Study programme
The Master’s Earth, Life and Climate is a two-year programme taught in English. It includes both taught and courses and research, awarding a total of 120 points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). On this page you will find information concerning the curriculum, courses, educational methods, examinations and extracurricular opportunities.
Curriculum
The first year of the programme is devoted to course work, while the second year is primarily spent conducting independent research and/or an internship. The programme offers considerable scope to design your own personal ‘Master’s plan’ matching your interests and competences.
Tracks
- Integrated Stratigraphy & Sedimentary Systems
Dynamics of marine and continental sedimentary systems - Climate Reconstruction
The reconstruction of climate change through Earth's history - Biogeosciences & Evolution
The evolution and response of biota to perturbations in the environments - Biogeochemistry
Processes that control the elemental cycles at the Earth’s surface
Courses
Below is an overview of the courses you can take in your first year.
You can also choose a maximum of two courses from the elective courses Earth Sciences to achieve a total of eight courses (60 EC) in your first year.
Final research project
- Master's thesis
In your second year you must carry out a final research project. Your research will culminate in a Master's thesis, on which you will also give an oral presentation. - Guided research /Internship
During your guided research/internship you will write at least two and maybe three academic papers: your thesis and a report on the guided research project and/or a report on your internship.
Educational Methods
- Course work
- Field research
- Independent research
- Internship/guided research
Examinations
- Final research papers
- Short papers or written exams
- In-class presentations
- Active participation and concluding reports
- Thesis
Extra opportunities
Utrecht University offers several honours programmes for students looking for an extra challenge. Honours education is followed on top of your regular Master’s programme and goes beyond the regular curriculum. Honours programmes are available at interdisciplinary level and allow you to go deeper into subjects or work on projects that transcend your own discipline.