Exploring earth and environmental degrees across leading European universities

Ungovernable urbanisation, overpopulation, finite natural resources, extreme weather change –– these are formidable challenges and threats to the long-term survival of the human species and all other living beings on this planet. In fact, we are already seeing the effects, from melting glaciers to more intense heat waves.  

These are grave problems, but they are also opportunities for aspiring scientists to find solutions that will delay, if not halt, further dangers towards our planet. By pursuing an advanced degree in earth and environmental sciences, you can be at the forefront of this crucial change to heal the world – not just for us, but for generations to come too. 

If you want to be part of this mission, head to any of the universities listed below. They offer degrees that do just that. 

Marine Sciences is one of the interdisciplinary MSc programmes offered at DISAT@UNIMIB. Source: University of Milano-Bicocca

University of Milano-Bicocca

They say that a student is only as good as their teachers. With a strong team of geologists, biologists, chemists, physicists, engineers and agronomists, the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Milano – Bicocca is home to some of the best minds in their respective fields, all committed to advancing sustainability. If you are passionate about natural sciences, environmental protection and sustainable development, you are in the right place. At DISAT@UNIMIB you can explore multiple paths: Earth and marine sciences, environmental sciences, chemical sciences, and interdisciplinary studies focused on sustainability implementation.

The department’s integrated approach to teaching and research draws on synergies across disciplines, as demonstrated by its national flagship initiative –– the Italian Department of Excellence programme 2023-2027 –– which investigates Earth’s evolution through the lens of geological processes across space and time, to develop strategies for its future protection.

Join DISAT@UNIMIB and become part of this vision through one of its forward-thinking Master’s degrees. Consider the brand-new transdisciplinary Economics and Technologies for Sustainability programme, which prepares you to address the real-world challenges of sustainable development in modern societies.

Or choose Marine Sciences, designed to tackle the pressing issues related to the oceans and their conservation. Interested in climate change, biodiversity, and environmental protection? Then Sciences and Technologies for the Environment and Landscape and Geological Sciences and Technologies might be the right fit for you, offering a solid foundation in Earth and natural sciences. Finally, the Chemical Sciences and Technologies programme provides cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills for innovation in processes and products.

Shape the future of the planet; Apply to DISAT@UNIMIB now!

The School of GeoSciences will train you to solve real-world problems through innovative research and in-depth teaching. Source: University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences/Facebook

University of Edinburgh 

Home to one of the largest groups of geographers and geoscientists in the UK, the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh has tackled some of the most challenging real-world environmental and social issues in the world. For example, the school’s research on human contribution to climate change helped underpin the UN Paris Agreement; the Scottish government also used the school’s public health data research to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To nurture the next generation of world-changers, the school offers an array of degree programmes. Its undergraduate degree, specifically, focuses on Earth Sciences and Environment, where you examine all aspects of our planet. It offers four specialisations –– environmental geoscience, earth sciences, earth science and physical geography, and geophysics. If you’re ready for the next step of your academic journey, go for the integrated master’s degree, where you will have an additional year of research-focused courses.  

All postgraduate programmes here were designed for impact. They can train you to solve real-world problems of local, national, and international relevance through innovative research and in-depth teaching. So, whether you choose to pursue a master’s degree in energy and climate, environment and society, or GIS and earth observation, you will have your chance to lend a helping hand in innovating a better future.  

There are two departments at the Faculty of Geosciences. Source: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/Facebook

LMU Munich 

LMU Munich is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. It offers programmes covering a range of disciplines –– hence, the potential for pioneering discoveries here is endless. Breakthroughs are made every day at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where you can explore the entire spectrum of geoscientific disciplines including geology, palaeontology and geobiology, mineralogy, crystallography, and geophysics. 

The Faculty of Geosciences examines current and future global issues and searches for solutions using extensive research and teaching. Whether it is providing information on climate change or understanding the development of the Earth’s surface and the structure of its interior, programmes offered will put you at the forefront of making the world a better place to live. 

The department also offers a bachelor’s degree that equips you with the knowledge and skills to better understand the Earth’s system from its structure and composition to its origin and history. There are also three master’s degrees on offer if you’re keener on continuing your research and studies in geosciences. 

The MSc Geobiology and Paleobiology addresses patterns and processes of the evolution of life and its habitats on our planet. The MSc Geomaterials and Geochemistry focuses on the Earth’s materials and chemical processes like mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and crystallography. Meanwhile, the Masters Programme in Geophysics has a strong focus on modelling and simulation. 

Stockholm University offers degree programmes spanning eight topical areas. Source: Stockholm University/Facebook

Stockholm University 

Stockholm University has one mission: to provide knowledge and education for a sustainable world. The university covers eight crucial areas and offers degree programmes that match a range of aspirations. Under Science and Mathematics, you can explore Environmental Science, where you will learn about the environmental problems caused by humans and gain the skills to resolve them. 

Environmental Science is perfect for students who enjoy working in a team. It’s a multidisciplinary discipline that encompasses social sciences, law, medicine, and humanities. The master’s programme in this area will introduce you to several relevant agencies and stakeholders working on solving environmental issues. With a focus on Atmosphere, Biogeochemistry and Climate, you will take on the perfect balance of classroom and hands-on learning taught by a faculty of researchers and industry leaders with years of experience under their belt. 

For those drawn to the inner workings of our planet, Earth Sciences offers the chance to explore the dynamic systems that shape our environment. You’ll study natural processes in rock, air, and water, how these interact, and their impact on today’s society and climate. 

Push your expertise even further in the Master’s Programme in Geological Sciences, where you’ll investigate the chemical, physical, and biological forces that formed Earth. From the tectonic activity behind mountain formation to the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, you’ll gain a deep, applied understanding of our planet’s complex systems. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International