Earth Structure and Dynamics

Would you like to understand and quantify processes such as plate tectonics, understand what controls volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, how mountains and basins are formed or what the challenges are for the subsurface storage or critical raw materials needed for the energy transition? Then the Master's Earth Structure and Dynamics might just be what you’re looking for.

Solid earth science

During the two-year research programme you will study and research the structure, origin, and evolution of the solid earth and other planets and the underlying driving mechanisms, and their co-evolution with climate and life. You will combine geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mathematics, laboratory and computer science, and field studies to address how the solid Earth - as a key component of System Earth - operates over the full range of spatial and temporal scales, from nanoseconds to billions of years, and from the nano- to the planetary scale. You will study the role of solid Earth structure and processes in relation to sustainable geo-energy challenges and mineral resources, geological storage, and geohazards. You will learn to link geological, geophysical, mineralogical, geochemical, and geodetic observations made at the Earth’s surface to natural and humaninduced processes and associated geo-hazards operating within the planet.

Learning without limits

The programme allows you to specialise in virtually any aspect of solid Earth science, ranging from theoretical and applied geophysics, geology, mineral science or geochemistry with multi-scale focus from nano-scale to the entire Earth’s crust, mantle, core or other planetary bodies. You are encouraged to think independently and cross the borders of your discipline, in order to gain a skill set that is broadly applicable. Furthermore, the programme’s research topics form part of larger research efforts to help find innovative, sustainable solutions to threats and opportunities arising from climate change, such as geothermal energy or carbon capture and storage. Not only resulting in a great deal of interaction between staff and students, but also in cutting-edge research, publications and career opportunities.

Why in Utrecht

Studying Earth Structure and Dynamics at Utrecht University has several advantages and benefits.
 

• At the start of the programme, you select one of three tracks to suit your specific interests. These tracks offer a well-balanced mixture of courses that will expose you to a wide spectrum of theoretical and applied disciplines within the Earth Sciences.
• Your lecturers are active researchers of high international standing, resulting in a high-quality and challenging educational programme.
• From start to finish you get top-level technical support and use state-of-the art laboratory facilities and field instrumentation. In addition, you have access to top-class computational tools for numerical and analogue modelling located at Utrecht University or at one of its major international partners.
• Utrecht university is in close proximity to and has active collaborations with several national and international applied Earth Sciences research institutes, leading to interesting internship opportunities.