The master degree programme builds upon students' knowledge of the different fields of Earth Sciences, offering multiple scientific, technological and occupational prospects in both the public and private sectors.

The course offers theoretic and practical training through laboratory-based and field teaching and activities, an experimental thesis, and the option of complementary work placements, internships and periods of study abroad.

The master degree programme in Earth Sciences prepares students either to work as professional freelance geologists (as freelance professionals registered, upon completion of the State Examination, under the Geologist Section of the Professional Register of Geologists), or to enter positions in national or international research bodies, public administrations, professional consultancy firms, companies, industries and laboratories that deal with natural materials.

The master's degree also provides an entry point to doctoral research programmes, master's degrees, refresher courses, and advanced national and international training courses.

Application and admission: Open with entry requirements examination.

English language

Students must have level B2 proficiency in English. Proficiency may be certified at the time of matriculation by submitting a certificate of level B2 language proficiency or better, or by sitting the SLAM (University Language Centre) Placement test during the first year of studies only, between September and December.

Students who do not pass the test must follow the SLAM language courses and obtain appropriate certification within the year the plan of study calls for a language exam.

The study programme provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to spend a period abroad at a European university or research centre to follow courses and take exams, work on their thesis, do research or an internship. Attending courses and taking exams at a foreign university is not just a great life experience that allows you to learn the local language. It will provide you with the opportunity to deal with a different educational system and develop a more flexible approach to learning.

Conducting research or doing an internship abroad will give you the possibility to access facilities that are not available at our University (for example, large instruments), do applied research in specific fields and interact with broader research groups. Our partner universities, where it is possible to take courses and take exams or carry out research, depending on the agreements, are in France, Germany, Greece, Spain, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Scholarship agreements for internships and research can be stipulated with any other university or research centre with which Department teachers and researchers have or can start scientific collaborations. For these scholarships, and in general for conducting and obtaining the recognition of research activity abroad, you will need a Department teacher as supervisor. Therefore, any field of study within the Department could potentially provide opportunities.

You can apply for a standard Erasmus scholarship, which allows you to take exams abroad in addition to conducting research activities, or an Erasmus Student Placement scholarship, dedicated exclusively to internship and research activities. There are different procedures and calls for applications for these two types of scholarships.

The educational or research activity to be performed abroad shall be agreed with home and foreign university teachers through the Learning Agreement (LA). This document, together with the grade certificate and/or the research reports, is required for the home University to formally recognize the activity carried out abroad.

Highly recommended, not mandatory