Bachelor's Programme in Earth Science, Distance Learning
Earth Science is an interdisciplinary subject, covering geology and physical geography, focussed on the planet Earth (Tellus). As a geoscientist you will study how Earth formed more than 4.5 billion years ago, how Earth has changed over time and how the Earth will change in the future. You will learn about minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, the formation of the oceans and mountains, natural disasters and natural resources, the biosphere, hydrosphere, landscape and climate evolution, and how humans affect and are affected by geoscientific processes in both a local and global perspective.
As a geoscientist, you can work with the investigation of natural resources, nature and environment, urban planning, land surveys, environmental studies, geoscience risk analysis in Sweden and/or abroad. You can also work with global environmental issues such as climate, water and natural disasters.
The Bachelor's distance programme in Earth Science is a three-year programme. At least 75% of the course requirements (135 credits) are in the form of distance learning courses that are read at your own pace without any mandatory meetings. Most of our distance learning courses can be started at any time during the year. The programme includes three obligatory intensive courses in practical geoscience, including both laboratory and field studies. These courses are not offered by distance, and require you to be away from home for about a week each.
Training begins with an introductory year focussed on the theoretical and practical foundations of geology and physical geography. The second year is dedicated to geological and geographical topics such as petrology, structural geology, climatology, or GIS. In the third year, you will spend your time in upper level bachelor geoscience courses, learn more about scientific principles and methods, and you will conduct an independent research study of 15 or 30 credits.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - programmes
Registration/Reply
A welcome letter will be sent to the e-mail address you have specified in your application and there you will find all the information you need for your studies during the coming semester. If you have not received the welcome letter, first check the spam folder, if you are sure that you have not received it, then contact us at studies@geo.su.se.
Yes or No, you need to answer at Antagning.se
NOTE! You log into Ladok to register online with the options "eduID" or "Antagning.se". Please note that you cannot log in with the option "Log in via your university".
Are you a new student? Welcome to IGV. You can find usefull information at New student.
Registration before each semester is mandatory and is done via student.ladok.se.
In order to register, your student account must be activated. You can register yourself using your university account. Registration generally opens two weeks before the start of the course and you must have registered no later than one week after the start of the course. If you have problems with registration, contact our student office.
Can't register? Contact elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se
To register you have to activate your student account.
Reserve admission
If you have been placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted by e-mail one to two weeks before the course begins. It is sent to the address you entered on Antagning.se. For Research traineeship courses, traineeship courses and degree project, see more information above.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted, you must be able to show that you are eligible for admission no later than course start to claim your place in the course. Please contact studies@geo.su.se.
Research traineeship courses, traineeship courses and degree project
To be accepted for a research traineeship courses, traineeshipp course and degree projects you need to contact the department. See contact information on each course page. You and a supervisor together write a project plan that is sent to Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se.
Disability
Stockholm University provides special pedagogical support to students with documented long-term disabilities. You should apply as soon as possible after you have been accepted in order to receive the best possible support. Once you have your Nais certificate, contact Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se.
Learning platform
After registration, you'll get access to the learning platform Athena, where each course has its own page where you will find important information and course material. It is important that you have access to Ladok and Athena at the latest at the start of the course.
Not all courses use Athena, read the information you receive from the course teacher.
Reserve admission
If you have been placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted by e-mail one to two weeks before the course begins. It is sent to the address you entered on Antagning.se. For Research traineeship courses, traineeship courses and degree project, see more information above.
Decline your admission
It's important that you decline your place as soon as you know you will not be taking that course or programme as this makes the place available to applicants on the waiting list. In that case, you should decline your offer on your pages on Universityadmissions.se.
Declining you admission later than three weeks after the course it will be account as an interruption. If you have an interruption in the course, you will not be able to apply for it again.
Decline you admission on antagning.se
Can I apply for deferral? I have been admitted but want to postpone my studies
If there are extenuating circumstances you may apply for a deferral of the commencement of your studies.
Find more information about your studies at IGV
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
Earth Science is an interdisciplinary subject, covering geology and physical geography, focussed on the planet Earth (Tellus). As a geoscientist you will study how Earth formed more than 4.5 billion years ago, how Earth has changed over time and how the Earth will change in the future. You will learn about minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, the formation of the oceans and mountains, natural disasters and natural resources, the biosphere, hydrosphere, landscape and climate evolution, and how humans affect and are affected by geoscientific processes in both a local and global perspective.
As a geoscientist, you can work with the investigation of natural resources, nature and environment, urban planning, land surveys, environmental studies, geoscience risk analysis in Sweden and/or abroad. You can also work with global environmental issues such as climate, water and natural disasters.
The Bachelor's distance programme in Earth Science is a three-year programme. At least 75% of the course requirements (135 credits) are in the form of distance learning courses that are read at your own pace without any mandatory meetings. Most of our distance learning courses can be started at any time during the year. The programme includes three obligatory intensive courses in practical geoscience, including both laboratory and field studies. These courses are not offered by distance, and require you to be away from home for about a week each.
Training begins with an introductory year focussed on the theoretical and practical foundations of geology and physical geography. The second year is dedicated to geological and geographical topics such as petrology, structural geology, climatology, or GIS. In the third year, you will spend your time in upper level bachelor geoscience courses, learn more about scientific principles and methods, and you will conduct an independent research study of 15 or 30 credits.
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Programme overview
Note: Our IT/Online courses are not available for exchange students
The programme begins (Year 1) with a broad introduction to Earth Science. This introduction begins with courses on Earth Science theory (Tellus I) and continues with courses covering fundamental themes in Geology and Physical Geography (Tellus II). The introductory year ends with two intensive campus/field courses (Tellus III) which cover practical aspects of Earth Science which cannot be taught remotely. In Years 2 and 3, the student may choose from a range of courses offered by the Department of Geological Sciences and the Department of Physical Geography. Most of these courses are given entirely by distance; some courses may have special admission requirements (see links to programme courses). At the end of the second year of study, programme students should read an additional field course (Field study in Earth Science). The programme ends with an individual, independent thesis project (15–30 credits) at one of the two departments.
Year 1
Tellus I – Geology* (15 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus I – Physical Geography* (15 credits at NG) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus II – Geology* (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus II – Physical Geography* (12.5 credits at NG) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus III – Geology* (7.5 credits on-site course) Summer term
Tellus III – Physical Geography* (2.5 credits) Summer term (application 15/2–15/3)*Required courses
Year 2
Obligatory courses:
Field Study in Geoscience (7.5 credits) Summer term (application 15/2–15/3)
Elective courses:
Mineralogy (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Igneous Petrology (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Sediment Petrology (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Metamorphic Petrology (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Ore Forming Processes (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Structural Geology (7.5 credits) Spring term
Geology of Sweden (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Marine Geophysics (7.5 credits) Autumn term
Marine Petrophysics (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Geochemistry (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tectonics (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Petrogenesis (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Critical Steps in the Evolution of Earth and life (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Paleoclimatology and the ocean system (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Climate Variability (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term at NG
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term at NG
Cartography and Graphic Design (15 credits) Spring term at NGYear 3
Obligatory courses:
Earth Science – Specialisation (15 credits) Autumn term at NG
or
Philosophy & history of science (7.5 credits) Spring termIndependent project
Earth science Degree Project 15 credits or
Earth science degree project 30 credits at IGV
or
Earth science degree project 15 credits
Earth science degree project 30 credits at NGNote! In order to obtain a bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University, the course Scientific Method 1.5 credits is compulsory. This sub-course is included in the syllabus for the degree project/independent work at undergraduate level, but is read independently of when you do your degree project. It is an advantage to read it early in the education.
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Career opportunities
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists find employment both nationally and internationally. Our graduates have been hired in mining and exploration companies, building and construction firms, oil companies, marine industries, seafloor mapping, consultancy firms, local and regional planning bodies as well as universities.
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Contact
Sarah Greenwood is the Director of Studies for distance education.
Christophe Dupraz is the student counsellor for distance education.
Elisabeth DäckerAdministrativ studierektor
- Visiting address
- S 316
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
Sarah GreenwoodWallenberg Academy Fellow, Paleoglaciology
- Visiting address
- R 219
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
Christophe DuprazAssociate professor of Geomicrobiology
- Visiting address
- R 323
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
