Earth's Structures and Planetary Processes
Norwegian version of this page

Programme structure

In the programme option Earth's structures and Planetary Processes, you will take the mandatory course and recommended courses in the first semesters. The courses are a total of 60 ECTS credits. You start with the master's thesis in the second or third semester, depending on your selection of courses.

The programme has the following structure:

  • Mandatory courses, 20 ECTS credits
  • Elective courses, 40 ECTS credits
  • Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits

Applicants without a background in geosciences have 40 ECTS mandatory- and 20 ECTS elective courses. In addition, the master thesis counts for 60 ECTS.


Course of study

4th semester Master's thesis
3rd semester Elective course / master’s thesis Master's thesis
2nd semester Elective course / mandatory course Elective course Master’s thesis / elective course
1st semester Mandatory course + HSE courses Mandatory course / elective course Elective course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

For applicants without a background in geosciences

4th semester Master's thesis
3rd semester Elective course / master’s thesis Master's thesis
2nd semester Mandatory course Elective course / mandatory course Master’s thesis / elective course
1st semester Mandatory course + HSE courses Mandatory course / elective course Mandatory course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

Mandatory courses

Course selection is done in consultation with your supervisor or the coordinator for the programme option.

You choose a minimum of 20 ECTS from the courses below. Students admitted without a background in geosciences must choose at least 40 ECTS.

Autumn Spring
GEO4120 – Near-Surface Geophysics GEO4151 – Earthquake and Volcanic Processes
GEO4131 – Geomechanics GEO4620 – Seismic Waves and Seismology
GEO4140 – Environmental stratigraphy GEO4840 – Tectonics
GEO-AST4410 – Planetary Sciences GEO5900 – Chemical Processes in Soil and Ground Water
GEO4630 – Geodynamics  
GEO4810 – Deformation of Earth Materials  
GEO4812 – Ore-Forming Processes  
GEO4822 – Geochemistry  

Elective courses 

Course selection may be done in consultation with your supervisor or the coordinator for the programme option.

You may choose a maximum of 40 ECTS of elective courses and we recommend you choose courses from the list of mandatory courses (above) and one course from the list of generic courses (below). Students admitted without a background in geosciences choose a maximum of 20 ECTS.

Below we have listed a few typical course combinations for different subject areas within this programme option:

Planetary Processes

Earth Materials and Structures

Surface Geophysics and Geomechanics

Generic courses

We recommend that you choose one of the courses from the list below:

More information about the master's degree

Information related to the completion of the master's thesis, inlcuding the master's agreement and other application forms, can be found at the information page for master's studies at the Department of Geosciences.

Selection of topic for the master's thesis

The master's thesis is worth 60 ECTS credits. The thesis project and supervisor are assigned towards the end of the first semester. The availability of thesis topics depends on the programme option, and further information on available topics can be found below.

See all available topics

Diploma and degree

This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Science in Geosciences

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.

Course- and semester pages

Click on each course (see the table above) to find the following:

  • Timetable
  • Date and location of exams
  • Curriculum and learning requirements

Quality assurance

Degree programmes and courses are regularly evaluated to ensure and enhance the quality of education.

Published Dec. 20, 2021 11:56 AM - Last modified Sep. 16, 2025 3:11 PM