Geology

Are you that fascinated by geology that you would like to expand your knowledge of the subject in a Master program?

The "Bern-Fribourg Master in Earth Sciences" is a joint program conducted by the Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of Bern and the Department of Geosciences at the University of Fribourg. The two universities are only 22 minutes away from each other by train. Students therefore benefit from a wider range of courses and research projects, as well as from the geological expertise and special geological equipment at both universities. This consolidated expertise also makes for a fascinating and extremely educational course of study. The program takes two years to complete and has a 120-European Credit (EC) requirement. All courses are taught in English.

Core courses for the Specialty in Geology (30 ECTS in Module B)

Masters Thesis Project (60 ECTS in Module D)

Each student writes a research thesis on a topic of on-going investigation at the Universities of Bern or Fribourg, or at a partner institution (university, government, industry). This project may involve any combi­nation of field, laboratory and/or computational work. The thesis work is conducted over the entire period of the MSc curriculum, parallel to coursework, thereby allowing time for in-depth under­standing of the research problem and methods. One or more supervisors are drawn from the team of lecturers or from partner institutions. The thesis work terminates with a manuscript written according to international standards and an oral presentation at the end of the fourth semester. The MSc thesis may be written in English, French, or German.

Examples of topics in which MSc projects may be conducted include:

• Crustal structure and deformation in orogens (Alps, Andes)
• Metamorphic and tectonic evolution in orogenic belts (Alps or other)
• Growth of the Alps and climatic development
• Synsedimentary tectonics in the Alps and their foreland
• Sedimentary processes in the Jura mountains, the Molasse basin or the Alps
• Active landslides and sediment transport in Alpine valleys and rivers
• Magnetism during continental break-up: The Atlantic as a case study
• Correlation between surface types and the occurrence of meteorites

In various cases, a master thesis can be approached from multiple fields:

• “Geology” or “Quaternary Geology”: Brittle deformation in rockc avalanches: The landslide of Flims as a case study
• “Geology” or “Earth Materials”: Deformation structures in crustal rock, in mantel rock, in analogue material or in experiments

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Earth Sciences (mono):

Please enroll at the BeFri university where your master thesis advisor is in residence.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

• Curriculum vitae in table form with uninterrupted chronology of your education and academic studies up to the present incl. up-to-date passport photo (45 mm high by 35 mm wide)
• Motivation letter (incl. family name, given name, full address, e-mail address, date and signature and – if you have one – mobile phone number)
• If you are holding a bachelor degree's: Originally certified photocopies of your degree (e.g. diploma and diploma supplement). The correspondence of the photocopy to the original must be officially certified.
• Originals (stamped and signed) or originally certified photocopies of all official proofs of your achievements (transcripts) with grades/scores
• Grading system of the degree issuing university, if the grading system is different from ours. Our scale goes from 1 to 6, with 6 being excellent and grades below 4 being unsatisfactory.
• Brief description of the content/learning objectives of the different courses/lectures (annotated course catalog or module handbook)
• Originally certified translations of the original documents (e.g. diploma, diploma supplement, bachelor's or master's degree, transcripts of diploma records), if these are not written in German, English, French or Italian. These translations have to be inseparably connected with the originally certified photocopies of the original documents.
• Photocopy of your valid passport or identity card
• Application fee: CHF 105

The financing options for the Geology degree programme at the University of Bern are primarily based on the Swiss higher education funding framework, which includes a combination of government grants, personal contributions, and external funding sources. Tuition fees at the University of Bern are generally moderate compared to other Swiss universities, and international students are required to pay the standard fee, which covers access to lectures, seminars, and university facilities. For Swiss citizens and residents, the costs are often subsidized by regional or cantonal government support, reducing the financial burden on students. Additionally, students may be eligible for various scholarships and grants offered by the university, the Swiss government, or external organizations. These financial aids are typically awarded based on academic performance, financial need, or specific criteria such as nationality or field of study. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities through programs like the Swiss Excellence Scholarships, which can provide substantial financial support to outstanding students pursuing advanced degrees. Furthermore, part-time employment opportunities available on or near the university campus can supplement students’ incomes, making financing of studies more manageable. The university also offers guidance services to assist students in navigating available financial aid options and managing their budgets effectively. Overall, financing a Geology degree at the University of Bern is feasible through a combination of university subsidies, scholarships, personal resources, and external support, enabling students to focus on their academic and research activities without excessive financial strain.

The Geology program at the University of Bern offers a comprehensive education in the study of the Earth's physical structure, its processes, and its history. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in various geoscientific disciplines, including mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and geological mapping. Students gain practical skills through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computational techniques, preparing them for careers in research, environmental consulting, natural resource management, and hazard assessment. The curriculum emphasizes understanding geological phenomena at different scales, from microscopic mineral structures to large-scale tectonic processes. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches by integrating aspects of physics, chemistry, and biology to better understand Earth's systems. Students have opportunities to participate in field excursions to geological sites both locally and internationally, facilitating hands-on learning and application of theoretical knowledge. The program typically includes coursework, research projects, and a final thesis, allowing students to specialize in areas such as mineral deposits, paleontology, or tectonics. The University of Bern provides access to advanced laboratory facilities, a dedicated library, and cooperation with research institutes, supporting students in their academic and professional development. Graduates of the Geology program are well-prepared for employment in academia, industry, environmental agencies, or governmental institutions. The program is suitable for students passionate about understanding Earth's natural processes and contributing to sustainable management of Earth’s resources and hazards.