Geological Sciences

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The M.Sc. program in Geological Sciences includes the study of processes that shape our planet, from the effects of plate tectonics on mountain building and basin development, to understanding causes behind volcanism and earthquakes.

You will study the processes that control Earths climate system at timescales of anthropogenic relevance to timescales of hundreds to millions of years. Our education program builds on our research strengths in marine geology and geophysics, petrology and tectonics, and biogeochemistry. In marine geology we focus on the study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks to determine the processes that contributed to their formation and to reconstruct Earths environmental and climatic development.

Marine geophysical methods for digital mapping of the sea floor form an important part of our education at SU. In petrology and tectonics we study rock deformation, tectonics and magmatism, together with fluid flow and chemical transport.

Within biogeochemistry we focus on studying the chemical element distribution and biogeochemical processes that take place in all of Earths environments (water, air, rock, and soil). Our studies range from current environmental questions to the conditions for life during the evolution of our planet.

The programme comprises two years of study at the Master level, and covers one year (60 ECTS/hp) of mandatory courses. The initial three blocks comprising 22.5 ECTS/hp focus on scientific methodology, statistics, and analytical methodology.

These are complemented by the three discipline courses in petrotectonics, biogeochemistry, and paleoclimate, which represent the particular research fields of the department. The first year concludes with two courses, one on current research and planning designed to prepare for the M.Sc. thesis project and a 7.5 ECTS field course in geological sciences. We also offer a distance course for 15 ECTS in climate change through Earth history. The individual thesis project can vary between 30, 45, and 60 hp, therefore the number of optional courses offered by the Department may vary between 60 and 90 hp.

A total of 15 hp can be obtained through reading courses given by the other programmes, by other departments at Stockholm University, by other universities in Sweden or abroad. Please contact us for more information and for advice on the choice of courses in Sweden and abroad.

Optional courses are chosen together with the study director of the Master programme or the program leaders.

General requirements for Master's programmes:- An academic degree (i.e. a Bachelors degree or the equivalent, at least 180 ECTS.) Stockholm University does accept applicants in their last year of Bachelor's studies. See note below: Previous university records- Proficiency in English, which must be demonstrated in one of the following ways: * IELTS score (Academic) of 6.5 or more (with no section scoring below 5.5) * TOEFL score 20 in written test, total score of 90 (internet based) * TOEFL score 4,5 in written test, total score of 575 (paperbased) * Cambridge/Oxford - Advanced or Proficiency levelTOEFL test scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS), to University Admissions in Sweden (institution code: SWEDEN 3477). English language test exemptions Some students may be exempt from submitting formal test evidence. These are: * Students who have a Bachelor's degree from a university where English is the only language of instruction, according to the latest edition of International Handbook of Universities. * Students who have a Bachelor's degree (a Swedish Kandidatexamen or equivalent academic qualifications) with English as the major subject. * Students with a 4-year university degree in Engineering, Science or Technology from India and Pakistan. * Students who have 30 HE credits from a Nordic country and the language of instruction of the course/programme/university is English. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90