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Earth Sciences, Master Degree, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

the Netherlands

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
Master Degree	Full-time	2 years	September	EUR 2694 per year	EUR 24150 per year

About Earth Sciences, Master Degree - at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

What can past and present conditions tell us about the future? How can we use Earth system knowledge to effectively address global challenges such as climate change? As a Master's student of Earth Sciences, you will learn to find sustainable solutions for present and future challenges regarding our planet and climate. You will study natural processes and cycles of the Earth’s system within and among rock, soil, water, organisms and air.

Earth Sciences offers three specialisations:

Geology and Geochemistry (G&G): This specialisation examines the Earth’s crust and mantle using geological and isotope geochemical methods, studying subduction, volcanism, basin evolution and comparing Earth’s development with other rocky bodies.
Earth and Climate (E&C): E&C focuses on the Earth's surface and climate records, applying field work with laboratory research to understand and reconstruct land-surface processes, ocean and climate dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, (paleo-)ecology, and the role of humanity.
Global Environmental Change and Policy (GECP): If you want to help create sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest societal and scientific challenges through sound interdisciplinary research, GECP gives you the knowledge and skills to tackle the complex problems our planet faces today.

Summer School

Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.

Learn more about Earth Sciences, Master Degree - at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Entry requirements

1. Academic requirements

Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.

2. Programme specific requirements

Knowledge and understanding

Bachelor’s level in Earth Sciences or a closely related programme is required;
Common processes in Earth Sciences

Skills

General academic skills: analytical and critical thinking, and scientific writing skills demonstrated for example by higher education BSc thesis or equivalent;
Basic level computer programming skills;
Basic level GIS skills

Please note, for the specialisation Global Environmental Change and Policy the following admission requirements apply:

A minimum of 6 ECTS in Earth Sciences at the end of the 3rd year;
A minimum of 6 ECTS in Environmental Sciences or Sustainability Sciences at the end of the 1st year;
A minimum of 6 ECTS in Geographical Information Systems (GIS);
Relevant work experience with environmental topics (can include volunteer work)

3. English-language proficiency requirements

You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Need financial assistance? Read about scholarships: Scholarships for Master's programmes

Student reviews of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Masters Webinar

Each year, we organise an online session for aspiring Master's students that covers everything you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Master's webinar took place on Tuesday, October 15, at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recordings all year.

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:

Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
Get the latest insights on scholarship opportunities;
Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.

Bachelors Webinar

Each year we organise an online session for aspiring Bachelor's students that covers all you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Bachelor's webinar took place on Thursday 24 October at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recorder version all year.

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:

Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
Ask all your questions about the housing market in Amsterdam;
Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.