Earth Sciences
| Admission criteria | Admissions information |
| Type of master | Master |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Duration of programme | 2 years; part-time study enrolment possible |
| Title | Master of Science (MSc) |
| CROHO-code | 66986 |
| Other specifications | Entry also possible in February |
Earth Sciences (MSc)
The Master in Earth Sciences
Global change, the increasing demand for scarce resources and the degradation and pollution of landscape, soil and water, means that we need skilled professionals now more than ever. Professionals who understand the earth as a complex system and are able to direct our world into a more sustainable future.
High ranking for Earth Sciences
The master's programme Earth Sciences received a high ranking in the ‘Keuzegids Masters 2011’ that was published on 8 February 2011. The rankings of this independent, annual publication are based on a combined assessment by students and experts of all master programmes in The Netherlands. Earth Sciences was ranked first out of the three general Earth Sciences masters, and was the only one to receive an overall score of ‘excellent’.
Why study Earth Sciences at the University of Amsterdam?
- You have an inquisitive mind and like the challenge to find solutions for the complex environmental issues that are facing our changing planet.
- You wish to acquire in-depth insight on the functioning of environmental processes affecting our planet, and use this to challenge existing knowledge and contribute to practical solutions and applications.
- You are eager to combine scientific interest in earth sciences with related fields in ecology, hydrology, environmental chemistry and human impact studies to understand their complex interaction, which is required to address the global, regional and local processes.
- You have a quantitative attitude, and are eager to learn, use and apply state of the art analytical methods which can include and combine e-science based techniques, advanced laboratory techniques and field measurement techniques.
- You want to become part of inspiring research projects, in both national and international settings.
What you can expect from Earth Sciences at the University of Amsterdam:
- two different study tracks: Geo-ecological Dynamics focusing on in depth scientific training and Environmental Management concentrating on interdisciplinary training how to manage the geo-ecosystems of our planet.
- an inspiring scientific environment where scientist work in a stimulating interdisciplinary setting on the cutting edge between physical geography, ecology, hydrology and environmental chemistry, combined in the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED)
- IBED offers you a wide range of brand new and state of the art facilities (E-science labs including GIS, Remote sensing and geo-ecological modelling, Soil- and environmental chemistry as well erosion labs) to enable you to let your work meet the latest scientific standards.
Professional specialization within the Master’s programme
In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research.
There are three professional specializations available:
- Science Communication (in Dutch)
- Teaching (in Dutch)
- Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.
Accreditation and degree
The Master's programme in Earth Sciences has been legally accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a Master's degree in Earth Sciences and the title of Master of Science (MSc).
More information on accreditation and degrees is available via the links below.