Master's Earth Sciences - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Explore the past, shape our future

This two-year Master’s programme gives you the knowledge and skill-set to tackle the complex problems our planet faces today. You will specialise in one of three subjects: Geology and Geochemistry, Earth and Climate, or Global Environmental Change and Policy. Each specialisation has different streams, allowing you to build your own individual profile in preparation for your future professional career.

Programme
The Master’s programme in Earth Sciences at VU Amsterdam has an excellent reputation. It is small-scale, which means you will have personal contact with all students, yet it has a large scope, allowing you to choose from a broad range of topics. In this sense, Amsterdam and the programme are much alike: impressive but small enough to make you feel right at home!

International
Our teachers have high international profiles based on excellent research and successful fundraising; several have received international awards. The master looks at global Earth systems and international challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, policy and economics, natural hazards, and biodiversity loss. The start date of this programme is 1 September.

Choose your own path
You choose whether you want to become a broadly trained Earth Scientist or focus on one of the streams offered by the three specialisations.

VU Online Master's Event

Thursday 27 November 2025

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International Master's webinar

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1st year
2nd year

Which specialisation do you choose?

The first year you start with your specialisation. This year consists mainly of compulsory courses, practicals, an excursion (can also be in the second year) and is finished with an individual research project.

Earth Sciences offers various specialties. Choose the specialisation that appeals to you!

Geology and Geochemistry
Earth and Climate
Global Environmental Change and Policy

Summary

Please take note:
The specialisation Geology and Geochemistry is likely to be phased out. As a result, we cannot guarantee with certainty that this specialisation will proceed as it has in the past, for prospective students.

To ensure that you can follow a stable and well-organised study programme, we recommend that you also look at alternative programmes or our specialisations Earth and Climate or Global Environmental Change and Policy. At the University of Utrecht, several interesting programmes and tracks are offered as well: Master's programmes - Faculty of Geosciences - Utrecht University. You might also be interested in VU's Master's Hydrology.

With the specialisation Geology and Geochemistry (G&G) you focus on the Earth’s crust and mantle. You deal with geodynamics, tectonics, sedimentary and structural geology, stratigraphy, petrology, isotope geochemistry, planetary evolution, and basin analysis. You apply geological, (isotope) geochemistry and radio-isotope dating techniques to, for example:

understand the relations between subduction, volcanism and metamorphism;
ascertain the age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence and denudation;
study the origin, filling and deformation of basins, providing understanding of the structures in reservoirs, e.g. for geothermal energy;
deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;
compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.

Course aim:
Understand the relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences through:

comparing the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system;
a field excursion;
two individual research projects.

You can combine this with a set of optional courses to further specialise in one or more of the five streams (see details below). There is also a wide range of research and thesis projects, ranging from ‘Magma Genesis in the Lesser Antilles Arc’ to ‘Towards Improved Synthetic Seismograms.’

Streams
Stream G&G 1: Geochemistry and Petrology
You learn a broad range of geochemical and petrological techniques and apply those to explore the processes responsible for the formation and development of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core.

Stream G&G 2: Geodynamics and Tectonics
You study the deformation and flow in the Earth from the upper crustal scale to the whole mantle scale, and learn to investigate the driving forces and resistive forces involved in such deformation and flow.

Stream G&G 3: Subsurface resourcing
In this stream, you will learn about exploration of Earth resources and subsurface activities in their broadest sense. This stream covers the current transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy, including sequestration of CO2 and use of geothermal energy.

Stream G&G 4: Planetary Science
You study the processes that lead to the formation and evolution of rocky planets and moons to provide a better understanding of Earth’s evolution.

Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
You study sedimentary processes and depositional environments in a range of settings in field and/or lab oriented studies on carbonate and/or siliciclastic sediments and rocks from the Quaternary back to the Precambrian.

Study guide
You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the study guide.

Contact information
For more information, please contact Duna Roda-Boluda (coordinator) at MSc.GG@vu.nl.

Compulsory courses

Research Project Geology and Geochemistry
Mantle Properties
Regional Geology and Geo-resources
Orogenesis
Sedimentary Basins
Designing Interdisciplinary Research

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.

Summary

NB: We are planning to make some changes to the E&C track.

During the specialisation Earth and Climate (E&C) you focus on the Earth's surface processes and study climate records by applying field work with laboratory research to e.g.:

understand and reconstruct land-surface processes, ocean and climate dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, (paleo-)ecology, and the role of humanity;
assess the relationship between Earth’s spheres on timescales between tens and millions of years;
quantify the magnitudes and rates of climate change;
deal with environmental management and policy topics.

Elective courses enable you to explore your own areas of interest, and you can choose from a wide range of research and thesis projects; you can also follow courses from the other specialisations.

Streams

Stream E&C 1: Climate Dynamics and Earth System Modelling:
Understand today’s climate system and how its components interact and become an expert in numeric climate modelling and data analysis - key skills in predicting future climate change.

Stream E&C 2: Paleoceanography and Biogeochemical Cycles:
Study the interaction between ocean and atmosphere. Learn about past and modern climate change and how to quantify magnitudes and rates of changes. You may even get to join a fieldwork and/or sea-going expedition.

Stream E&C 3: Earth Surface Dynamics:
Understand why landscapes look the way they do. You study the past and present roles of changing climates, vegetation and human society, and learn techniques used in industry and academia.

Stream E&C 4: Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis:
Advance your methodological skills such as remote sensing imagery and learn to work with large datasets using e.g. AI and machine learning.

Stream E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy:
Analyse sedimentary processes and depositional environments in the field or laboratory. You could specialise e.g. in microbial mineral formation or stable isotope geochemistry. This stream is combined with the Geology & Geochemistry specialisation.

It is also possible to design your own programme tailored to your future career.
Courses

Each stream includes:

Landscape Dynamics
Designing Interdisciplinary Research

Elective options are:

Advanced Spatial Analyses
Climate modelling
Marine Geology and Paleoclimatology
Global Biogeochemical Cycles
And many more...

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.

Contact information
For more information, please contact the coordinator at MSc.EC@vu.nl.

Summary

GECP looks at global earth and environmental systems, addressing international challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, sustainable development, natural hazards, and biodiversity loss. We bring together different disciplines from climate studies, to environmental sciences, geography, economics, and policy. In your first year, international fieldwork allows you to apply your skills to real-world challenges. The focus extends beyond Dutch cases, aiming for broader inclusion by exploring cross-border issues.

Programme
In the first year, you will study courses related to Climate Sciences, Environmental Economics, and Environmental Policy and Governance, exploring integrated approaches to solving global sustainability challenges. You will also learn methods of interdisciplinary research and you will conduct fieldwork in Spain.

Streams
In the second year, students can specialise in one of the following topics: Energy, Ecosystem Services, or Water. This enables students to take courses from other programmes such as Environmental Resource Management (ERM), Hydrology, Ecology, the other Earth Sciences specialisations (Earth & Climate and Geology & Geochemistry), and Science Communication. More information about the streams can be found under the 2nd year tab.

What?
This is a rigorous two-year Masters programme aimed at developing student’s skills in scientific research. Students can expect to learn a range of skills to achieve this: from knowledge of earth systems and climate change, to technical skills in programming and GIS, to developing research proposals and conducting research in the fields of their interests, and to an understanding of how this research can be applied within wider contexts of economics and policy making. Through fieldwork in Spain in the first year, you learn to apply your skills to real-world challenges and to work with local communities. The opportunity to specialise in the second year deepens applied knowledge within one of the streams.

For whom?
The specialisation is for students who want to go beyond understanding the Earth system and instead aim to contribute to sustainable solutions by analysing the broader social, political and economic aspects of global environmental change. Our students are highly motivated, interested in interdisciplinarity, focused on solutions rather than limitations, and equipped with a critical and analytical mind.

At the end of the programme, you will have acquired a sound knowledge of earth and environmental sciences, combined with the additional perspectives of economics and governance. With this unique combination you’ll be able to pursue advanced careers in research, consultancy, international organisations and companies, and governments. You will also be qualified to apply for national and international sustainability PhD programmes.

Study guide
You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the study guide.

Contact information
For more information, contact the coordinator at gecp.ivm@vu.nl.

Compulsory courses

Challenges and Solutions for GEC&P
Climate Systems
Environmental Policy for GEC&P
Land Use Change and Ecosystems
Methods of Environment and Resource Management
Methods of Global Environmental Change
Designing Interdisciplinary Research
Research Project Global Environmental Change & Policy

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.

Geology and Geochemistry
Summary
Please take note:
The specialisation Geology and Geochemistry is likely to be phased out. As a result, we cannot guarantee with certainty that this specialisation will proceed as it has in the past, for prospective students.
To ensure that you can follow a stable and well-organised study programme, we recommend that you also look at alternative programmes or our specialisations Earth and Climate or Global Environmental Change and Policy. At the University of Utrecht, several interesting programmes and tracks are offered as well: Master's programmes - Faculty of Geosciences - Utrecht University. You might also be interested in VU's Master's Hydrology.
--
With the specialisation Geology and Geochemistry (G&G) you focus on the Earth’s crust and mantle. You deal with geodynamics, tectonics, sedimentary and structural geology, stratigraphy, petrology, isotope geochemistry, planetary evolution, and basin analysis. You apply geological, (isotope) geochemistry and radio-isotope dating techniques to, for example:
- understand the relations between subduction, volcanism and metamorphism;
- ascertain the age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence and denudation;
- study the origin, filling and deformation of basins, providing understanding of the structures in reservoirs, e.g. for geothermal energy;
- deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;
- compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.
Course aim:
Understand the relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences through:
- comparing the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system;
- a field excursion;
- two individual research projects.
You can combine this with a set of optional courses to further specialise in one or more of the five streams (see details below). There is also a wide range of research and thesis projects, ranging from ‘Magma Genesis in the Lesser Antilles Arc’ to ‘Towards Improved Synthetic Seismograms.’

Streams
Stream G&G 1: Geochemistry and Petrology
You learn a broad range of geochemical and petrological techniques and apply those to explore the processes responsible for the formation and development of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core.

Stream G&G 2: Geodynamics and Tectonics
You study the deformation and flow in the Earth from the upper crustal scale to the whole mantle scale, and learn to investigate the driving forces and resistive forces involved in such deformation and flow.

Stream G&G 3: Subsurface resourcing
In this stream, you will learn about exploration of Earth resources and subsurface activities in their broadest sense. This stream covers the current transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy, including sequestration of CO2 and use of geothermal energy.

Stream G&G 4: Planetary Science
You study the processes that lead to the formation and evolution of rocky planets and moons to provide a better understanding of Earth’s evolution.

Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
You study sedimentary processes and depositional environments in a range of settings in field and/or lab oriented studies on carbonate and/or siliciclastic sediments and rocks from the Quaternary back to the Precambrian.
Study guide
You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the study guide.
Contact information
For more information, please contact Duna Roda-Boluda (coordinator) at MSc.GG@vu.nl.
Compulsory courses
- Research Project Geology and Geochemistry
- Mantle Properties
- Regional Geology and Geo-resources
- Orogenesis
- Sedimentary Basins
- Designing Interdisciplinary Research
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.
Earth and Climate
Summary
NB: We are planning to make some changes to the E&C track.
During the specialisation Earth and Climate (E&C) you focus on the Earth's surface processes and study climate records by applying field work with laboratory research to e.g.:
- understand and reconstruct land-surface processes, ocean and climate dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, (paleo-)ecology, and the role of humanity;
- assess the relationship between Earth’s spheres on timescales between tens and millions of years;
- quantify the magnitudes and rates of climate change;
- deal with environmental management and policy topics.
Elective courses enable you to explore your own areas of interest, and you can choose from a wide range of research and thesis projects; you can also follow courses from the other specialisations.

Streams
Stream E&C 1: Climate Dynamics and Earth System Modelling:
Understand today’s climate system and how its components interact and become an expert in numeric climate modelling and data analysis - key skills in predicting future climate change.
Stream E&C 2: Paleoceanography and Biogeochemical Cycles:
Study the interaction between ocean and atmosphere. Learn about past and modern climate change and how to quantify magnitudes and rates of changes. You may even get to join a fieldwork and/or sea-going expedition.
Stream E&C 3: Earth Surface Dynamics:
Understand why landscapes look the way they do. You study the past and present roles of changing climates, vegetation and human society, and learn techniques used in industry and academia.
Stream E&C 4: Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis:
Advance your methodological skills such as remote sensing imagery and learn to work with large datasets using e.g. AI and machine learning.
Stream E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy:
Analyse sedimentary processes and depositional environments in the field or laboratory. You could specialise e.g. in microbial mineral formation or stable isotope geochemistry. This stream is combined with the Geology & Geochemistry specialisation.
It is also possible to design your own programme tailored to your future career.
Courses
Each stream includes:
- Landscape Dynamics
- Designing Interdisciplinary Research
Elective options are:
- Advanced Spatial Analyses
- Climate modelling
- Marine Geology and Paleoclimatology
- Global Biogeochemical Cycles
- And many more...
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.
Contact information
For more information, please contact the coordinator at MSc.EC@vu.nl.
Global Environmental Change and Policy
Summary

GECP looks at global earth and environmental systems, addressing international challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, sustainable development, natural hazards, and biodiversity loss. We bring together different disciplines from climate studies, to environmental sciences, geography, economics, and policy. In your first year, international fieldwork allows you to apply your skills to real-world challenges. The focus extends beyond Dutch cases, aiming for broader inclusion by exploring cross-border issues.
Programme
In the first year, you will study courses related to Climate Sciences, Environmental Economics, and Environmental Policy and Governance, exploring integrated approaches to solving global sustainability challenges. You will also learn methods of interdisciplinary research and you will conduct fieldwork in Spain.
Streams
In the second year, students can specialise in one of the following topics: Energy, Ecosystem Services, or Water. This enables students to take courses from other programmes such as Environmental Resource Management (ERM), Hydrology, Ecology, the other Earth Sciences specialisations (Earth & Climate and Geology & Geochemistry), and Science Communication. More information about the streams can be found under the 2nd year tab.
What?
This is a rigorous two-year Masters programme aimed at developing student’s skills in scientific research. Students can expect to learn a range of skills to achieve this: from knowledge of earth systems and climate change, to technical skills in programming and GIS, to developing research proposals and conducting research in the fields of their interests, and to an understanding of how this research can be applied within wider contexts of economics and policy making. Through fieldwork in Spain in the first year, you learn to apply your skills to real-world challenges and to work with local communities. The opportunity to specialise in the second year deepens applied knowledge within one of the streams.
For whom?
The specialisation is for students who want to go beyond understanding the Earth system and instead aim to contribute to sustainable solutions by analysing the broader social, political and economic aspects of global environmental change. Our students are highly motivated, interested in interdisciplinarity, focused on solutions rather than limitations, and equipped with a critical and analytical mind.
At the end of the programme, you will have acquired a sound knowledge of earth and environmental sciences, combined with the additional perspectives of economics and governance. With this unique combination you’ll be able to pursue advanced careers in research, consultancy, international organisations and companies, and governments. You will also be qualified to apply for national and international sustainability PhD programmes.
Study guide
You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the study guide.

Contact information
For more information, contact the coordinator at gecp.ivm@vu.nl.
Compulsory courses
- Challenges and Solutions for GEC&P
- Climate Systems
- Environmental Policy for GEC&P
- Land Use Change and Ecosystems
- Methods of Environment and Resource Management
- Methods of Global Environmental Change
- Designing Interdisciplinary Research
- Research Project Global Environmental Change & Policy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.

Continue with the chosen specialisation

The second year offers a variety of electives focused on advanced and more specialised topics and themes, like Planetary Science, Man and Climate and Geothermal Energy. The year is finished with the Master Thesis, which can include an internship.

Geology and Geochemistry
Earth and Climate
Global Environmental Change and Policy
Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

Summary

understand the relations between subduction, volcanism and metamorphism;
ascertain the age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence and denudation;
study the origin, filling and deformation of basins, providing understanding of the structures in reservoirs, e.g. for geothermal energy;
deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;
compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.

Compulsory courses include:
deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;

compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.
a field excursion
two individual research projects

You can combine this with a set of optional courses to further specialise in five streams (see details below). There is a large choice of research and thesis projects ranging from ‘Magma genesis in the Lesser Antilles Arc’ to ‘Towards improved Synthetic Seismograms.’

Streams
Stream G&G 1: Geochemistry and Petrology
You learn a broad range of geochemical and petrological techniques and apply those to explore the processes responsible for the formation and development of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core.

Stream G&G 2: Geodynamics and Tectonics
You study the deformation and flow in the Earth from the upper crustal scale to the whole mantle scale, and learn to investigate the driving forces and resistive forces involved in such deformation and flow.

Stream G&G 3: Subsurface resourcing
In this stream you learn about exploration of earth resources and subsurface activities in its broadest sense. This stream deals with the current transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy, inclusing sequestration of CO2 and use of geothermal energy.

Stream G&G 4: Planetary Science
You study the processes that lead to the formation and evolution of rocky planets and moons to provide a better understanding of Earth’s evolution.

Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
You study sedimentary processes and depositional environments in a range of settings in field and/or lab oriented studies on carbonate and/or siliciclastic sediments and rocks from the Quaternary back to the Precambrian.

Contact information
For more information, please contact the coordinator at MSc.GG@vu.nl.

You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the studyguide.

Compulsory courses

Master Thesis Geology and Geochemistry
Research Project Geology and Geochemistry
Geology & Geochemistry Field Excursion

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.

Summary

In the first year you have acquired a broad background by following a wide range of courses. In the second year you will focus on a set of optional courses, finishing the Research Project started in the first year, and writing your Master Thesis based on individual research or (company) internship. The subjects of the courses, the Research Project and the Master Thesis are all chosen by you. Therefore, the second year is fully open to be designed around your area of interest and future career path.

You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the study guide.

For more information, please contact the coordinator at MSc.EC@vu.nl.

Future career
You have the option to do an external research project or traineeship under supervision of the VU staff, who have excellent contacts in both national and international companies, research institutes, and universities. If you are interested in a career as a teacher, you have the option to follow the Teacher Specialization. This hands-on experience provides an excellent start for your future career.

To be well prepared for the job market, you can further attend national ‘career days’, organised on campus by the VU’s study association GeoVUsie.

Compulsory courses

Research Project Earth & Climate
Thesis Project Earth & Climate

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the studyguide.

Summary

You have acquired a broad background by following a set of compulsory courses and practicals in the first year. In the second year students deepen their studies by selecting one of three distinct streams: Energy, Ecosystem Services, and Water. Therefore, the second year consists of compulsory courses (Climate Impacts & Policy, Advanced Spatial Analysis, and the Master Thesis Project) and a variety of electives that are different for each of the three streams. A total of 18 credits can be obtained within each stream. It is also possible to choose courses from multiple streams. You do not necessarily have to follow a particular stream, as long as you obtain 18 credits from a combination of the electives listed below.

Stream 1: Energy
Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today, such as health, employment, education, or food production. To combat the sustainability challenges of today and the future a transition towards affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems is needed that fit within our socioeconomic and natural boundaries. Within this stream, you will deepen your knowledge and contribute to powering the energy transition.

Courses include among others:

Sustainable Energy Systems
Geothermal Energy
Energy and Climate Governance

Stream 2: Ecosystem Services
Ecosystems Services play a crucial role in both the survival of nature and our anthropogenic societies. Biodiversity protection, ecosystems and ecosystem services as well as the complexity of how socio-ecological systems function and change, including the presence of thresholds and the role of ecosystems in the water cycle will all be discussed within this stream that will teach students both governance and research within the field.

Courses include among others:

Ecohydrology
Ecological Data Analysis
Plastic and Chemical pollution
Governance of Ecosystem Services

Stream 3: Water
The relationship between societies, nature, and water resources is critical, complex, and essential. Socioeconomic and climatic changes alter this relationship which can lead to increased competition for water resources and changes in hydro-meteorological extremes, with heavy rainfall leading to flooding and persistent dry conditions leading to drought-related impacts. This stream provides students with a solid understanding of the hydrological cycle including the most important underlying physical processes, its overall characteristics and its variability. By building on the student's critical thinking and analytical skills they become specialists in the field of water research and governance

Courses include among others:

Water Risks
Catchment Hydrology
Climate Hydrological Processes
Water Politics and Governance

Compulsory courses

Climate Impacts & Policy
Advanced Spatial Analyses
Master Thesis Global Environmental Change & Policy

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the studyguide.

Summary

Motivate & inspire students as a teacher in the STEM disciplines - This specialisation is taught in Dutch.

During the specialisation Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines, you will learn how to transfer your knowledge and motivate and inspire students in your field of study, whether it is Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. For computer science, there is another route: the one-year teacher training programme. The courses for this teacher training specialisation are taught in Dutch and your teaching qualification will be valid in the Netherlands.

As a teacher, you make an important contribution to the future of young people, society and education in the Netherlands. In our knowledge economy, specialists in the area of knowledge transfer are indispensable. With an abundance of jobs in secondary education, obtaining a teaching qualification guarantees job security and—flexibility—because in addition to being a teacher, you are also a scientist in your field.

The teacher training programmes at VU Amsterdam are unique because of their modular structure that is built around 20 themes (core practices). You will apply these teaching practices directly in the classroom, as you will be working in a school for more than 50% of your study programme. At VU Amsterdam, personal attention and individual guidance are top priority. You will have a mentor from VU Amsterdam and a workplace supervisor who is an experienced first-degree subject teacher.

With this specialisation, you will obtain a specialist Master's degree in a STEM discipline and a first-degree teaching qualification (eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid). This means that in two years, you will be qualified to teach both lower and upper secondary vocational education (HAVO/VWO) and pre-university education (VMBO) in the Netherlands. All teachers in the STEM disciplines are also qualified to teach the STEM elective NLT (Nature, Life and Technology).

The teacher training specialisation in the STEM disciplines starts every academic year in September and February, unless you are following a Master's programme in Ecology, Earth Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Biomedical Technology and Physics. Within these Master's programmes, you can only start the specialisation in September.

Second year

What makes you unique as a STEM teacher? We explore your strengths as a teacher while focussing on personal attention, customisation and guidance. You will follow an integrated programme, which includes a practical component (internship) in secondary education and didactic theory at VU Amsterdam. You will be taught general didactics related to core practices as well as specific subject-related didactics for your school subject. The theory is always applied and tested in practice at the school where you conduct your internship. You will start immediately with the practical component. Internships are arranged by VU Amsterdam.

You can find the complete course overview in the study guide.

Geology and Geochemistry
Summary
Please take note:
The specialisation Geology and Geochemistry is likely to be phased out. As a result, we cannot guarantee with certainty that this specialisation will proceed as it has in the past, for prospective students.
To ensure that you can follow a stable and well-organised study programme, we recommend that you also look at alternative programmes or our specialisations Earth and Climate or Global Environmental Change and Policy. At the University of Utrecht, several interesting programmes and tracks are offered as well: Master's programmes - Faculty of Geosciences - Utrecht University. You might also be interested in VU's Master's Hydrology.
--
With the specialisation Geology and Geochemistry (G&G) you focus on the Earth’s crust and mantle. You deal with geodynamics, tectonics, sedimentary and structural geology, stratigraphy, petrology, isotope geochemistry, planetary evolution, and basin analysis. You apply geological, (isotope) geochemistry and radio-isotope dating techniques to, for example:
- understand the relations between subduction, volcanism and metamorphism;
- ascertain the age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence and denudation;
- study the origin, filling and deformation of basins, providing understanding of the structures in reservoirs, e.g. for geothermal energy;
- deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;
- compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.
Compulsory courses include:
deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;
- compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.
- a field excursion
- two individual research projects
You can combine this with a set of optional courses to further specialise in five streams (see details below). There is a large choice of research and thesis projects ranging from ‘Magma genesis in the Lesser Antilles Arc’ to ‘Towards improved Synthetic Seismograms.’

Streams
Stream G&G 1: Geochemistry and Petrology
You learn a broad range of geochemical and petrological techniques and apply those to explore the processes responsible for the formation and development of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core.

Stream G&G 2: Geodynamics and Tectonics
You study the deformation and flow in the Earth from the upper crustal scale to the whole mantle scale, and learn to investigate the driving forces and resistive forces involved in such deformation and flow.

Stream G&G 3: Subsurface resourcing
In this stream you learn about exploration of earth resources and subsurface activities in its broadest sense. This stream deals with the current transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy, inclusing sequestration of CO2 and use of geothermal energy.

Stream G&G 4: Planetary Science
You study the processes that lead to the formation and evolution of rocky planets and moons to provide a better understanding of Earth’s evolution.

Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
You study sedimentary processes and depositional environments in a range of settings in field and/or lab oriented studies on carbonate and/or siliciclastic sediments and rocks from the Quaternary back to the Precambrian.

Contact information
For more information, please contact the coordinator at MSc.GG@vu.nl.

You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the studyguide.
Compulsory courses
- Master Thesis Geology and Geochemistry
- Research Project Geology and Geochemistry
- Geology & Geochemistry Field Excursion
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the study guide.
Earth and Climate
Summary

In the first year you have acquired a broad background by following a wide range of courses. In the second year you will focus on a set of optional courses, finishing the Research Project started in the first year, and writing your Master Thesis based on individual research or (company) internship. The subjects of the courses, the Research Project and the Master Thesis are all chosen by you. Therefore, the second year is fully open to be designed around your area of interest and future career path.
You can read more about the programme and course descriptions in the study guide.
For more information, please contact the coordinator at MSc.EC@vu.nl.
Future career
You have the option to do an external research project or traineeship under supervision of the VU staff, who have excellent contacts in both national and international companies, research institutes, and universities. If you are interested in a career as a teacher, you have the option to follow the Teacher Specialization. This hands-on experience provides an excellent start for your future career.
To be well prepared for the job market, you can further attend national ‘career days’, organised on campus by the VU’s study association GeoVUsie.
Compulsory courses
- Research Project Earth & Climate
- Thesis Project Earth & Climate
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the studyguide.
Global Environmental Change and Policy
Summary
You have acquired a broad background by following a set of compulsory courses and practicals in the first year. In the second year students deepen their studies by selecting one of three distinct streams: Energy, Ecosystem Services, and Water. Therefore, the second year consists of compulsory courses (Climate Impacts & Policy, Advanced Spatial Analysis, and the Master Thesis Project) and a variety of electives that are different for each of the three streams. A total of 18 credits can be obtained within each stream. It is also possible to choose courses from multiple streams. You do not necessarily have to follow a particular stream, as long as you obtain 18 credits from a combination of the electives listed below.
Stream 1: Energy
Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today, such as health, employment, education, or food production. To combat the sustainability challenges of today and the future a transition towards affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems is needed that fit within our socioeconomic and natural boundaries. Within this stream, you will deepen your knowledge and contribute to powering the energy transition.
Courses include among others:
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Geothermal Energy
- Energy and Climate Governance
Stream 2: Ecosystem Services
Ecosystems Services play a crucial role in both the survival of nature and our anthropogenic societies. Biodiversity protection, ecosystems and ecosystem services as well as the complexity of how socio-ecological systems function and change, including the presence of thresholds and the role of ecosystems in the water cycle will all be discussed within this stream that will teach students both governance and research within the field.
Courses include among others:
- Ecohydrology
- Ecological Data Analysis
- Plastic and Chemical pollution
- Governance of Ecosystem Services
Stream 3: Water
The relationship between societies, nature, and water resources is critical, complex, and essential. Socioeconomic and climatic changes alter this relationship which can lead to increased competition for water resources and changes in hydro-meteorological extremes, with heavy rainfall leading to flooding and persistent dry conditions leading to drought-related impacts. This stream provides students with a solid understanding of the hydrological cycle including the most important underlying physical processes, its overall characteristics and its variability. By building on the student's critical thinking and analytical skills they become specialists in the field of water research and governance
Courses include among others:
- Water Risks
- Catchment Hydrology
- Climate Hydrological Processes
- Water Politics and Governance
Compulsory courses
- Climate Impacts & Policy
- Advanced Spatial Analyses
- Master Thesis Global Environmental Change & Policy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the studyguide.
Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

Summary

Motivate & inspire students as a teacher in the STEM disciplines - This specialisation is taught in Dutch.
During the specialisation Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines, you will learn how to transfer your knowledge and motivate and inspire students in your field of study, whether it is Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. For computer science, there is another route: the one-year teacher training programme. The courses for this teacher training specialisation are taught in Dutch and your teaching qualification will be valid in the Netherlands.
As a teacher, you make an important contribution to the future of young people, society and education in the Netherlands. In our knowledge economy, specialists in the area of knowledge transfer are indispensable. With an abundance of jobs in secondary education, obtaining a teaching qualification guarantees job security and—flexibility—because in addition to being a teacher, you are also a scientist in your field.
The teacher training programmes at VU Amsterdam are unique because of their modular structure that is built around 20 themes (core practices). You will apply these teaching practices directly in the classroom, as you will be working in a school for more than 50% of your study programme. At VU Amsterdam, personal attention and individual guidance are top priority. You will have a mentor from VU Amsterdam and a workplace supervisor who is an experienced first-degree subject teacher.
With this specialisation, you will obtain a specialist Master's degree in a STEM discipline and a first-degree teaching qualification (eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid). This means that in two years, you will be qualified to teach both lower and upper secondary vocational education (HAVO/VWO) and pre-university education (VMBO) in the Netherlands. All teachers in the STEM disciplines are also qualified to teach the STEM elective NLT (Nature, Life and Technology).
The teacher training specialisation in the STEM disciplines starts every academic year in September and February, unless you are following a Master's programme in Ecology, Earth Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Biomedical Technology and Physics. Within these Master's programmes, you can only start the specialisation in September.
Second year
What makes you unique as a STEM teacher? We explore your strengths as a teacher while focussing on personal attention, customisation and guidance. You will follow an integrated programme, which includes a practical component (internship) in secondary education and didactic theory at VU Amsterdam. You will be taught general didactics related to core practices as well as specific subject-related didactics for your school subject. The theory is always applied and tested in practice at the school where you conduct your internship. You will start immediately with the practical component. Internships are arranged by VU Amsterdam.
You can find the complete course overview in the study guide.

You can spend time working on an external research project or traineeship under supervision of our staff, who have excellent contacts in both national and international companies and universities. This hands-on experience is a great way to prepare for, and familiarise yourself with, the labour market.

If you think a career as a teacher might be for you, you can take up the opportunity this programme offers with its “teacher’s variant”..

You can also attend national ‘career days’, organised on campus by the VU’s study association GeoVUsie. These will help you get a better idea of the different career paths open to you. You can also attend seminars, organised throughout the year.

With our VU MSc degree you will have great career prospects. You could for example work in an environmental consultancy company or in a governmental institution, as a geothermal energy researcher or a minerals surveyor. Urban and rural planning companies also have their fair share of Earth Scientists.

A lot of our graduates continue their academic careers, either staying in academia or taking up a position in Research and Development. And of course you can stay in education by becoming a teacher in secondary school.

Explore your future prospects

Earth Sciences

Geology and Geochemistry

Earth and Climate

Global Environmental Change and Policy

Geology and Geochemistry

Earth and Climate

Global Environmental Change and Policy

Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

Year one

Year two

Year one

Year two

Admission requirements Leraar Voorbereidend Hoger Onderwijs Bètawetenschappen

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Change your future with the Earth Sciences programme

Change your future with the Earth Sciences programme

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