Earth Sciences: University of Amsterdam

Course Description

Global change, the increasing demand for scarce resources, the degradation and pollution of soil and water, means they need skilled professionals now more than ever who understand the earth as a complex system. The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) of the University of Amsterdam meets this demand by offering a challenging Master in Earth Sciences.

Earth Sciences focus on the interactions between the earth, the atmosphere, surface waters and biological systems. It also studies how these are affected by human activities. Students learn to develop, use and access new knowledge by laboratory experiments, field inventories, data analyses with GIS or dynamic computer models. They gain insight into the earth's function and learn how to apply this knowledge for the benefit of society.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master's programme in Earth Sciences are trained professionals with excellent international career opportunities within or outside the sphere of Earth Sciences. For example, some UvA Earth Sciences alumni work at:

• consultancy and research firms (e.g. Royal Haskoning)
• government agencies (e.g. the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)
• international environmental agencies (e.g. IUCN)
• multinational corporations (e.g. Shell)
• educational organisations (e.g. high schools)

Graduates seeking a research career within academia are eligible to pursue a PhD.

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

Applicants for the MSC in Earth sciences must hold a Dutch Bachelor of Science degree or its equivalent in Earth Science, Biology or Computer Science.

Additional information for international students

International applicants must also fulfil other general entry requirements set by the Faculty of Science regarding academic background, academic average and proficiency in English.

For further information regarding admission requirements or the application procedure please follow this links.