Master of Science in de Geologie (Dutch master)

At Ghent University students can choose between the Dutch Master of Science in de Geologie and the English Master of Science in Geology.

In the Dutch Master in Geology students choose for a professionalization by means of a long internship an a company or scientific institution.

In a world in which global and sustainable management of water, resources and energy sources has a high position on the agenda, this master education aims at providing a perspective on employment sectors or education. The student chooses one major, one minor and takes the master dissertation.

Majors (60 credits)

Basins and orogens

The major 'Geology of Basins and Orogens' covers the emergence and evolution of mountains and great oceanic and continental basins, and how this is linked to the structure and composition of the lithosphere, the climate and biosphere. In this major the diverse specializations of volcanology, paleontology, marine geology, geophysics, sedimentology and geochronology are combined to understand large-scale geological processes. The major not only finds applications in exploration, but also deals with climate change, the origin and evolution of the Earth's crust and life, and sustainable energy and material sciences.

Groundwater and mineral resources

The major 'Groundwater and mineral resources' offers a fundamental and applied vision on the outer layers of the Earth's crust. In those superficial layers we find precious groundwater and essential minerals. Research into the quality of those, the protection of known reserves and the exploration of new groundwater reservoirs and mineral deposits are the key elements for a sustainable development of our planet Earth.

Minor Professionalization (30 credits)

There is great need for masters that are well acquainted with the language and terminology of science, as with the terminology within business economic situations. During your master education you will take on an internship (25 credits), in addition to one economic course.

With your scientific formation and your competences in this area you are ready for a solid start of your career in the world of companies or in a regulatory or advising agency or institution.

Minor Education or the educational trajectory (30 credits)

The educational trajectory of the Geology program prepares you for a career as a teacher in secondary school. The educational master in Geology comprises 60 credits, from which you take 15 in the third Bachelor and 45 during during the master education. Your master program is built up as follows:

  • 60 credits domain courses; the geological courses from one of both majors.
  • 36 credits educational courses, including teaching methodology and internships.
  • 24 credits master dissertation.

The Master dissertation (30 credits)

Every master program finalizes with a master dissertation. This is a personal scientific work on a certain topic of choice. This happens in consultation with the supervisor; this is the professor who guides and supports the work, together with the scientific staff. You work out a scientific work independently, which involves a certain further specialization, an element that is often posed as a requirement for a solicitation. The master dissertation is an important and extensive part of the master education.

Consult the online study guide Master of Science in Geology for more detailed information on the content of all courses.