Geology: Utrecht University

About the programme

Geology is the study of the outer Earth. It makes use of virtually all branches of science to investigate the composition, structure and evolution of the Earth’s crust and to understand the controlling interactions between mantle, crust, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Central research issues in modern geology include mountain building, volcanism, the development and filling of sedimentary basins, the origin and occurrence of hydrocarbon and mineral deposits, seismic and volcanic hazards, and long-term changes in (paleo) environment and climate.

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment quickly, both natiOil platformonally and internationally. Important employment sectors include resources exploration and production, environmental monitoring and protection, geological risk assessment, geotechnical engineering and waste management, though graduates are also well-qualified to move into virtually any sector where a broad academic training is needed. About one-third of Utrecht University Earth Sciences Master’s graduates go on to do Ph.D.s, either at Utrecht or elsewhere in Europe, the United States or Australia.

Entrance Requirements

Students with a university Bachelor’s degree

Applicants should hold at least:

• a BSc in Earth Sciences or a BSc in any of the Natural or Engineering Sciences, or
• a BSc degree from University College Utrecht.

Your application will be evaluated on an individual basis. You may be eligible for admission even if you have a BSc degree other than the ones mentioned above. Deficiencies in your previous education can potentially be compensated by taking one or more Bachelor’s modules prior to, or at the start of, the Master's programme.

Students with a Dutch HBO Bachelor’s degree

Dutch HBO Bachelor’s applying for the MSc programme in Geology should have a sufficient background in mathematics and physics or chemistry. This is usually the case for Dutch HBO programmes in:

• Chemistry
• Chemical Technology
• Civil Engineering
• Geodesy/Geo-informatics or Surveying
• Life Sciences & Chemistry
• Applied Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Marine Navigation

Proof of profiency in English

All other applicants, including applicants who hold a Dutch HBO diploma (diploma of higher professional education), must provide proof of proficiency in English. To do so, you are required to take one of the following English language tests:

• IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing. IELTS is the test preferred by Utrecht University.
• TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 93. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
• Cambridge Certificates
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least a B grade.
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least a C grade.