Master's Programme in Earth Science, 120 Credits

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Earth science alternatively 60 ECTS in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in Earth science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Degree

After a completed programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor, please see https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Qualification is issued in the main field of study (Earth Science/Physical Geography).

Description of the education for current education cycle

The education is at an advanced level (second cycle). The aims for second-cycle courses and study programmes are set out in the Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 Section 9.

National goals for current degree

The national aims for qualification are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance's Annex 2.

Local goals for current degree

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) in Earth Science/Physical Geography at Umeå University, the student shall, in addition to the national goals, 

• demonstrate advanced knowledge within certain geoscientific subareas, mainly Earth Science/Physical Geography,
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of both natural environmental changes and human environmental impactJudgement and approach.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) in Earth Science/Physical Geography at Umeå University, the student shall, in addition to the national goals,

• demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the geoscientific main field of study for the sustainable development of society.

Examination format

Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.

Grades

Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.

Transfer of Credits

A student who believes to have gained knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional experience that may be equivalent to a course or part of a course in the programme can apply for transfer of credits. Granting a transfer of credits means that the student will not have to study the parts of the programme included in the decision. Information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's website.
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/

General

The Master's Programme comprises 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits of specialisation within the main field of study. The programme starts with a compulsory course and then includes compulsory courses, elective courses, and free electives. The courses in the programme are mainly full-time studies. The education consists of lectures, seminars, group exercises, laboratory work, field exercises/project work and field trips. Laboratory work, field exercises/project work and field trips are usually compulsory. In order to maintain the necessary pace of study, studies are presumed to be full-time. The majority of the course literature is in English. 

Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.

Aquatic Ecosystems, 7.5 credits
Aquatic Biogeochemistry, 7.5 credits
Analysis of Environmental Changes, 15 credits
Analysis of field data, 15 credits
Terrestrial Biogeochemistry, 15 credits

Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus. 

Geographic Information Systems, specialisation, 15 credits
Sustainability Science, 15 credits

For current information on elective courses, please see: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/education/courses/

Elective courses from other higher education institutions may be included in a degree. Please consult with programme study counsellor/programme director.

Free electives
Within the Master's Programme in Earth Science, you can choose 60 credits of free electives. No more than 30 of these credits may be comprised of first-cycle courses. 

Free electives within the programme are applied for in open competition. Free electives can be studied at Umeå University or at other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad. 

Examples of free electives of 15 credits in Biology and Chemistry include Arctic Ecosystems, Forest Ecology, Aquatic Chemistry.

Programme overview

Year 1 (autumn admission)

Autumn                                                      Spring

Year 1 (spring admission)

Autumn                                                      Spring

Year 2

Autumn                                                      Spring

Degree Thesis/independent project
The degree project in the Master's Programme in Earth Science concludes the programme and may be initiated once the entry requirements in the course syllabus are met. In the degree project that includes 30 credits, the student shall apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and present the result orally and in a written report/thesis. It is also possible to complete a degree thesis of 60 credits. The work shall include some form of topic-specific specialisation within the field of Earth Science/Physical Geography. The final degree project can be carried out within the university but also at any company or authority. The degree project is carried out individually. The degree project is carried out under supervision and is examined in the form of a written report presented at a seminar. The independent project shall be presented at a seminar. 

The report shall include an English abstract and an English translation of the title. Alternatively, the entire report may be written in English.

Deferment of studies

Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Approved leave from studies

Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Discontinuation

Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.

Other

For more information, see Umeå University's Code of rules and procedures for first-cycle and second-cycle education https://www.umu.se/en/legal-framework/