Master in Earth Sciences
The Master's degree study programme in Earth Sciences at ETH Zurich is characterised by practical training and a comprehensive science education. The Master in Earth Sciences takes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating fieldwork, analytical methods, laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, e-learning, case study analysis, and teamwork.
Four different majors
By choosing one of the offered majors the students define the main area of their educational path:
Students will receive personalised advice in order to plan their studies according to their interests and career goals.
Application for Master's studies
The application window for Master's degree programmes with start in Autumn Semester 2026 opens on 1 April 2026.
Career opportunities
Earth Science graduates work in a wide variety of jobs, all over the world in sectors like environmental consulting firms, mining and exploration companies, oil companies, research institutes, government, and educational institutions.
Structure of the programme
Courses are organised into topical blocks (modules) of 12 ECTS. Each major has four compulsory modules and numerous elective courses from the complete offerings of ETH Zurich and of the University of Zurich.
Master's thesis in Earth Sciences
The Master's programme in Earth Sciences is concluded with the Master's thesis. The subject of the thesis is in the major study area and represents either an applied or fundamental research project.
Study Coordination
Master in Earth Sciences
Dep. Erd- u Planetenwissenschaften
Sonneggstrasse 5
8092
Zürich
Switzerland
Science in Perspective (Wissenschaft im Kontext)
The study programme “Science in Perspective (Wissenschaft im Kontext)” enables students at ETH Zurich to develop new perspectives on the contents of their core subjects.