Master of Science in Geology

The Geology programme - organised jointly by Ghent University and KU Leuven - offers an in-depth training in general geology and a specialised training in selected disciplines of geology. The emphasis is on acquiring general academic skills such as research and exploration, reporting, co-operation with fellow students and researchers. Our students receive the necessary training to analyse and solve new, broader and more complex geological problems, with attention for sustainability. They acquire the scientific-academic 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, …).

We expect our students to have a hands-on knowledge of the techniques and basic principles, and to be able to appraise the potential as well as the limitations of these techniques. In a rational and scientific manner, our students are able to process and to report their research results, to publish them in reports and in a Master’s dissertation (monograph), and to present and defend these results orally in a structured manner, aided by modern communication techniques.

A Geology graduate possesses the social attitudes and skills to work in an interdisciplinary team and aims to reach the best possible coherent solution for a specific problem.

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

• Past & Futureproof Earth (65 ECTS credits)
• Geosciences (57 ECTS credits)

Depending on your choice of major, you take up an additional 25 to 33 ECTS-credits worth of elective course units. The second year of the Master’s curriculum contains a 30 ECTS credits-worth research project (Master’s dissertation). The Master’s dissertation is an original piece of research. Its aim is to develop and strengthen the students’ research skills. Students select a topic and receive guidance from a supervisor. The Master’s dissertation consists of a literature review, practical research, and an original analysis of the chosen topic.

In addition to the (domain) Master’s programme described above, you can also choose a post graduate Master’s Programme in Teaching (in Dutch: Educatieve Master). The Educatieve Master, however, is a Dutch-taught programme. Find out more at www.ugent.be/educatievemaster (in Dutch).

Our programme’s strong multidisciplinary character opens career perspectives in innovative research, in dynamic industrial sectors, at government agencies, NGOs, ... . In addition, students of the Geology programme gradually acquire the huge advantage of becoming proficient in English on a professional level. The world will be your oyster!