We're moving! This site will be relocating to goingto.university in 2026. Please update your bookmarks to the new address.

Earth Sciences, Master Degree, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

the Netherlands

Visit course webpage

Photos and Videos

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	find out	find out	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

Visit course webpage

Entry requirements

The Admission Board will decide on your admission after evaluating your complete online application. To apply, you need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university (minimum 3 years / 180 ECTS). No GRE or GMAT is required.

Direct Admission

Bachelor in Earth Sciences (VU or UU) – all tracks
Bachelor in Earth Sciences, Economics & Sustainability (VU) – GECP or EC tracks
Bachelor in Future Planet Studies (UvA) – GECP or EC tracks
Bachelor in Marine Sciences (WUR) – GECP or EC tracks

Other Applicants
Applicants with related backgrounds may be admitted conditionally. The Admission Board may request additional requirements such as self-study modules in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or GIS.

Track Specific Requirements

Global Environmental Change and Policy (GECP)

At least 6 ECTS Earth Sciences (3rd year)
At least 6 ECTS Environmental or Sustainability Sciences (1st year)
At least 6 ECTS Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Affinity with environmental topics through previous coursework, thesis, or work experience

Geology and Geochemistry / Earth and Climate

At least 18 ECTS in Earth Sciences or related courses (e.g., climate, ecology, hydrology, geology, (geo)chemistry, (geo)physics, GIS)
Affinity with Earth Sciences through previous coursework, thesis, or work experience

Differentiation Options
After the first year, students can choose Science Communication or Science Education (requires Social Geography I and preferably 12 ECTS “Oriëntatie-CE” courses).

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

Find out what students say about Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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.