Testimonials

''I have always been amazed by large scale processes that govern the Earth and the Solar System.''

Before starting my studies in Utrecht I have always been amazed by large scale processes that govern the Earth and the Solar System. Questions regarding the driving forces of plate tectonics, the geomagnetic field, travelling waves originated from earthquakes and the solid mantle that is still able to flow kept me busy. As I was seeking to dive deeper into the mathematics and physics underlying these processes, I chose to proceed with the programme Earth, Structure & Dynamics.

I am specializing in the track ‘Physics of the solid Earth and other planets’, which supplies a thorough understanding for geophysical topics regarding system Earth. I am happy to follow a programme that establishes a profound preparation for my future career, both in knowledge and soft skills. After my studies, I wish to do a PhD and apply what I’ve learned to other planets in order to better understand these planets as well as our own.

‘’The programme addresses topics that I think will be of importance in the near future and during the energy transition.’’

During my Bachelor’s in Earth Sciences, I developed a broad interest in all kinds of topics, ranging from sedimentology to structural geology to mineralogy. However, I never developed a sense of what to do after the study. I chose the Master’s programme Earth Structure and Dynamics to find my actual career path.

During the Master’s, I got intrigued by the broadly addressed topics of reservoir-related geology and geo-energy. The programme addresses topics that I think will be of importance in the near future and during the energy transition. The Master’s programme provides a lot of freedom in the second year. I was able to do three different projects on the topics of reservoir compaction, geothermal energy, and carbon storage/seismicity. This way the Master’s has been a successful preparation for the renewable energies industry for me.

"We often are given feedback, which helps you improve very important skills for future jobs, and gives you a big advantage.’’

Since I was little, I have been interested in what drives processes we observe on Earth and in outer space: the magnetic field that is driven by the fluid outer core, oceanic plates that sink into the mantle, and the generation of hotspots all the way from the core-mantle boundary. How does this all work? Because I like these subjects and am really fond of maths and physics, I chose to do the Master’s programme Earth, Structure and Dynamics, and more specifically the Physics of the Deep Earth and Planets track.

What I really like about my Master’s programme is that you have a free choice of the courses that interest you the most. What I also appreciate is that we often have oral presentations and reports, on which we are given feedback. This helps you improve very important skills for future jobs, and gives you a big advantage.

''What I like is that you get assignments and small research projects that help you get a grasp of research in Earth Science.''

I followed Earth Science at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. To increase and broaden my knowledge of geoscientific topics and because it matched what I tend to find most interesting in geosciences, I chose the Master’s degree programme Earth, Structure and Dynamics. I like the fact that the Master’s programme offers opportunities to select your own path and decide what you want to do and achieve within Earth Science.

What I like about the courses and programme is that you get assignments and small research projects that help you get a grasp of research in Earth Science. Along the way you also pick up practical skills, which I consider very important – what you learn about programming or data processing, for example, can be very useful later on.