Within the Master's Programme in Earth Science you will study natural earth processes, climate change and the impact of human influences such as natural resources and environmental disruption. Impact on earth processes leads to substantial changes in the environment. You will develop awareness and in-depth knowledge of environmental changes over years to millennia in different types of environments.
Study biogeochemical processes on a long time frame and put environmental puzzle pieces together.
Theoretical studies of important earth processes are consolidated via experiments and field studies in the Northern landscape, including a variety of boreal and arctic habitats. As a master's student in Earth Science in Umeå, you will develop your skills for individual integration and application of knowledge. You also develop the ability to handle complex phenomena, problems and situations, as a preparation for research practice or other jobs that have high demands of independence.
"Because there was chemistry involved in the project I was always in the lab where you have two windows facing Torne träsk."
"Earth scientists have generally easier to get jobs than biologists especially if you also have knowledge in water issues."
The mandatory elements of the Master's programme in Earth Science consists of five courses during Year 1, and a final Degree thesis project of 30 ECTS or 60 ECTS.
As first courses you take Aquatic Ecosystem and Aquatic Biogeochemistry followed by Analysis of Field Data. These courses are then followed in the spring by Analysis of Environmental Changes and Terrestrial Biogeochemistry.
There are also several elective courses to take during the first and second year. In addition, choose freely among our courses at advanced level, provided that your choice meets the qualification requirements for the Master's degree. The teaching is conducted in close collaboration with on-going research at our department. All teaching is in English.
The programme received the highest score in the Swedish Higher Education Authority recent quality review.
Year 1:
Autumn:
Aquatic Ecosystems, 7,5 credits
Aquatic biogeochemistry, 7,5 credits
Analysis of field data, 15 credits
Spring:
Analysis of Environmental Changes - focus: Archives, 15 credits
Terrestrial biogeochemistry, 15 credits
Year 2:
Elective courses, 30 credits
Example of elective courses:
Global Change Science, 15 hp
Thesis work, 30 credits or 60 credits
In your future work life, you will deal with socioeconomically important functions and future issues concerning climate and environment. Most graduates are working with environmental issues or environmental problems in private companies or for the authorities. A number of graduates continue with PhD studies and are aiming at a career as a scientist.
Common job titles
• Administrative officer at county boards, municipalities, and agencies.
• Environmental consultant for private and mining companies.