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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.

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!

Internships

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.

Change your future with the Earth Sciences programme

Change your future with the Earth Sciences programme

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
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