Programme structure
The master's programme in Geosciences is a two-year full-time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
The programme has the following structure:
- Mandatory courses, 20-50 ECTS credits, depending on the programme option
- Recommended courses, 10-40 ECTS credits, depending on the programme option
- Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits
If you are admitted with a non-geoscience background, your course of study has the following structure:
- Mandatory courses, 40 ECTS credits
- Elective courses, 20 ECTS credits
- Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits
The programme has 4 programme options:
- Applied Basin Analysis: Processes, Resources and Evolution of Life
- Environmental Geosciences, Geohazards, and Geomatics
- Earth’s Structures and Planetary Processes
- Water and Climate
Programme options that no longer admit students
Course of study
| 4th semester | Master's thesis | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd semester | Master's course | Master's thesis | |
| 2nd semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's thesis |
| 1st semester | Master's course + HMS courses | Master's course | Master's course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | |
The master’s programme is organised into four semesters. In the first semesters, you will take mandatory courses and courses based on your interest. From the second or third semester, you start working on your Master's thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.
Courses
The course of study above is general for the programme. Some programme options may have a different structure, and mandatory and recommended courses depend on the programme option. Please see each programme option for more information.
All programme options have mandatory courses in Health, safety and the environment (HSE) at the beginning of the first semester.
- HMS0501 – Safety and Physical Environment
- HMS0502 – Positive Learning Environment
- HMS0503 – Laboratory Safety
- HMS0504 – Field Safety
HSE courses do not give ECTS credits.
More information about the master's degree
Information related to the completion of the master's thesis, inlcuding the master's agreement and other application forms, can be found at the information page for master's studies at the Department of Geosciences.
Selection of topic for the master's thesis
The master's thesis is worth 60 ECTS credits. The thesis project and supervisor are assigned towards the end of the first semester. The availability of thesis topics depends on the programme option, and further information on available topics can be found below.
Express your interest in specific topics to the programme supervisor. If multiple students are interested in the same topic, the supervisor will assign topics based on factors like academic background, average grades or enthusiasm for the topic. All admitted students are guaranteed a topic for their master's thesis.
The master's programme concludes with a thesis presentation and examination. You must have completed all mandatory courses, including HSE courses, before you present your thesis.
Honours certificate
Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master's programme.
Recognition of masters's courses from former education
If you are admitted to the master's programme and have completed master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these course (s) recognised as part of your degree. Contact the Student administration at the Department for Geosciences for more information.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Master in Geosciences
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.