Master's Programme in Geological Sciences
Master programme in geological sciences at stockholm university, department of geological sciences, covers the processes that formed our planet, ranging from the effects of plate tectonics for mountain building and the formation of sedimentary basins to the drivers for volcanism and earthquakes.
In the M.Sc. programme in Geological Sciences you will study the chemical, physical, and biological processes that shape our planet. You will learn about the effects of plate tectonics on mountain building, volcanism, ore formation, and earthquakes. You will study the processes that control Earth’s climate system and the geological record of Earth’s climate evolution, as well as the biogeochemically controlled distribution of elements and molecules on Earth and their exchange between the ocean, atmosphere, and geosphere.
In the educational line petrology and tectonics, research and education focus on large-scale metamorphic events, magmatism and tectonics, fluid, and chemical transport, and ore formation.
In our marine geology line we concentrate our studies on the physical, chemical, and biological properties in sediments and sedimentary rocks, with the goal to determine the processes behind their formation and to reconstruct Earth’s environmental and climate evolution. Marine geophysical methods are a central subject in our research and used, e.g., for the digital mapping of the ocean seafloor.
In our geochemistry line we examine how elements and molecules are distributed between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. We study biomineralization processes and use molecular and isotope geochemical records to reconstruct environmental changes for the geological past. An important focus of our work is on process-oriented geochemical studies to understand how physical, chemical, and biological processes catalyse and control exchange between the major Earth’s compartments.
Our courses also include topics of recent environmental change and the evolution of life throughout Earth’s history.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - programmes
Registration/Reply
A welcome letter will be sent to the e-mail address you have specified in your application and there you will find all the information you need for your studies during the coming semester. If you have not received the welcome letter, first check the spam folder, if you are sure that you have not received it, then contact us at studies@geo.su.se.
Yes or No, you need to answer at Antagning.se
NOTE! You log into Ladok to register online with the options "eduID" or "Antagning.se". Please note that you cannot log in with the option "Log in via your university".
Are you a new student? Welcome to IGV. You can find usefull information at New student.
Registration before each semester is mandatory and is done via student.ladok.se.
In order to register, your student account must be activated. You can register yourself using your university account. Registration generally opens two weeks before the start of the course and you must have registered no later than one week after the start of the course. If you have problems with registration, contact our student office.
Can't register? Contact elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se
To register you have to activate your student account.
Reserve admission
If you have been placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted by e-mail one to two weeks before the course begins. It is sent to the address you entered on Antagning.se. For Research traineeship courses, traineeship courses and degree project, see more information above.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted, you must be able to show that you are eligible for admission no later than course start to claim your place in the course. Please contact studies@geo.su.se.
Research traineeship courses, traineeship courses and degree project
To be accepted for a research traineeship courses, traineeshipp course and degree projects you need to contact the department. See contact information on each course page. You and a supervisor together write a project plan that is sent to Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se.
Disability
Stockholm University provides special pedagogical support to students with documented long-term disabilities. You should apply as soon as possible after you have been accepted in order to receive the best possible support. Once you have your Nais certificate, contact Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.se.
Learning platform
After registration, you'll get access to the learning platform Athena, where each course has its own page where you will find important information and course material. It is important that you have access to Ladok and Athena at the latest at the start of the course.
Not all courses use Athena, read the information you receive from the course teacher.
Reserve admission
If you have been placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted by e-mail one to two weeks before the course begins. It is sent to the address you entered on Antagning.se. For Research traineeship courses, traineeship courses and degree project, see more information above.
Decline your admission
It's important that you decline your place as soon as you know you will not be taking that course or programme as this makes the place available to applicants on the waiting list. In that case, you should decline your offer on your pages on Universityadmissions.se.
Declining you admission later than three weeks after the course it will be account as an interruption. If you have an interruption in the course, you will not be able to apply for it again.
Decline you admission on antagning.se
Can I apply for deferral? I have been admitted but want to postpone my studies
If there are extenuating circumstances you may apply for a deferral of the commencement of your studies.
Find more information about your studies at IGV
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
In the M.Sc. programme in Geological Sciences you will study the chemical, physical, and biological processes that shape our planet. You will learn about the effects of plate tectonics on mountain building, volcanism, ore formation, and earthquakes. You will study the processes that control Earth’s climate system and the geological record of Earth’s climate evolution, as well as the biogeochemically controlled distribution of elements and molecules on Earth and their exchange between the ocean, atmosphere, and geosphere.
In the educational line petrology and tectonics, research and education focus on large-scale metamorphic events, magmatism and tectonics, fluid, and chemical transport, and ore formation.
In our marine geology line we concentrate our studies on the physical, chemical, and biological properties in sediments and sedimentary rocks, with the goal to determine the processes behind their formation and to reconstruct Earth’s environmental and climate evolution. Marine geophysical methods are a central subject in our research and used, e.g., for the digital mapping of the ocean seafloor.
In our geochemistry line we examine how elements and molecules are distributed between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. We study biomineralization processes and use molecular and isotope geochemical records to reconstruct environmental changes for the geological past. An important focus of our work is on process-oriented geochemical studies to understand how physical, chemical, and biological processes catalyse and control exchange between the major Earth’s compartments.
Our courses also include topics of recent environmental change and the evolution of life throughout Earth’s history.
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Programme overview
The Department of Geological Sciences offers a Master’s degree that comprises two years of study. The Master’s programme has two specializations:
- Specialization Geology
- Specialization Marine Geology
Each specialization includes 15 credit points of compulsory courses, an independent project that comprises 30, 45, or 60 credit points, 30 credits of optional courses, and depending on the credits for the independent project, elective courses comprising 15, 30, or 45 credit points.
For the specialization geology these courses are Field studies in the Geological Sciences, Geodynamics and/or Ore Geology.
In the specialization marine geology, the compulsory courses are Ocean and climate dynamics over geological timescales and Palaeoclimatology.
The programme offers a set of additional elective courses in Terrestrial Geophysics, Palaeontology, Current Research and Planning, and Applied Geology that can be taken in the first or second year. We also offer the distance course (15 hp) Climate Change Through Earth's History.
A total of 30 optional credit points can be obtained through reading courses given by 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. We are happy to help you find the most appropriate courses at other institutions or universities. Optional courses are chosen together with the study director of the Master’s programme.
Year 1
Specialization geology, compulsory courses 15 credits:
Geodynamics (7.5 credits) Autumn term or
Ore Geology (7.5 credits) Autumn term
Fieldstudies in the Geological Sciences (7.5 credit) Spring termSpecialization marine geology, compulsory courses 15 credits:
Ocean and climate Dynamics of geological timescales (7.5 credits) Spring term
Palaeoclimatology (7.5 credits) Spring termThere is room for elective courses or traineeship in Geological Sciences of 15, 30, or 45 credit points in all three specializations depending on the credit points for the independent project.
Elective courses comprise 30 credit at the maximum.
Year 2
Specialization geology:
Geology independent project 30, 45 or 60 credits*
There is room for elective courses or traineeship in Geological Science up to 15, 30 or 45 credit points depending on the credit points of the independent project.Specialization marine geology:
Marine geology independent project 30, 45 or 60 credits*
There is room for elective courses or traineeship in Geological Science up to 15, 30 or 45 credit points depending on the credit points of the independent project.*Compulsory courses
Elective courses:
Geodynamics (7.5 credits) Fall term
Ocean-climate interaction through geologic time (7.5 credits) Spring term
Isotope Geology (7.5 credits) Fall term
Palaeontology (7.5 credits) Fall/Spring term
Biogeochemistry (7.5 credits) Spring term
Paleoclimatology (7.5 credits) Spring term
Terrestrial Geophysics (7.5 credits) Spring term
Applied Environmental Geochemistry (7.5 credits) Spring term
Geological Mapping (7.5 credits) Spring term
Climate Change Throughout Earth's History (15 credits) Fall/Spring term distance
Geomicrobiology and minerals (7.5 credits) Spring term
Geochemical Field Sampling, Analysis, and Data Evaluation (7.5 credits) Fall term
Geochemical Modelling (7.5 credits) Fall term
Isotope Geochemistry (7.5 credits) Fall term
Marine geochemistry (7.5 credits) Fall term -
Meet us
Photo: PrivateCourse Marine geotechnics, 7.5 credits VT period 7
The engineering properties of marine sediments are key parameters for off-shore installations, and for understanding the physical, chemical and bio-logical processes occurring at and below the seafloor. This course introduc-es students to geotechnical methods for characterising marine sediments. Students will gain practical experience in quantitative measurements for classifying different types of sediments, as well as the common approach-es for measuring the strength, compressibility and permeability of marine sediments. Students will learn how to combine this data with results from sonar and seismic mapping to describe the subsurface stratigraphy, geological history, and engineering properties of an offshore site.
Course leader: Matt O’Regan (Associate professor of Sediment physical properties).
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Contact
Elisabeth DäckerAdministrativ studierektor
- Visiting address
- S 316
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
Volker BrüchertAssociate professor of Biogeochemistry
- Visiting address
- R 307
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
