Master's in Earth Sciences (Geology)

The Master program has a modular structure:

Module A: Mandatory module with courses in Alpine geology; soft skills courses (6 ECTS credits)
Module B: Specialized courses in the chosen special field (30 ECTS credits)
Module C: Electives selected from among other courses (24 ECTS credits)
Module D: Master thesis (60 ECTS credits)

Further information on the Master program is available at:
www.earth-science-master.unibe.ch.

Examinations

For deadlines and registration, see the Core Teaching System (CTS) or on the website of the Bern-Fribourg Master's in Earth Sciences.

Students must register for all examinations via the CTS. Cancellations may be made via the CTS up to two weeks before the examination date. After that, cancellations may only be made if documented proof of extraordinary circumstances is submitted.

If you have any questions, please contact the study and examination secretariat:
Tel.: 031 684 38 81 or sarah.antenen@unibe.ch
(Please always provide your registration number when making inquiries)

Examination coordination for Earth Sciences:

Prof. Jörg Hermann and Sarah Antenen
Institut für Geologie
Baltzerstrassse 1+3
3012 Bern
031 684 38 81

Directorate of studies office hours:

by appointment
Contact Sarah Antenen for appointments (please state the purpose of the appointment)

Registration for courses in Bern and Fribourg within the framework of the BENEFRI network:

Registration for students enrolled in Bern who wish to take courses in FR

Registration for students enrolled in Fribourg who wish to take courses in BE

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Earth Sciences (mono):

Please enroll at the BeFri university where your master thesis advisor is in residence.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M Sc in Earth Sciences, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Once you have met the specific requirements for the degree, you can register for the completion of the degree with the Dean's Office. You will find more information on the degree completion process here.

Job opportunities

Geologists graduating from Bern have exciting and varied job prospects. As well as providing an introduction to fundamental research, the degree courses at Bern include many topics in applied geology. In most fields research theses can be conducted in cooperation with geological and environmental companies or local authorities. Three quarters of our students find a job in applied fields directly after their graduation.

Read more about the careers of geologists from the University of Bern (german)

Research

With a Master's Degree from Bern, the doors are open for you to begin doctoral studies:

• At the University of Bern in the fields of Surface Processes, Quaternary Geology and Paleoclimatology, Tectonics, Rock–Water Interaction, Petrology, and Isotope Geochemistry.
• At other universities and state research institutions in Switzerland and abroad (earthquake research, glacier research, climate research, evolution of life, petrology, mineralogy/crystallography, material sciences, raw materials, geochemistry)
• At private research institutions
• Recycling (reuse of secondary raw materials)
• Research into the storage of radioactive and chemical waste and excavated material

Careers in geological, engineering or environmental consultancies:

• Production of geological maps, hazard maps, groundwater maps, raw material maps
• Contaminated site investigations, landfills
• Groundwater quality investigations, water development and use, groundwater protection
• Natural hazards (landslides, rockfalls, floods)
• Subsoil investigations, safety of buildings, traffic infrastructure, gas pipelines, tunnel construction, dam construction
• Geothermal energy
• Geological storage of CO₂ and H₂

Careers in the production and manufacturing industries:

• Evaluation of mineral and synthesized products incl. microstructural analysis (marls, limestones, clays, ores, recycled products, ceramics, metals, alloys, crystals, cements)
• Search for substitutes to optimize manufacturing processes
• Exploration for raw materials and water, optimization and management of mining (ores, gravels, petroleum/gas, quarries, geochemical prospecting)
• Solving manufacturing issues (blast furnaces, glass industry)
• Certification of gemstones

Specialists and experts

• In Swiss federal authorities (Office for the Environment, Swisstopo, Office for Energy) or in cantonal authorities (water protection, environmental protection, structural and civil engineering)
• In the private sector (consulting firms, engineering offices, environmental offices, industry, insurance companies, banks)
• In natural history museums
• In science journalism
• In development cooperation
• Conservation and restoration
• Teaching and public relations (secondary schools, museums, geotopes, geoparks)