The study consists of a Master's Thesis (60 ECTS) as well as mandatory and optional subjects (60 ECTS). The number of optional subjects varies between the study lines. You can either follow subjects at The University Centre in Svalbard, elsewhere in Norway or abroad.

There are four lines of study:

• Structural Geology, Petrology and Ore Geology
• Marine Geology and Geophysics
• Sedimentology and Quaternary Geology
• Petroleum Geoscience

The research undertaken in geology at UiT Arctic University of Norway focuses mainly on fieldwork in Northern Norway, in climate and marine geology with research cruises in the polar areas. We have unique geology right on our doorstep, which offers a special understanding of the processes that continue to shape the earth. Close cooperation with e.g. industry, the public sector and other research institutions ensures that you as a M. Sc. student gain experience in fields relevant for the job market.

In addition to a solid competence in a specialized field of geology, students will have acquired the following after completing the Master of Science in Geology:

Knowledge

The candidate has

• advanced knowledge within general geology and specialized insight in one of the following fields; marine geology and geophysics, petrology/structural geology, sedimentology and Quaternary geology, or petroleum geoscience.
• thorough knowledge of scientific theory and geological methods within the selected specialization, i.e. marine geology and geophysics, petrology/structural geology, sedimentology and Quaternary geology, or petroleum geoscience. This includes understanding geology based on scientific observations from the field and the laboratory.
• the ability to apply geological knowledge in new technological or scientific areas within the selected specialization.
• the ability to solve geological problems on the basis of the scientific history, tradition, and distinctive character of geosciences. This includes deep understanding of geological data from the field and/or the laboratory as well as understanding of geological time, processes, and products.

Skills

The candidate can

• critically analyze geological problems using data, methods, and results from peer-reviewed, international geoscientific research literature. The candidate can also structure and formulate scholarly arguments building on such information.
• analyze existing geological theories, use methods and interpretations, and work independently with applied and theoretical solving of geological problems. This regards both the solution of academic research questions and applied aspects of the selected geological specialization.
• use relevant geological methods for research and professional development within the selected specialization in an independent manner. This can include geological field observations, data collection, laboratory analyses, and literature review.
• carry out an independent, well-defined research project under academic supervision. The project is based on geological field observations, laboratory data, literature or a combination thereof.
• conduct his/her work in accordance with current ethical standards within the selected geological specialization.

General competence

The candidate can

• analyze and carry out the most important elements of academic and professional geological research projects: penetrate literature, carry out field and laboratory research, analyze geological data and communicate results to fellow students and scientists.
• apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas for completing advanced tasks and projects within the selected geological specialization.
• communicate comprehensive independent work and master the geological terminology as well as the use of key literature and academic referencing. This includes communication in the form of written academic theses, research reports, and oral presentations to peer students and geologists.
• discuss, argue, and critically assess geological problems, analyses and conclusions, both with specialists and with the general public.
• contribute to academic, technological and industrial innovation within the field of geology.

Writing your M.Sc. thesis in geosciences at UiT qualifies you for a large variety of jobs in industry, public authorities and research institutions, both nationally and internationally. Or maybe you even want to start your own business? Our former students work, e.g. with

• Investigations of unstable rock slopes, rock-slope failures and flooding.
• Environmental investigations.
• Carbon capture and storage.
• Exploration and exploitation of natural resources relevant for the Green Shift.
• Searching for oil and gas.
• Own consultancy business.
• Gehazards at The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).
• Geological mapping onshore and offshore at the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU).
• Onshore and offshore investigations in the Arctic and Antarctica at the Norwegian Polar Institute.
• Investigation and management of natural resources at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, as well as at the Directorate of Mining with the Commissioner of Mines at Svalbard.
• Planning of new roads and safe infrastructure at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
• Research and education at universities and research institutions.

Admission to the Master's programme in Geology requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification (180 ECTS) in Geology. More information on admission requirements:

• General admission requirements - Master

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is

• 15 April for admission to the autumn semester

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for international applicants is
• 1 December for admission to the autumn semester. 
• Online application, study code 4007.

Are you an international applicant? Read more here

Teaching methods consist of lectures in classrooms, laboratory work in modern lab facilities, fieldwork and cruises to interesting areas, mainly in Northern Norway.

Examinations will be given as written exams, oral exams and reports, depending on the individual course description.

The language of instruction is English and all syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered in either English or a Scandinavian language.

The Master's Thesis may written in either English or a Scandinavian language.

Successful completion of a master's degree in geology qualifies a candidatey for admission to PhD studies, depending on satisfactory marks in the master's and bachelor's degree.

PhD studies in geology are offered at UiT Arctic University of Norway.

Students have the opportunity to take courses at institutions abroad or at The University Centre in Svalbard.

For other exchange possibilities abroad, see the university's pages for student exchange.