Admissions /Degree programmes /Geology and Geophysics │ Master’s programme /

Studying

Sustaining a growing population on our dynamic planet requires deep understanding of geological and geophysical processes within the Earth, and of how they interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biota. The Master's Programme in Geology and Geophysics trains you to address pressing questions concerning our home planet's evolution, its role as the source of raw materials needed by modern civilisation, and environmental issues.

Key questions include:

  • How can we decode Earth’s rock record to reveal the evolution of Earth’s crust and mantle over billions of years?
  • How do we make natural resource exploration and extraction more sustainable and environmentally friendly?
  • What can the Earth’s history tell us to help us forecast the impacts of climate change?
  • Where can we safely construct power plants or store nuclear waste?
Why Geology and Geophysics?
Structure and content
Courses and teaching
Master's thesis
Doctoral education
Students and student life

Why Geology and Geophysics?

A boy sitting on a hill watching an erupting volcano. Image of the Master's Programme in Geology and Geophysics at the University of Helsinki.

Upon completion of the programme, you will have gained expertise in a number of scientific and professional skills, including, depending on your specialist option:

  • Assessment of geological materials (minerals, rock types, bedrock, groundwater)
  • Understanding the genesis and sustainable use of mineral commodities
  • Sustainable use of the environment from the Earth Science perspective
  • Palaeontology and modelling global change using the geological record
  • The physical evolution of the Earth (plate tectonics, interplay of the mantle and crust)
  • Independent and team-driven project research
  • High-level scientific writing (M.Sc. thesis and related work)
  • Presentation of scientific results to scientists, students, and the general public

Structure and content

The staircase, books and students at the Kaisa House, the main library of the University of Helsinki.Photo by Mika Huisman.

At the beginning of the advanced studies, you will familiarise yourself with the central research methods in the field. The studies consist of intensive learning in small groups on practical work courses, guided laboratory work on specialised courses, and tailored short-term courses led by international and Finnish experts. In addition, you will be able to take part are a variety of field courses and excursions (in Finland and beyond) to familiarise yourself with research topics in their natural surroundings.

The MSc-studies (120 ECTS credit points)  consist of three parts:

  1. Common courses, which are the same for all study tracks and includes a total of 50 ECTS credit points.
  2. Advanced courses in each study track, which comprise 35-65 ECTS credits depending on the specialisation. These courses are divided into essential and elective courses. Courses from other campuses, exchange studies or JOO-studies (from other Finnish universities ) can be included to elective advanced studies as well.
  3. Optional courses, which you are free to select from other campuses, other Finnish universities, so called JOO-studies, language courses, etc. These courses can be combined with the common and advanced courses to reach 120 ECTS cp.

Master's thesis

Image of a person sitting on the floor and studying in the library.

As a student in the Master’s programme, you will be expected to write a thesis. The goal of the Master’s thesis is to enable you to study an area of interest to you within your specialist option, and to help you develop research skills such as scientific writing, literature review, and advanced knowledge in your area of study. The thesis typically includes a review of current literature and experiments or analysis of geological or geophysical data. You will write your thesis independently, under the supervision of one or more faculty members in your specialist option.

Want to know a bit more about the science? Check out our list of potential thesis topics for 2020!

Doctoral education

Equality is one of the guiding values of the University of Helsinki. Image by Mona Roininen.

After completing a Master of Science degree you will be eligible to apply for postgraduate studies leading to a Doctoral or Licentiate degree in Geology or Geophysics.

More information about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.

Students and student life

HaMa_HYY150_Events2018_Aftermovie

Experience the atmosphere of the 150th anniversary year of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY150).

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active.

More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.

As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, basic healthcare services, sports facilities and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.  

Read more about the life and benefits as a student at the University of Helsinki.

Do you have questions about studies or student life? You can get answers to your questions by chatting directly with the students of University of Helsinki. Chat with our students!