Teaching

The joint bachelor's programme is normally taught in Dutch, but many courses can be taught in English when exchange students participate.

It is a broad science programme, combining aspects from physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and geography. You will learn about earth science processes, history and future of environment and climate. You will explore earth from coastal processes to the earth magnetic field, from mountain forming to ground water flows.

Utrecht University offers the largest and broadest earth science programma in the Netherlands. Almost al disciplines are represented. Are you interested in applying for this bachelor's programme? Please visit the Earth sciences website. Current students can visit the student's website.

Explore processes affecting the earth's life and its environment

In our Master's programme in Earth, Life and Climate, you will explore the fundamental processes which regulate the past, present, and future dynamics of sedimentary systems, biodiversity, and climate, as well as their evolution. This two-year programme will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand climate change and its impact on natural environments such as soils, sediments, lakes, groundwater, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans.

The main topics you will study include the evolution of life, the development of sedimentary basins, carbon sources and sinks, biogeochemical and geochemical fingerprinting of sedimentary processes/environments, and climate reconstruction.

Are you interested in applying for this Master's programme? Please visit the Earth, Life and Climate website. Current students can visit the student's website.

Study processes below the earth's surface

In this programme, you will explore the composition, structure, and evolution of the earth’s crust, mantle, and core. During this two-year programme, you will learn to link geological, geophysical, geochemical, and geodetic observations made at the earth’s surface to physical processes operating within the planet.

Are you interested in applying for this Master's programme? Please visit the Earth Structure and Dynamics website. Current students can visit the student's website.

Explore processes at or near the earth's surface

This Master’s programme involves the study of natural and human-induced physical and geochemical processes, patterns, and dynamics of the earth’s continental and coastal systems. This two-year programme provides you with knowledge that is essential to manage the planet sustainably, guarantee the availability of natural resources for future generations, and understand and avert natural hazards.

The main subject areas you will study consist of the dynamics of coastal and river systems, (geo-)hydrological processes, groundwater remediation, land degradation in dry lands and mountainous regions, natural hazards, and delta evolution on centennial and longer time scales.

Are you interested in applying for this Master's programme? Please visit the Earth Surface and Water website. Current students can visit the student's website.

Explore seas and oceans and the impact of changes

Seas and oceans play an important role in our day-to-day lives, and over 65% of the world’s population lives or works in coastal areas. Vital for our economy and health – as well as for climate, food, and biodiversity – seas and oceans have immense societal significance. However, the oceans are changing rapidly as human-induced pollution and CO2 emissions lead to warming, acidification and deoxygenation of seas and oceans. The impact on organisms, ocean chemistry, and currents on short to long timescales is uncertain, affecting ecosystems, but also the economy and policymaking. 

Are you interested in applying for this Master's programme? Please visit the Marine Sciences website. Current students can visit the student's website.