MSc in Geology

A CUSTOMISABLE, IN-DEPTH AND PRACTICAL ANALYSIS OF OUR CHANGING PLANET

The MSc in Geology at Aarhus University is a flexible, research-centred programme that encourages students to explore their own interests both in the lab and in the field. The programme includes most classic geological disciplines in new and modern guises. Students have the chance to customise their research within the programme so as to suit their own personal and professional interests.

Specialised Research

Teaching on the programme is integrated with research at the highest international level. The Department of Geoscience is renowned for its research in quaternary geology, hydrogeology, basin and lithosphere geology (oil geology and geothermics), micropalaeontology and climate research, structural geology, petrology, and geochemistry. The department also has a close collaboration with the Department of Archaeology. A number of laboratories are available, including a luminescence dating facility, a metal-free clean laboratory with mass spectrometers, a cosmogenic nuclide laboratory, and a core scanner. Students work closely with technical staff and with some of the best Danish and international researchers in the field. Teamwork is promoted so as to provide a forum for group research and discussion as well as opportunities to partner with private companies for research.

Student life

The Department of Geoscience is a small community of about 200 students brought together by shared research, team field trips, and common interests.

Classes take place in modern facilities with well-equipped labs. Students have access to cosy study areas, quiet reading rooms, wi-fi, computers and, of course, a classic Danish pop-up Friday bar. Students also have access to a communal office where they can sit and read, or just hang out together.

Careers

Graduates of the programme have moved into a wide range of careers, from the water and oil industries to engineering and construction, government consultancy, and research.

“At R amboll m y j ob c ombines p ractical fi eld w ork a nd theoretical geological and geochemical knowledge. Here I use my skills in hydrogeophysics, which is an integrated part of the MSc in Geology at Aarhus University. The integrated interpretation of geophysical and geochemical data with geological mapping was an important feature of my MSc studies.” - Christine Husum, MSc in Geology, Geologist

Selection criteria

As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission to the programme. Student places are allocated on the basis of an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the bachelor’s degree.

Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of geology, geophysics, physics, chemistry, mathematics, probability theory, statistics, and programming.

Specialisations in MSc in Geology

The MSc in Geology is a two-year programme offering four different specialisations. The specialisation is chosen in the first year, and the second year is dedicated to the Master’s thesis.

Modules in each specialisation are either 5 or 10 ECTS. A full year of study is 60 ECTS.

Visit the MSc in Geology page on the Aarhus University website for more details!