Do you want to dive into topics such as climate change, water resource management, geo-resources, geohazards, and pollution? With us, you can explore the complex relationship between humans and nature.
Your studies will build upon your existing foundational knowledge in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and chemistry.
As a student here, you will participate in fieldwork and excursions to observe natural processes firsthand. You will also learn to model these processes and conduct research experiments—in the field as well as the laboratory.
Explore four exciting program options and build your specialised expertise
You can choose from four program options depending on your academic background and interests. Each option consists of compulsory and recommended courses. This allows you to adapt your studies to your interests and build a skill set and academic foundation that will make you highly sought after in search of your dream job.
Choose from these programme options
- Applied Basin Analysis: Processes, Resources, and Evolution of Life - study sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic sequences to uncover the history of the Earth’s changing environments, while learning more about fossil fuels, groundwater, and CO2 storage.
- Environmental Geosciences, Geohazards, and Geomatics - learn about the processes that shape the landscape, trigger natural hazards, and spread pollution in the environment. Gain experience in mapping and mitigating these processes using geomatics tools.
- Earth’s Structures and Planetary Processes - discover how the Earth and other planets were formed and have evolved geologically over time. We focus specifically on plate tectonics and rock forming processes.
- Water and Climate - explore the geophysical processes that govern the atmosphere, oceans, ice cover, and freshwater, and gain a deeper understanding of how human activity has impacted weather and climate.
Whichever option you choose, you will gain practical experience through working with data models, fieldwork, and laboratory exercises.
Our broad research profile offers you many programme options to choose from, and if you already know what you want to work with after your studies, you can adapt your programme accordingly. If you’re not sure which path to take, we are here to help you explore the opportunities that best match your interests and career goals.
Master’s thesis and supervision
The master's programme is a 120 ECTS degree, where 60 ECTS consists of specialized coursework where you dive into your chosen field. The remaining half of the degree is dedicated to your master's thesis—an independent research project. You will be assigned a personal supervisor who will help you select relevant courses and topics for your thesis. The supervisor will also provide guidance and support throughout the entire process of working on your thesis.
A vibrant student life
You will thrive as a student here! Become part of our active student community and experience what it's like to study geosciences with us!
Do you have questions or need guidance during your studies? Get in touch – we are here to help you!
As a geoscience student, you can participate in associations related to student politics and social activities. Get involved, meet people across different disciplines, and build a network. Find out more about our student associations under Student life.
The University of Oslo also offers an active student life with over 250 various associations.
Semester abroad
In most programme options, we recommend a semester abroad during your second semester, when you have fewer compulsory courses. The University of Oslo has agreements with several renowned universities in Europe and around the world, allowing you to find a place of study that matches your academic interests.
Many of our geoscience students choose to spend a semester at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) or with our partner universities in France, Switzerland, or Australia. An international stay provides you with valuable international experience, academic perspectives, and networking opportunities—benefits that both you and your future employers will greatly benefit from.
A plethora of job opportunities in geosciences
A master's degree in geosciences provides you with solid and broad knowledge in natural sciences and technology. This expertise will open doors to a range of exciting careers. For example, you can work in environmental and resource management in the public sector, or in research and education. The private sector also has a high demand for geoscience expertise, with job opportunities ranging from energy and consulting firms to technology companies.
The Department of Geosciences works closely with external partners. Many of our students write their master's thesis in collaboration with organisations such as the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), or other private companies. Such projects provide valuable hands-on experience and help you build a professional network.
If you wish to continue your education, this master's programme can also be a stepping stone to a PhD in geosciences. You can also pursue a practical-pedagogical education (PPU) after your master's, which qualifies you to become a teacher in natural sciences.
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.