Geology

The MSc in Geology at Aarhus University is a flexible, research-centred programme that encourages students to explore their own interests both in the lab and in the field. The programme includes most classic geological disciplines in new and modern guises. Students have the chance to customise their research within the programme so as to suit their own personal and professional interests. SPECIALISED RESEARCH Teaching on the programme is integrated with research at the highest international level. The Department of Geoscience is renowned for its research in quaternary geology, hydrogeology, basin and lithosphere geology (oil geology and geothermics), micropalaeontology and climate research, structural geology, petrology, and geochemistry. The department also has a close collaboration with the Department of Archaeology. A number of laboratories are available, including a luminescence dating facility, a metal-free clean laboratory with mass spectrometers, a cosmogenic nuclide laboratory, and a core scanner. Students work closely with technical staff and with some of the best Danish and international researchers in the field. Teamwork is promoted so as to provide a forum for group research and discussion as well as opportunities to partner with private companies for research. STUDENT LIFE The Department of Geoscience is a small community of about two hundred students brought together by shared research, team field trips, and common interests. Classes take place in modern facilities with well-equipped labs. Students have access to cosy study areas, quiet reading rooms, wi-fi, computers and, of course, a classic Danish pop-up Friday bar. Students also have access to a communal office where they can sit and read, or just hang out together. CAREERS Graduates of the programme have moved into a wide range of careers, from the water and oil industries to engineering and construction, government consultancy, and research. SELECTION CRITERIA As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission to the programme. Student places are allocated on the basis of an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the bachelor’s degree. Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of geology, geophysics, physics, chemistry, mathematics, probability theory, statistics, and programming. SPECIALISATIONS IN MSC GEOLOGY The MSc in Geology is a two-year programme offering four different specialisations. The specialisation is chosen in the first year, and the second year is dedicated to the Master’s thesis. Modules in each specialisation are either 5 or 10 ECTS. A full year of study is 60 ECTS. For more information visit our webpage: http://geo.au.dk/en/studies/ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/

Living costs€1,500 a month in Aarhus, rent included

€18,000

Living costs from SiT estimate from livingcost.org city data (Nov 2026), converted from USD at the ECB reference rate of 30 Oct 2026 (1 EUR = 1.1172 USD)

Typical requirements in Denmark for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

• A completed qualification that gives access to Master's Degree study.
• Academic transcripts and any programme-specific assessment the institution asks for.
• Your advisor checks the final requirements for your education system and intake.

Confirm the accepted English-language evidence with the institution for the selected intake.

Prepare for and book LanguageCert Academic with SIT Connect

A typical checklist for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

The central catalogue records this programme as accredited.