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Earth Sciences (Master)
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# Earth Sciences (Master)

**Source**: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/earth-sciences-master/
**Parent**: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/degree-programmes-in-foreign-languages/

© Franziska Pezzei

The master’s programme in Earth Sciences provides students with a comprehensive education in earth sciences and a specialisation in one of the following four subject areas: geology, mineralogy and geo-materials, palaeobiology and geobiology, or applied geosciences. Graduates have acquired knowledge of field work in earth sciences, modern methods of observations in the field, laboratory work and instrumental analytics, computer-based data analysis and quantitative modelling. By expanding their theoretical and practical knowledge, they have developed the basis for independent academic and application-oriented work. Therefore, graduates of the master’s programme in Earth Sciences are particularly qualified to think in interdisciplinary and multi-scale terms. The specific knowledge and practical skills acquired during the programme prepare them for future employment, in particular in application-oriented areas of earth sciences and in academic research.

The instruction languages are German and English, therefore English language knowledge is recommended at B2 level (according to Common European Framework of Reference).

### Master of Science

Degree Programme Code:

066 815

4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits

Language: [German](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/german-language-proficiency/)

NO entrance examination

[Curriculum](https://senat.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/s_senat/konsolidierte_Masterstudien/MA_Erdwissenschaften_Version2020.pdf)

### Facts & Figures

- Students: **114**
- Graduates in the last academic year: **15**
- Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): **7,1**

*Data updated on: 26**.11.2025*

[Information about presentation & calculation](https://backend.univie.ac.at/index.php?id=157848&L=2&id=157848)

*\*[Click here for further information on statistical data in the field of teaching and learning. (in German)](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/studienangebot/warum-hier-studieren/statistische-daten-zum-studienbetrieb/)*

### Attention

#### Instruction Language German

Please note that the instruction language of this programme is German. To start the degree programme, you need to hold a [certificate of German proficiency on C1 level](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/german-language-proficiency/).

### Admission Procedure

[Information about the admission procedure](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/master-programmes/earth-sciences/)

### Information on Previous Studies:

In any case eligible degree programmes at the University of Vienna:

- [Biology (Bachelor) (focus: Alternative Compulsory Module Group Palaeobiology)](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/bachelordiploma-programmes/biology-bachelor-with-entrance-exam-procedure/)
- [Earth Sciences (Bachelor)](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/bachelordiploma-programmes/earth-sciences-bachelor/)
- [Master Access Guide](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/master-access-guide/mag-earth-sciences/)

### Getting started

[Orientation course](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/earth-sciences-master/)

[Orientation in the first semester](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/study-organisation/)

[Semester planning](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/semester-planning/)

### Getting Informed

[StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/pvz_sub.html?id=503)

[Students' Representatives Earth Sciences](https://strverdwissenschaf.wixsite.com/erdwiuniwien)

## Study Programme

The master’s programme consists of a core module, compulsory modules (to choose from: geology, mineralogy and geo-materials, palaeobiology and geobiology, or applied geosciences), elective modules, a master’s thesis and a master’s examination.

### Five Concepts

which you will deal with during your studies:

- Hydrogeology
- Mineralogy
- Palaeobiology
- Lithosphere dynamics
- Sedimentology

... and many more.

## Overview of the programme structure & topics

Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.

[Compulsory Module Group (15 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339642)

[MA-ERD-1 Current Advances and Instrumental Analysis in Earth Sciences (9 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339645)

[MA-ERD-2 Masters Seminar (6 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339646)

[Focus (35 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339643)

[Compulsory Modules with Focus on Geology](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339647)

[MA-ERD-G-1 Mathematical Methods in Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339648)

[MA-ERD-G-2 Termodynamics of Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339649)

[MA-ERD-G-3 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339650)

[MA-ERD-G-4 Lithospheric Dynamics (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339651)

[MA-ERD-G-5 Geochronology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339652)

[MA-ERD-G-6 Quantitative Structural Geology und Tectonics (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339653)

[MA-ERD-G-7 Advanced Geological Mapping (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339654)

[Compulsory Modules with Focus on Mineralogy and Geomaterials](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339655)

[MA-ERD-M-1 Mathematical Methods in Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339656)

[MA-ERD-M-2 Thermodynamics of Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339657)

[MA-ERD-M-3 Crystallography (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339658)

[MA-ERD-M-4 Structural Chemistry and Real Structure of Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339659)

[MA-ERD-M-5 Diffraction Methods (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339660)

[MA-ERD-M-6 Mineral Spectroscopy - Electronic Spectroscopy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339661)

[MA-ERD-M-7 Mineral Spectroscopy - Vibration Spectroscopy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339662)

[Compulsory Modules with Focus on Paleobiology and Geobiology](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339663)

[MA-ERD-P-1 Statistics in Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339664)

[MA-ERD-P-2 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339665)

[MA-ERD-P-3 Functional Morphology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339666)

[MA-ERD-P-4 Actuopaleontology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339667)

[MA-ERD-P-5 Evolution and Diversity Research (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339668)

[MA-ERD-P-6 Climate Change Through Time (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339669)

[MA-ERD-P-7 Geobiology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339670)

[Compulsory Modules with Focus on Applied Geosciences](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339671)

[MA-ERD-A-1 Mathematical Methods in Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339672)

[MA-ERD-A-2 Applied Tectonics and Structural Geology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339673)

[MA-ERD-A-3 Geotechnical and Applied Mineralogy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339674)

[MA-ERD-A-4 Groundwater and Vadose Zone Systems (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339675)

[MA-ERD-A-5 Biogeochemistry of Pollutants and Nutrients (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339676)

[Elective Modules (40 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339644)

[MA-ERD-W-1.1 Individual Specialisation (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339677)

[MA-ERD-W-1.2 Indiv. Research Project Mineralogy, Geomaterials and Applied Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339678)

[MA-ERD-W-1.3 Individual Research Project Geology, Paleobiology and Geobiology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339679)

[MA-ERD-W-1.4 Earth Science Excursions I (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339680)

[MA-ERD-W-1.5 Earth Science Excursions II (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339681)

[MA-ERD-W-2.1 Mathematical Methods in Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339682)

[MA-ERD-W-2.2 Statistics in Earth Sciences (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339683)

[MA-ERD-W-2.3 Thermodynamics of Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339684)

[MA-ERD-W-2.4 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339685)

[MA-ERD-W-2.5 Lithospheric Dynamics (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339686)

[MA-ERD-W-2.6 Geochronology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339687)

[MA-ERD-W-2.7 Quantitative Structural Geology and Tectonics (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339688)

[MA-ERD-W-2.8 Advanced Geological Mapping (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339689)

[MA-ERD-W-2.9 Crystallography (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339690)

[MA-ERD-W-2.10 Structural Chemistry and Real Structure of Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339691)

[MA-ERD-W-2.11 Diffraction Methods (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339692)

[MA-ERD-W-2.12 Mineral Spectroscopy - Electronic Spectroscopy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339693)

[MA-ERD-W-2.13 Mineral Spectroscopy - Vibration Spectroscopy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339694)

[MA-ERD-W-2.14 Functional Morphology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339695)

[MA-ERD-W-2.15 Actuopalaeontology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339696)

[MA-ERD-W-2.16 Evolution and Diversity Research (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339697)

[MA-ERD-W-2.17 Climate Change Through Time (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339698)

[MA-ERD-W-2.18 Geobiology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339699)

[MA-ERD-W-2.19 Applied Tectonics and Structural Geology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339700)

[MA-ERD-W-2.20 Geotechnical and Applied mineralogy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339701)

[MA-ERD-W-2.21 Groundwater and Vadose Zone Systems (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339702)

[MA-ERD-W-2.22 Biogeochemistry of Pollutants and Nutrients (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339703)

[MA-ERD-W-3.1 Elemental Analysis with the Electron Probe Microanalyser (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339704)

[MA-ERD-W-3.2 Scanning Electron Microscopy (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339705)

[MA-ERD-W-3.3 Field emission scanning electron microscopy and ion beam applications (3 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339706)

[MA-ERD-W-3.4 Phase Analysis with Powder Diffractometry (4 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339707)

[MA-ERD-W-3.5 Experimental Mineralogy and Petrology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339708)

[MA-ERD-W-3.6 Kinetics of Geological Materials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339709)

[MA-ERD-W-3.7 Magmatic Processes and Crust Formation (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339710)

[MA-ERD-W-3.8 Mineral Deposits and Economic Geology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339711)

[MA-ERD-W-3.9 Reflected Light Microscopy of Ore Deposits (3 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339712)

[MA-ERD-W-3.10 Planetary Geology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339713)

[MA-ERD-W-3.11 Regional Geology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339714)

[MA-ERD-W-3.12 Digital Field Methods (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339715)

[MA-ERD-W-3.13 Glacial Sedimentology and Quaternary Geology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339716)

[MA-ERD-W-3.14 Advanced Stratigraphy and Carbonate Sedimentology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339717)

[MA-ERD-W-3.15 Applied Petroleum Geology and Seismic Interpretation (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339718)

[MA-ERD-W-3.16 Karst Hydrology, Karst Morphology and Water Extraction (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339719)

[MA-ERD-W-3.17 Active Tectonics (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339720)

[MA-ERD-W-3.18 Microstructures in Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339721)

[MA-ERD-W-3.19 Mineral Physics and Transformations (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339722)

[MA-ERD-W-3.20 Applied Crystal Structure Determination (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339723)

[MA-ERD-W-3.21 Gemstones as Geomaterials (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339724)

[MA-ERD-W-3.22 Nuclear Waste Repository and Radiation Damage (3 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339725)

[MA-ERD-W-3.23 Vertebrate Evolution (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339726)

[MA-ERD-W-3.24 Microorganisms and their Applications (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339727)

[MA-ERD-W-3.25 Paleobotany (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339728)

[MA-ERD-W-3.26 Palaebiological Environmental Protection and Historical Ecology (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339729)

[MA-ERD-W-4.1 Field and Laboratory Course Geochemistry of Bio-Mineral Interactions (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339730)

[MA-ERD-W-4.2 Organic Pollutants in the Environment (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339731)

[MA-ERD-W-4.3 Towards Zero Pollution: Environmental Biotransformation of Organic Chemicals (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339732)

[MA-ERD-W-4.4 Field and Laboratory Course Environmental Pollutants (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339733)

[MA-ERD-W-4.5 Fate of Emerging Organic Pollutants (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339734)

[MA-ERD-W-4.6 Environmental Interface Chemistry (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339735)

[MA-ERD-W-4.7 Methods in Environmental Chemistry and Biogeochemistry (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339736)

[MA-ERD-W-4.8 Nanoparticles in the Environment (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339737)

[MA-ERD-W-4.9 Geomorphology, Natural Hazards and Risk Research (7 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339738)

[MA-ERD-W-4.10 Geoecology and Quaternary Research (6 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339739)

[MA-ERD-W-4.11 Applied Geophysics (5 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339740)

[MA-ERD-W-4.12 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry (15 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339741)

[MA-ERD-W-4.13 Individual Research Project Environmental Sciences (10 ECTS)](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/vvz_sub.html?path=339742)

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## After Graduation

Graduates can pursue a career in the following occupational fields:

- research institutions
- industrial sector, construction industry, construction and civil engineering office
- public authorities and administrative office
- museum
- insurance companies
- international organisations
- science journalism.

### Continuing after Graduation

- [Center for Doctoral Studies - everything about doctorcal/PhD programmes at the University of Vienna\](http://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/)
- [Alumni of the University of Vienna](https://www.alumni.ac.at/)
- [Postgraduate Center - postgraduate programmes at the University of Vienna\](http://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en)
- [Uniport - career service of the University of Vienna](https://www.uniport.at/uniport-fuer-studierende)

### Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme

[#### Degree programme in retrospect](https://www.qs.univie.ac.at/en/analyses/graduate-surveys/)

### Graduates ...

- say that this degree programme receives the grade: 2.0 (good)
- rate the level of difficulty as: 3.7 (high)

→ These results are based on feedback from 20 graduates.

\**You can find further assessments of the degree programme from its graduates’ perspective in the graduate survey of the**[master's programme in Earth Sciences](https://www.qs.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/d_qualitaetssicherung/Dateidownloads/AbsolventInnenbefragungen/2021/Master/281_Master_Erdwissenschaften_public.pdf) (in German).*

[#### Career entry & paths](https://www.qs.univie.ac.at/en/analyses/graduate-tracking/)

### Graduates ...

- find employment within 4 months after graduation on average.

\*You can find further information on career entry and career paths in the tracking of graduates "[MA Earth Sciences](https://www.qs.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/d_qualitaetssicherung/Dateidownloads/AbsolventInnentracking/2023/englisch/UA_F1_2023_MA_Earth_Sciences_en.pdf)".

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