Master's Programme Earth Science
Faculty | Faculty of Geo- and Atmospheric Sciences |
Duration / ECTS-Credits | 4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits |
Academic Degree |
Master of Science (MSc) |
Qualification Level |
Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7 |
ISCED-F | 0532 Earth Sciences |
Mode of Study |
Full-Time |
Study Code |
UC 066 815 |
Curriculum | Information on the Curriculum (2021W) * |
Language of Instruction | German |
Admission Requirements |
Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates |
Application |
* Information on the Curriculum (2021W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies, available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme. The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.
In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:
- 15 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Geological Field Work and Cartography
- 7.5 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Mineralogy
- 7.5 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Petrology
- 7.5 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Petrography and Microscopy
Recommended Course Sequence
The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.
The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).
10.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Master - Introductory Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Master - Introductory Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
2.5 ECTS-Credits: CM Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
12.5 ECTS-Credits: Master's Thesis further in 4th semester
12.5 ECTS-Credits: Master's Thesis
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
2.5 ECTS-Credits: CM Master’s Thesis Defence
Qualification Profile and Skills
The Master’s Programme in Earth Sciences is aimed at graduates of the Bachelor’s Programme in Earth Sciences and at graduates of comparable Bachelor’s programmes. A two-year geological training is offered and the possibility to focus on (1) Alpine Geology, (2) Quaternary Geology and Applied Geology, (3) Petrology and Geochemistry, (4) Materials and Raw Materials, specialisations that reflect current developments in the core areas of earth sciences in an international context. Altogether 3 compulsory modules covering 15 ECTS-Credits, as well as elective modules covering 80 ECTS-Credits are to be passed.
Regardless of the chosen specialisation, students learn to conduct scientific research, to proceed in a goal- and result-oriented manner and to work on a project-related basis within the scope of their Master’s Thesis.
Expected Learning Outcomes
The graduates have specialised knowledge in selected areas of the disciplines in earth sciences. They are able to contribute their technical and methodical competence in the area of their specialisation and at the interfaces to other areas in earth sciences through scientifically correct work and innovative problem solving.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
The occupational fields for graduates of the Master’s Programme in Earth Sciences are diverse and range from construction, the environmental sector, various branches of industry (raw materials, building materials, glass, ceramics, refractory and chemical industries) to work in scientific institutions and museums and authorities.
Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck
Minor
As part of the Master’s Programme, a Minor of 30 ECTS-Credits can be completed.
More information and a list of possible Minors can be found at:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/minor
Supplementary Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/es-informatik/
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
Austrian grading scheme |
Definition |
%-age |
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1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance |
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= 100% | |
2 |
GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors |
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3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors |
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4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria |
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5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
to be updated
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Forms (in German only)
- Examination Records
- Application for the Master's Thesis
- Assessment of the compulsory module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
- Cover Sheet for the Master's Thesis
- Declaration of Academic Honesty
- Submission of the Master's Thesis
- To block the Master's Thesis
- Recognition of exams and Supplementary Sheet
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Standort Innrain 52d
Associate Dean of Studies
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Roland Stalder
Dean of Studies
Ao. Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Kurt Nicolussi