Geology, Bedrock Geology - Master Programme

The programme covers nearly all aspects of bedrock geology, for example mineralogy, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, geochronology and dating techniques, geochemistry, structural geology, sedimentology, palaeontology, palaeoecology and the evolution of life. It aims at providing students with a wide range of geological knowledge, exposure to areas at the cutting edge of research, and a thorough understanding of the practical applications of bedrock geology. Four 15-credit courses form the basis of the programme:

1. Sedimentary Geology and Basin Analysis
2. Magmatic Petrology, Geochemistry and Geochronology
3. Metamorphic Petrology and Structural Geology
4. Evolution of the Biosphere, Palaeoecology and Palaeontology

At admission to the programme You are automatically given admission to the first two courses Normally you will also follow at least one of the other two courses, but it is also possible to combine courses in bedrock geology with other courses at advanced level, for example in Quaternary geology or applied geology. Four courses are normally studied during the first year, and a 45-credit master´s degree project, combined with an elective course, is compulsory in the second year. The programme makes You eligible to research education, but it also provides You with sufficient knowledge and expertise for entry to a labour market where geological or geoscientific challenges form the central tasks. Admission to the programme requires a Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Earth Sciences with a geological specialisation and sufficient basic education in mineralogy and petrology. The education is provided in English.

One of many assets of the Master’s programme in geology at Lund University is the vast array of in-house research equipment that complements teaching at the Department of Geology. All students undertake their lectures and practical sessions in well-equipped lecture halls and teaching laboratories within the department building. Fieldwork is an essential part of the curriculum and there are excursions of between one day and one week. These are held at a variety of locations and are a major feature of the programme. In the final year students generally undertake a project in the field and in some of the many research laboratories at the department. Data handling and literature reviews are integrated parts of the project work, and students have access to all library resources at the department, which includes electronic journals.

Career prospects

The world will depend even more on geologists and their expertise in the future. Concern about global environmental change has never been greater, and the world´s population increases and makes greater demand on Earth’s limited resources. Graduates from our programme will obtain transferable and subject specific skills that are necessary for academic research or entry into various employment opportunities in private companies or governmental structures.