Overview

The Earth Sciences M.Sc. programme at the University of Ottawa provides students with an elite environment for advanced geological research and academic development. This collaborative degree is delivered through the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, a long-standing partnership that combines the academic resources and expertise of two major institutions. Students benefit from a diverse scientific community and a wide range of specialised research areas.

The curriculum is designed to foster independent inquiry and technical mastery in the geosciences. Candidates work closely with expert supervisors to conduct original research, culminating in the presentation and defence of a master's thesis.

Why Earth Sciences at the University of Ottawa?

Choosing this programme means joining one of Canada’s top research-intensive environments. The Faculty of Science is home to world-class core facilities, including laboratories for isotope analysis, geochemistry, and X-ray spectrometry. Through the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, students gain access to professors, courses, and equipment at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, doubling their available resources.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9721 per semester
National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Mineralogy
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Metamorphic Petrology
Igneous Petrology
Natural Hazards in Canada - Risk and Impacts
Siliciclastic Sedimentology
Carbonate Sedimentology
Paleobiology
Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Careers with Earth Sciences

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for professional roles across the public and private sectors. Many find success in environmental consultancy, mineral exploration, and natural resource management. The rigorous research training also prepares students for technical positions within government geological surveys and environmental protection agencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mineralogy

Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Metamorphic Petrology

Advanced Igneous Petrology

Geology and Geochemistry of Ore Deposits

Siliciclastic Sedimentology

Carbonate Sedimentology

Paleobiology

Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Advanced Micropaleontology

Environmental Isotopes and Groundwater Geochemistry

Isotope Mapping and Provenance Applications

Radioisotope Geochemistry Methods

Aqueous Inorganic Geochemistry and Modelling

Reactive Transport Modelling

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Earth Sciences View 30 other Masters in Earth Sciences in Canada

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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

OR

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Have a bachelor’s degree with a specialization or a major in earth sciences (or equivalent) with an overall average of a 70 % (B).

Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.

International students must provide proof of financial support: i.e., a stipend provided by a supervisor as well as a combination of awards and/or trust funds.

Resume

A letter of intent outlining your career goals and proposed research area.

2 Recommendation letters

Transcripts

English Proficiency

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Ottawa and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

19442 CAD / year

≈ 19442 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5688 CAD / year

≈ 5688 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $2,456.70/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / 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

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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