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Geology - Master Programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Someone with tools looking very closely at rocks

Description

Are you interested in climate variations and how the ice ages have affected landscapes, animals and plants? Are you attracted by the dizzyingly long time-perspective of fossils? Are you fascinated by the structure of Earth, continental plates and volcanoes? Do you want to use knowledge of Earth's dynamics to contribute to solving some of today's challenges? This master's program gives you cutting edge skills that are in demand on a national and international labor market.

The master's education gives you in-depth knowledge in geology. You learn about the formation and structure of Earth, climate variations, prehistoric life and evolution. You work with modern methods used in geology. This includes studies in geochronology, geochemistry, isotopes, sedimentology, dating methods, palaeontology, landforms and soil formation.

You take part in lectures and exercises in well-equipped classrooms and teaching laboratories. The department has a large range of advanced research equipment. This includes geochemical analysis instruments, state-of-the-art microscopes for the analysis of rock types and microfossils as well as various dating laboratories, for example for determining the age of minerals and organic materials.

Fieldwork forms an important part of the studies. You participate in field trips both in Sweden and abroad to learn more about different types of bedrock, sediment, landscape and environmental history. The program is flexible with good opportunities for specialization and exchange studies. The program has a strong connection to research, and all teachers are researchers. The department has several world-leading research groups. The education is given in English. You practice oral and written presentations and gain good experience in group collaboration.

Program structure

In the first semester, you study courses in geoscientific methodology as well as sedimentary geology and basin analysis. The following spring term, you can study igneous petrology, geochemistry and geochronology as well as Quaternary geology. Alternatively, you can choose a course on hydrogeology or palaeontology. Upon admission to the program, you are automatically assigned to the first semester's two courses.

The second year of study consists of a degree project of 30, 45 or 60 credits. It is possible to combine the degree project with one or more optional courses for a maximum of 30 credits. In the optional courses, a course on global environmental changes in a geological perspective can be included, but it is also possible to include other courses. It is also possible to do an international exchange during the program. The degree project normally includes field work in Sweden or abroad, followed by analysis work in one of our research laboratories. Data processing and literature review are also included in the master thesis task.

Career opportunities

Geological expertise will be increasingly in demand in the future to address the major societal challenges we face. With a Master’s degree in geology, you will be well-equipped with both general and specific subject knowledge. Many of our students get jobs as environmental consultants or specialists in the mining industry or the construction industry. Others pursue careers within public authorities such as the Geological Survey of Sweden, county administrative boards or the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, often focused on sustainable management of groundwater and other geological resources. You can also work with municipal planning, nature conservation and various types of public information within the field. Geological knowledge is in demand all over the world. The possibility of getting a job abroad is good, for example concerning water issues in developing countries or large infrastructure projects. The program also prepares you for research.

Computers in the programme

The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a MacOS. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.

Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies

The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely. The elements also require the ability to monitor and control the processes studied.

Open for applications

Application opportunities

This programme is open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.

Contact

Department of Geology

Visiting address
Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund

Postal address
Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund

+46 46 222 78 65

http://geology.lu.se/

Karl Ljung

Study advisor

karl [dot] ljung [at] geol [dot] lu [dot] se

Helena Elvén Eriksson

Study advisor

helena [dot] elven_eriksson [at] nateko [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in geology or the equivalent. The degree must include at least 90 credits in geology.

Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses and a statement of purpose for the application (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2025

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027

Application

Last application date 2025-01-15

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 
Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Programme-specific documents

In addition to the documents mentioned under 'How to apply, Step 2', you must submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation when you apply to this programme. Please use the summary sheet template found below.

Summary sheet – Master's in Geology (PDF, 70,5 kB, new tab)


Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 340 000

First payment: SEK 85 000

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations

More information and testimonials about this Master's