Master of Science in Geology

The master's programme in Geology offers an in-depth training in general geology and a specialized training in selected disciplines of geology. The programme offers the possibility to specialise in one of the majors offered.

Master's Programme
2 year 120 credits
Faculty of Sciences
English
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About the programme
Programme summary
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After graduation

What

The Master in Geology – organised jointly by Ghent University and Catholic University of Leuven – offers an in-depth training in general geology and a specialized training in selected disciplines of geology. Emphasis is put on acquiring general academic skills such as research and exploration, reporting, co-operation with fellow students and researchers. The student receives the necessary training to analyze and solve new, broader and more complex geological problems. One obtains the scientific attitude to solve these problems by selecting and applying advanced methods (qualitative and quantitative field analysis, direct and indirect observation techniques, physical and chemical analytical techniques, modelling of geological processes etc).
One should not only have hands-on knowledge of the techniques and the basic principles, but also be able to appraise the potential and the limitations of the different techniques. In a rational and scientific way, the student is able to process and to report the research results, to publish them in reports and in a master thesis (monograph), and to present and defend these results orally in a structured way, aided by modern communication techniques.
The Master in Geology has the social attitudes and skills to work in an interdisciplinary team with the aim to reach the best possible coherent solution for a specific problem.

For whom

The admission requirements vary. Depending on your preliminary training, you are either able to enrol directly, or there are additional requirements.

Structure

The master's programme offers the possibility to specialise in one of the four majors offered:

  • Basins and Orogens (60 credits)
  • Groundwater and Mineral Resources (60 credits)
  • Geodynamics and Georesources (54 credits)
  • Surface Processes and Paleo-environments (55 credits).

Depending on the chosen major, students take up an additional 30 to 36 credits for elective courses. In the second year, a research project (master's dissertation) of 30 credtis is scheduled. The master's dissertation is an original piece of research work. It aims to develop and strengthen the research capacity skills of the students. The student selects a topic and is given guidance by a supervisor. The master's dissertation consists of a literature review part, practical research and an original analysis of the topic.

If you want to combine your master’s degree with a teacher’s degree, then there is the option of following an ‘Educatieve master’ instead of the above described master. The ‘Educatieve master’ however is a Dutch taught programme. More information can be found on www.ugent.be/educatievemaster.

Labour Market

The strong multidisciplinary character of this programme does not only open the door to innovative research, but also to dynamic industrial sectors, governmental agencies, NGO’s etc. Students of the master's programme in geology also acquire step by step an enormous advantage: the use of professional English. The world will be your oyster.