Master's Programme in Geological Sciences
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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.
In the educational line petrology and tectonics, research and education focus on large-scale metamorphic events, magmatism and tectonics, fluid, and chemical transport, and ore formation.
In our marine geology line we concentrate our studies on the physical, chemical, and biological properties in sediments and sedimentary rocks, with the goal to determine the processes behind their formation and to reconstruct Earth’s environmental and climate evolution. Marine geophysical methods are a central subject in our research and used, e.g., for the digital mapping of the ocean seafloor.
In our geochemistry line we examine how elements and molecules are distributed between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. We study biomineralization processes and use molecular and isotope geochemical records to reconstruct environmental changes for the geological past. An important focus of our work is on process-oriented geochemical studies to understand how physical, chemical, and biological processes catalyse and control exchange between the major Earth’s compartments.
Our courses also include topics of recent environmental change and the evolution of life throughout Earth’s history.
The Department of Geological Sciences offers a Master’s degree that comprises two years of study. The Master’s programme has two specializations:
- Specialization Geology
- Specialization Marine Geology
Each specialization includes 15 credit points of compulsory courses, an independent project that comprises 30, 45, or 60 credit points, 30 credits of optional courses, and depending on the credits for the independent project, elective courses comprising 15, 30, or 45 credit points.
For the specialization geology these courses are:
- Geodynamics
- and/or Ore Geology
- Geological Mapping.
In the specialization marine geology, the compulsory courses are:
- Ocean and climate dynamics over geological timescales
- Palaeoclimatology.
A total of 30 optional credit points can be obtained through reading courses given by other programmes, by other departments at Stockholm University, by other universities in Sweden, or abroad.
Please contact us for more information and for advice on the choice of courses in Sweden and abroad. We are happy to help you find the most appropriate courses at other institutions or universities. Optional courses are chosen together with the study director of the Master’s programme.
Year 1
Specialization geology, compulsory courses 15 credits:
Geodynamics (7.5 credits) Autumn term and/or
Ore Geology (7.5 credits) Autumn term
Geological Mapping (7.5 credits) Spring term
Specialization marine geology, compulsory courses 15 credits:
Ocean-climate interaction through geologic time(7.5 credits) Spring term
Palaeoclimatology (7.5 credits) Spring term
There is room for elective courses or traineeship in Geological Sciences of 15, 30, or 45 credit points in all three specializations depending on the credit points for the independent project.
Elective courses comprise 30 credit at the maximum.
Year 2
Specialization geology:
Geology independent project 30, 45 or 60 credits*
There is room for elective courses or traineeship in Geological Science up to 15, 30 or 45 credit points depending on the credit points of the independent project.
Specialization marine geology:
Marine geology independent project 30, 45 or 60 credits*
There is room for elective courses or traineeship in Geological Science up to 15, 30 or 45 credit points depending on the credit points of the independent project.
*Compulsory courses
Elective courses:
Applied Environmental Geochemistry (7.5 credits) Spring term
Applied geophysics (7.5 hp) Spring term
Biogeochemistry (7.5 credits) Spring term
Geochemical Modelling (7.5 credits) Fall term
Geological Mapping (7.5 credits) Spring term
Isotope Geology (7.5 credits) Fall term
Marine geochemistry (7.5 credits) Fall term
Ocean-climate interaction through geologic time (7.5 credits) Spring term
Ore Geology (7.5 credits) Fall term
Palaeontology (7.5 credits) Fall/Spring term
Paleoclimatology (7.5 credits) Spring term
Traineeship in Geological Sciences (7.5 credits) Fall/Spring term
Traineeship in Geological Sciences (15 credits) Fall/Spring term
Geologists possess a broad range of expertise and are therefore in demand in many different fields of work. For geologists, the job market is currently balanced and is expected to remain strong in the future.
Geology is a sought-after skill that opens up opportunities for many different careers, both in Sweden and abroad. Today, most jobs are found within consulting firms that collaborate with the construction and civil engineering sectors, as well as in mining, energy, and exploration companies. Geologists also work for public employers such as municipalities, county administrative boards, universities, and other government agencies.
The work of a geologist is a combination of outdoor and indoor tasks. Fieldwork involves creating maps, sampling rock, soil, and water, coordinating and conducting chemical and physical measurements, as well as processing digital data. As a geologist, you are expected to have skills in interpreting and compiling field and laboratory data in the form of reports and maps, along with strong oral communication abilities. Geologists with advanced knowledge also lead and coordinate large development projects.
Geologists’ expertise is especially in demand with regard to global issues such as climate change and natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. They are also vital in addressing regional issues concerning water and land resources, both in Sweden and abroad.
If you have questions about the master programme with specialization marine geology, contact martin.jakobsson@geo.su.se
Director of studies for master program
Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se
08 16 48 94
Student counsellor and undergraduate study administration
Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se
08 674 78 70
