Master's Programme in Earth Science – Physical Geography

Year 1

All courses in the first semester are taken with students in the Hydrology specialisation.

The first semester starts with Dynamics of Earth Systems, which explores global interactions between components of the Earth system, while Applied Geoinformatics provides GIS training. Students can also opt for Exploration and Environmental Geophysics instead. The semester continues with courses in Hydrochemistry or Climate Variations, and on Statistics and Data Analysis Methods. The Presentation and Publication course helps you develop your communication skills.

The second semester focuses on specialised courses on glaciology and landscape processes and on geomorphology, together with a course in field techniques and methods.

Year 2

The third semester offers courses on environmental change over geological time scales, water and society, which discusses governance and policies. There is also a a directed readings course on current research topics within physical geography and hydrology. These are followed by courses on hydrology and environmental changes in cold regisions, and on natural hazards.

The fourth and final semester of the specialisation is a degree project in the form of an independent project.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The teachers in the Master's Programme in Earth Science are experts in their respective fields, giving you up-to-date contact with front-line research in an open and creative educational atmosphere. The teaching consists of a balanced mix of theoretical and practical work providing experience in both research and industry-oriented applications. Excursions, fieldwork and study visits are included in some courses.

Instruction in the programme builds on your experience and knowledge from your previous education. You are expected to actively participate and contribute to the learning environment and take responsibility for your own and others' learning. The teachers are responsible for creating opportunities for active learning at individual and group level. Purposeful and respectful dialogue between teachers and students contributes to the constant improvement and development of courses.

Examination generally includes written exams, complemented by seminar presentations/discussions, project work, laboratory work and field reports.

The Master's Programme in Earth Science, specialising in Physical Geography, prepares you with skills and knowledge for a career in the field of management of the environment within both private and governmental organisations. With a Master's Degree from the programme you may apply your knowledge on problems as diverse as landslide protection, soil conservation, geotechnical surveys, pollution remediation, land use planning, archeology, and many other areas.

Our graduates work at, for example, Berg AB, Sweco AB and Tyréns AB. Job titles include Geochemist, Consultant, Geoscientist, etcetera.

The programme also provides good opportunities for postgraduate studies with subsequent research careers.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.