What is the Master of Geology all about?
You will gain much from the strong emphasis on research in this programme. Besides enhancing knowledge and skills in numerous specialised courses, including a field-mapping course, you will conduct your own master’s thesis project within a research team (professor(s), postdoc(s), PhD-student(s)) and at the same time develop important scientific skills, such as reporting and presenting, needed in your future career.
This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Structure
The master’s programme offers 4 different majors: Geodynamics and Georesources, Surface Processes and Paleoenvironments, Geology of Basins and Soil and Groundwater.
- In Geodynamics and Georesources, you will study rock-forming processes and mineral resources in the subsurface. The interaction between various physico-chemical processes in the Earth forms the core of this major. You will develop the ability to analyse and explain the complexity of the various interacting physical and chemical rock-forming processes and apply this knowledge to the exploration of natural resources.
- In Surface Processes and Paleoenvironments, you will study the interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. The focus is on understanding present-day and past processes and placing these processes in a context of global change on various time scales. You will develop the ability to analyse and explain the complex interaction of surface processes relating to the variability of various aspects of the Earth’s surface.
- In Geology of Basins, you will study the processes steering the genesis and evolution of sedimentary basins and the surrounding areas. Special attention is given to sedimentary fluxes, the spatial organisation of basins, the evolution of the paleoenvironment, dating of events and exploration strategies. You will develop the ability to analyse and explain the complexity of interacting processes that determine the evolution of sedimentary basins.
- In Soil and Groundwater, you will study hydrogeological and pedological characteristics and processes with a focus on fundamental and applied aspects of soils and groundwater, including the response to external influences and aimed at sustainable management and protection of these resources. You will develop the attitude to analyse and explain the complexity of physical and chemical processes influencing soil and groundwater, and to come up with remedial measures.
Departments
The programme is firmly rooted in the research of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (KU Leuven) and the Department of Geology (Ghent University). Both departments continuously develop and maintain innovative and widely recognised research programmes on fundamental and applied aspects of geoscience. These generally involve collaborative efforts in various international research networks.
Career perspectives
As a Master in Geology you may be involved in development tasks, research or management functions. In consultancy, you are likely to find a job in environmental geology, hydrogeology or geotechnology. In industry, you will be involved in exploration, exploitation andtreatment of natural resources. In governmental agencies and research institutions, you may be responsible for the inventory, management, research and use of the subsurface or for environmental issues.
If you dream of an academic career, you can start by embarking on a PhD-project in Leuven, Ghent, or elsewhere.
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