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University of Iceland

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Geology

Specialization: Renewable Energy - Geochemistry

Application

MS - 120 ECTS

ISCED classification: 0532

In geological terms, Iceland is a young and highly active country. Geology is therefore an important academic discipline in Iceland.

The MS in geology is a research-based graduate programme, centred around a significant research project which students complete independently under the supervision of an instructor at the Faculty of Earth Sciences or a researcher at the Institute of Earth Sciences.

Is the program for you??

Do you want to expand your specialist knowledge in a specific area of geology?
Are you interested in energy and natural resources?
Do you want to improve your research skills?
Would you like to learn more about renewable energy?
Is climate change an important issue for you?

What is the study about?

The MS in geology is a two-year research-based programme at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, part of the University of Iceland's School of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Unlike the undergraduate programme, the Master's programme is primarily focused on research.

Students are trained to analyse and interpret scientific data, for example in the context of natural hazard monitoring, in which geology is central.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of:

Mandatory courses, 7.5 - 17.5 ECTS
Elective courses, 102.5 - 112.5 ECTS
Master's thesis, 60 ECTS

A wide range of elective courses are offered, enabling students to tailor the programme to suit their own interests.

Students may choose between these specialisations:

Geology
Geochemistry, petrology
Quaternary Geology
Volcanology
Renewable Energy - Geochemistry. See more programmes with a specialisation in renewable energy.

Organisation of teaching

The language of instruction is Icelandic and/or English, while textbooks are generally in English.

Main objectives

The programme aims to improve students' research skills and provide them with essential training in the analysis and interpretation of scientific data.

Students will acquire knowledge of a specialised area of geology.

Other

Completing a Master's degree in an earth science allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

See more details on school website

Degree type: Postgraduate, MS

Begins: Spring 2025

Study period: 2 years

Application period: 15. September 2025 - 15. October 2025

Mode of delivery: On site

BS degree in geology or similar subjects with minimum average grade of 7,25 from the University of Iceland (on a scale from 1 to 10) or a comparable degree and average grade from another university. In addition to the BS degree there may be some preliminary courses requirements before starting the actual MS programme.
All international applicants, whose native language is not English, are required to provide results of the TOEFL (79) or IELTS (6.5) tests as evidence of English proficiency.
Applicants are asked to submit a letter of motivation, 1 pages, where they should state the reasons they want to pursue graduate work, their academic goals and a suggestion or outline for a final paper.
Letters of recommendation (2) should be submitted. These should be from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic work and qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. Please ask your referees to send their letters of recommendation directly to the University of Iceland electronically by e-mail (PDF file as attachment) to admission@hi.is

A two-year theoretical and practical programme of studies at level 2.2 in geology in the Faculty of Earth Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences of the University of Iceland. The programme provides 120 ECTS credits and qualifies for the degree of magister scientiarum, MS. The MS thesis is 60 ECTS credits and courses equal 60 ECTS credits. The MS degree fulfils the formal requirements for access to doctoral studies.

Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education