Master's Programme in Earth Science 120 credits

Image: Tyler Logan

About the programme

Within the master's programme in Earth Science you will study natural earth processes, climate change and the impact of human influences such as natural resources and environmental disruption. Impact on earth processes leads to substantial changes in the environment. You will develop awareness and in-depth knowledge of environmental changes over years to millennia in different types of environments.

Study close to ongoing research

Both theory and field work

Develop analytical skills and research approach

While studying

Master’s in Earth Science – combining theory and practical experience

Are you interested in understanding the fundamental processes shaping our planet and how they impact climate, ecosystems, and human societies? The Master’s Programme offers an advanced education in geoscience, equipping you with the skills needed to analyze environmental changes, assess natural resources, and contribute to sustainable solutions.

You will consolidate your theoretical knowledge of Earth Sciences through experiments and fieldwork in the unique boreal and Arctic environments of northern Sweden. As a master’s student, you will develop critical analytical skills, the ability to tackle complex environmental challenges, and an independent research approach. These skills will prepare you for careers requiring strong problem-solving abilities and scientific expertise.

A flexible and broad Earth Science education

In addition to mandatory courses, the programme offers a wide range of elective courses where you can deepen your knowledge in earth science or broaden your skills in related areas. Examples of elective courses:

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – Analyzing spatial data for environmental research
Sustainability Science – Exploring sustainable resource management and environmental policies
Global Change Science - Learning about the transformations in the Earth system in the context of the Anthropocene

A research-connected programme with high quality standards

The programme has been awarded the highest rating in the Swedish Higher Education Authority’s latest quality review. This highlights the programme’s strong academic foundation and close connection to cutting-edge research.

The teaching is conducted in close collaboration with research, ensuring that you are exposed to the latest developments in Earth Sciences. All courses at the advanced level are taught in English, making the programme accessible to international students and preparing graduates for the global job market.

Master’s Thesis in Earth Science

The final thesis project allows you to specialize in a chosen area within Earth Sciences, conducting independent research under faculty supervision. Depending on your academic and career goals, you can choose between a 30 ECTS or 60 ECTS thesis. The project includes collecting of your own data usually by field work in the region.

Scholarships to apply for

Citizens of countries outside of the EU, EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay application and tuition fees for education at Swedish universities. However, there are several scholarships you can apply for to cover these costs, for example from the Swedish Institute:

Courses within the programme

Year 1

Aquatic Ecosystems, 7,5 credits
Aquatic biogeochemistry, 7,5 credits
Analysis of field data, 15 credits
Analysis of Environmental Changes - focus: Archives, 15 credits
Terrestrial biogeochemistry, 15 credits

Year 2

Elective courses, 30 credits, examples:

Global Change Science, 15 hp
Soil and water – field methods, 15 hp
Geographical information system, 15 hp

Thesis work, 30 credits or 60 credits

Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

After completing a geoscience degree, you will be well-prepared for careers in environmental analysis, climate research, and natural resource management. The programme provides strong qualifications for positions in both the public and private sectors, including governmental agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions.

Common jobs for graduates

Geospatial analysis and GIS applications
Climate change adaptation and risk assessment
Water resource management and hydrology
Natural disaster monitoring and mitigation
Environmental policy and planning
Administrative Officer at county boards, municipalities, and government agencies – Working with environmental policy and natural resource management
Environmental Consultant in private industry and mining companies – Conducting environmental impact assessments and sustainability planning
Geoscientist in research institutes – Studying climate change, earth materials, and natural resource use
GIS Analyst – Using spatial data to analyze environmental and geographical trends
PhD and research in academia or in the private sector.

Programme director

Ryan Sponseller

Professor

+46 90 786 65 50

Apply

Autumn 2025
- Master's Programme in Earth Science
  
  International admissions round
  
  HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M5052
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Earth science alternatively 60 ECTS in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in Earth science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After a completed programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor, please see https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
  In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Qualification is issued in the main field of study (Earth Science/Physical Geography).
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 304,600
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Earth Science
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P5052
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Earth science alternatively 60 ECTS in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in Earth science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After a completed programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor, please see https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
  In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Qualification is issued in the main field of study (Earth Science/Physical Geography).
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 304,600
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
Autumn 2026
- Master's Programme in Earth Science
  
  International admissions round
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 16 October 2025
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn term 2026
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M5052
  
  Eligibility
  A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Earth science alternatively 60 ECTS in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in Earth science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After a completed programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor, please see https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
  In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Qualification is issued in the main field of study (Earth Science/Physical Geography).
  
  Application
  The online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 304,600
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Earth Science
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 16 March 2026
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn term 2026
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P5052
  
  Eligibility
  A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Earth science alternatively 60 ECTS in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in Earth science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After a completed programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor, please see https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
  In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Qualification is issued in the main field of study (Earth Science/Physical Geography).
  
  Application
  The online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 304,600
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
 
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

Film about the programme

Voices about the programme

Always expect the unexpected – from Erasmus to doctoral studies

Alumni

The Erasmus exchange year was just going to be an adventure abroad but Demian Hauptmann liked Umeå University and came back for his Master’s.
Viktor digs deeper into water issues

Alumni

"Earth scientists have it generally easier to get jobs than biologists, especially if you also know water issues" says Viktor Gydemo.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do with an Earth Science degree?

An Earth Sciences degree prepares you for careers in environmental research, geospatial analysis, sustainability consulting, and governmental policymaking. Graduates work as environmental consultants, GIS specialists, hydrologists, geologists, and climate analysts, among other roles.

What does a geoscience education include?

A geoscience education combines theoretical studies and practical components such as field studies, laboratory work, and environmental data analysis. You will learn to understand and analyze geoscientific processes and how they impact ecosystems and communities.

Why should I pursue a master’s degree when I already have a bachelor's?

While some employers may not require a master’s in Earth Science for entry-level positions, earning a higher degree provides long-term career benefits that go beyond immediate job requirements. Many companies prioritize short-term hiring needs, but as industries evolve, specialized expertise becomes increasingly valuable. With a master's degree, you have the opportunity to advance in your career and achieve a higher income more quickly.

Research excellence at Umeå University

Be a part of a world-class environment for teaching and research – where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 geneediting began, and where innovation continues to shape the future.

Innovative with international impact

Research for society, nature and the future. Read about our research research environments and infrastructure.
Open climate for groundbreaking research

Emmanuelle Charpentier credits the research environment in Umeå as a key factor in her discovery.

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Programme is given by

Faculty of Science and Technology

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