be based on your own field work, or be of a more theoretical or experimental character.

In agreement with your academic supervisor, you will choose a master´s thesis (60 ECTS credits) and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project. The master´s thesis may have a theoretical character (modelling and simulation), or an experimental character, but it will often be a combination of these.

A master´s programme in earth science consists of an independent scientific work (the master´s thesis) of 60 ECTS credits, and courses or special topics of 60 ECTS credits. Some of the courses are compulsory within the specialisations. You will choose the other courses in agreement with your academic supervisor.

Autumn and spring

Student counsellor at the Department of Earth Science

studiekonsulent@geo.uib.no