Overview

How can we use Earth system knowledge to effectively address global challenges such as climate change? As a Master’s student of Earth Sciences , you will learn to find sustainable solutions for present and future challenges regarding our planet and climate. On the Earth Sciences degree delivered by Vrije Universiteit Amesterdam you will study natural processes and cycles of the Earth’s system within and among rock, soil, water, organisms and air.

Key facts

Earth Sciences offers three specialisations:

Geology and Geochemistry (G&G)

This specialisation examines the Earth’s crust and mantle using geological and isotope geochemical methods, studying subduction, volcanism, basin evolution and comparing Earth’s development with other rocky bodies.

Earth and Climate (E&C)

E&C focuses on the Earth's surface and climate records, applying field work with laboratory research to understand and reconstruct land-surface processes, ocean and climate dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, (paleo-)ecology, and the role of humanity.

Global Environmental Change and Policy (GECP)

If you want to help create sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest societal and scientific challenges through sound interdisciplinary research, GECP gives you the knowledge and skills to tackle the complex problems our planet faces today.

Hbo diploma

You can register for the Master Earth Sciences with a Dutch hbo diploma, often without a pre-master. Want to find out how that works? Please send an email to any of the Earth Sciences specialisations:

Global Environmental Change and Policy: gecp.ivm@vu.nl

Earth and Climate: MSc.EC@vu.nl

Geology and Geochemistry: MSc.GG@vu.nl

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sedimentary Basins

Tectonic Geomorphology

Field excursion

Time series analysis

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Disciplines

Earth Sciences View 18 other Masters in Earth Sciences in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university including at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent.
at least 6 ECTS in Earth Sciences at the end of the 3rd year
at least 6 ECTS in Environmental Sciences or Sustainability Sciences at the end of the 1st year
Create an enrollment application in Studielink
Complete your application in Vuweb
Pay the application fee (€100)
Copy of your valid passport or ID
Curriculum Vitae
1 or 2 Letters of recommendation
Statement of Intent (Letter of Motivation)
Diploma(s): A copy of the original Bachelor's degree or certificate.
Transcript of records
Thesis (or alternative piece of academic writing)
A description of the relevant courses followed and literature used during your previous higher education

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

24150 EUR / year

≈ 24150 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

2694 EUR / year

≈ 2694 EUR / year
Applies to you

Applies to you

Free

Living costs

Amsterdam

Netherlands

1000 - 1500 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Earth Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

Living costs

Amsterdam

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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