Programme structure
In the programme option Earth's structures and Planetary Processes, you will take the mandatory course and recommended courses in the first semesters. The courses are a total of 60 ECTS credits. You start with the master's thesis in the second or third semester, depending on your selection of courses.
The programme has the following structure:
- Mandatory courses, 20 ECTS credits
- Elective courses, 40 ECTS credits
- Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits
Applicants without a background in geosciences have 40 ECTS mandatory- and 20 ECTS elective courses. In addition, the master thesis counts for 60 ECTS.
Course of study
| 4th semester | Master's thesis | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd semester | Elective course / master’s thesis | Master's thesis | |
| 2nd semester | Elective course / mandatory course | Elective course | Master’s thesis / elective course |
| 1st semester | Mandatory course + HSE courses | Mandatory course / elective course | Elective course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | |
For applicants without a background in geosciences
| 4th semester | Master's thesis | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd semester | Elective course / master’s thesis | Master's thesis | |
| 2nd semester | Mandatory course | Elective course / mandatory course | Master’s thesis / elective course |
| 1st semester | Mandatory course + HSE courses | Mandatory course / elective course | Mandatory course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | |
Mandatory courses
Course selection is done in consultation with your supervisor or the coordinator for the programme option.
You choose a minimum of 20 ECTS from the courses below. Students admitted without a background in geosciences must choose at least 40 ECTS.
Elective courses
Course selection may be done in consultation with your supervisor or the coordinator for the programme option.
You may choose a maximum of 40 ECTS of elective courses and we recommend you choose courses from the list of mandatory courses (above) and one course from the list of generic courses (below). Students admitted without a background in geosciences choose a maximum of 20 ECTS.
Below we have listed a few typical course combinations for different subject areas within this programme option:
Planetary Processes
GEO4840 – Tectonics (spring)GEO4630 – Geodynamics (autumn)GEO-AST4410 – Planetary Sciences (autumn)GEO4151 – Earthquake and Volcanic Processes (spring)
Earth Materials and Structures
GEO4822 – Geochemistry (autumn)GEO4810 – Deformation of Earth Materials (autumn)GEO4812 – Ore-Forming Processes (autumn)
Surface Geophysics and Geomechanics
GEO4120 – Near-Surface Geophysics (autumn)GEO4131 – Geomechanics (autumn)GEO4810 – Deformation of Earth Materials (autumn)GEO4151 – Earthquake and Volcanic Processes (spring)
Generic courses
We recommend that you choose one of the courses from the list below:
GEO4012 – Scientific Writing and Presentation – 5 ECTSMNKOM4000 – Formidling og vitenskapsjournalistikk – 10 ECTS
More information about the master's degree
Information related to the completion of the master's thesis, inlcuding the master's agreement and other application forms, can be found at the information page for master's studies at the Department of Geosciences.
Selection of topic for the master's thesis
The master's thesis is worth 60 ECTS credits. The thesis project and supervisor are assigned towards the end of the first semester. The availability of thesis topics depends on the programme option, and further information on available topics can be found below.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Science in Geosciences
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.
Course- and semester pages
Click on each course (see the table above) to find the following:
- Timetable
- Date and location of exams
- Curriculum and learning requirements
Quality assurance
Degree programmes and courses are regularly evaluated to ensure and enhance the quality of education.