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Courses and programmes

Geological Science constitutes a major academic discipline. It provides crucial information to society about mineral resources and energy, ground-water availability, the evolution of the climate and about other natural hazards including tsunamis, landslides, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.


Note: Our IT/Online courses are not available for exchange students

Earth Science programme, on campus (only in Swedish)

Earth science is the science of planet earth. Knowledge of mountains, soil, landforms, groundwater and climate is of great importance for a sustainable society, in terms of natural resources, land use and environmental problems. The program is a collaboration with the Department of Physical Geography.

Marine geoscience programme

Are you passionate about the sea? Then the Marine Geoscience program is something for you. The Earth is called ”the blue planet” because about 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans. The marine sector has expanded enormously in Sweden and internationally, driven by the ”blue economy” which sees the oceans as a resource. The sustainable use of ocean resources requires knowledge about the oceans and sea floors.

Programme in Earth Science, Distance Learning

Earth Science Program, internet based distance learning study, is organised by the Department of Geological Sciences and the Department of Physical Geography. The course structure of this program differs from the on-site program in Earth Science.

Master’s degree programme in Geological Sciences

has two specializations:

  • Specialization Geology
  • Specialization Marine Geology

In the M.Sc. programme in Geological Sciences you will study the chemical, physical, and biological processes that shape our planet. You will learn about the effects of plate tectonics on mountain building, volcanism, ore formation, and earthquakes. You will study the processes that control Earth’s climate system and the geological record of Earth’s climate evolution, as well as the biogeochemically controlled distribution of elements and molecules on Earth and their exchange between the ocean, atmosphere, and geosphere.

Master's degree programme in Geochemistry

This master programme aims at students that want to obtain practical and interpretive geochemical skills that are broadly needed in the public administrative and private consulting sector and in geoscientific research. The set of courses within the program will deepen geoscientific instrumental analytical competence of organic and inorganic natural components and isotopes. The program will also develop practical and theoretical knowledge on analytical developments and challenges in the field of geochemistry. Geochemical modelling will be taught to handle naturally occurring reaction-transport scenarios such as subsurface water transport, biogeochemical reaction networks, catchment-scale geochemical mass balance for elements and their isotopes.

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First level courses

Second level

Programmes

Our evening courses are prepared with the lifelong learner in mind. A lifelong learner can be anyone, any age, male or female, student, working or not working.

If you want to learn more about an old interest, stimulate your mind or learn something new and interesting, one of our popular evening courses is the answer. Most of the courses also give you the opportunity to explore geological wonders around the world together with fellow lifelong learners during field trips.

Some of the courses at IGV:

  • Climate Change – a geological perspective (GG1018)
  • Dinosaurs – their Evolution and Extinction (GG1003)
  • Discovery of the Elements (KZ1001)
  • Evolution of Life (GG1009)
  • Geology of Sweden, from the Past to the Future (GG1041)
  • Mineral resources and the green energy transition (GG1104)
  • Origin and early evolution of life (GG1102)
  • Speciation and Extinctions in Time and Space (GG1013)
  • The Sea (GG1005)
  • Volcanoes of the World (GG1010)
  • Wetlands – a Swedish perspective (GG1101)

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The course provides an opportunity to work in a commercial or governmental organization with supervision of both university instructors and a supervisor within the organization.

The student will produce a report about the work for the supervisor, which should include a short introduction and motivation of the activity, the results of work done, and short conclusions including references when necessary.

Research Traineeship in Geological Sciences I – BSc 7.5 credits
Research Traineeship in Geological Sciences II – BSc 15 credits
Traineeship in Geological Sciences – MSc 7.5 credits
Traineeship in Geological Sciences – MSc 15 credits

The Department of Geological Sciences has three research education programs: Geochemistry, Geology and Marine Geology. This education ends with a degree as Licentiate of Philosophy and/or Doctor of Philosophy in one of the three programs.

Read more about our PhD studies:

PhD studies/Doctorate degree

Professors in charge of the programs

Geochemistry | Magnus Mörth, magnus.morth@geo.su.se
Geology | Alasdair Skelton, alasdair.skelton@geo.su.se
Marine Geology | Martin Jakobsson, martin.jakobsson@geo.su.se

Admission to the PhD program is only possible by applying to an announced PhD position. Carefully follow the instructions for making your application as indicated in the announcement, and submit your documents before the deadline.

Questions about applications should be directed to the director of studies for PhD programmes

Director of studies for PhD programmes | Malin Kylander, malin.kylander@geo.su.se

The deadlines for applications for PhD positions at the Department of Geological Sciences

January 15 and September 15: Available positions are announced.
February 15 and October 15: Deadline for applications.

Geological Sciences as a subject

A cyclostratigraphy field excursion, Sicily, Monte San Nicola.

Photo: Helen Coxall

Geology, geochemistry and geophysics are subjects you need to touch and feel, which is why theoretical studies are mixed with practical moments like field studies, excursions in Sweden and abroad, and laboratory exercises.

Courses and programmes are offered both on the basic level (undergraduate level) and on the advanced level (Masters and PhD level). Some of the courses within these programmes can also be taken separately.

Application dates

Term dates

Research in Geological Sciences

Christian Stranne in front of 5 screens working with bathymetry data on icebreaker oden

Photo: Björn Eriksson

Geological Sciences provide scientific knowledge and an understanding of planet Earth as an evolving system and thus include a wide range of disciplines. These involve studies of the planet’s composition, the dynamic processes from core to crust, the distribution and cycling of chemical elements, the planet’s history from its formation to the present day and the conditions and variations of the oceans and atmosphere.

Stockholm is a leading center of geochemical, geophysical and geological research in Sweden. Our research and teaching bring classical geology together with geochemistry and marine geology/geophysics. Research at the Department of Geological Sciences is strongly integrated with the interests of the Bolin Centre for Climate Research and the Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre.

Read more about the research at the Department for Geological Sciences

Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se

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Last updated: 2025-10-20

Source: Department of Geological Sciences