Master Earth System Science

How are forest fires relate  to extreme weather events, or rising sea levels to melting glaciers? Earth system science (ESS) students understand events in the Earth's various spheres thanks to their expertise in natural sciences and their interconnected thinking. 

Information for registered students

Earth system science students deal comprehensively with the processes between the different systems of our planet. To this end, they acquire a foundation in palaeontology, geochemistry, remote sensing, geography, environmental sciences, geology and biology. They combine this knowledge and approach issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Through this, they learn to understand and analyse processes from the elementary level to global cycles, the development of the universe since the Big Bang to future projections.

In the Earth System Science programme, you will learn to develop potential future scenarios based on data from the past. Computer simulations are used for this purpose, but also traditional scientific methods, such as observations and experiments, are applied in laboratory practicals and smaller research projects.

The Earth System Science programme is a Single Major Study program and comprises 180 ECTS credits at Bachelor's level.

The Earth System Science programme is affiliated with the Department of Geography at the University of Zurich. In addition, lectures from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Sciences at UZH and the Department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zurich are also part of the programme. 

In the first two years of study, students acquire the fundamentals of various natural sciences. In the third year, students can dive deeper into two system interactions.

Module bookings and overviews

The Earth System Science programme offers three specialisations:

• Geo-biosphere system: geology, palaeontology and soil science
• Water-atmosphere system: hydrological processes, climate and weather phenomena as well as their interactions
• Environment-human system: natural and human processes that influence our environment 

Due to their interdisciplinary knowledge, Earth System Scientists are sought after in research and administration, as well as at international organisations, NGOs and private companies.

Studying Earth System Sciences enables students to understand broader contexts. Students learn to understand connections within a system rather than specialising in a particular subject area. An interest in natural sciences and mathematics is essential for successfully completing the programme. 

Earth System Science was the best choice of subject for me: interdisciplinary, exciting courses, and lots of open-minded and relaxed fellow students. Every day, I learn to understand our world better in lectures, exercises, and on field trips. I have also made friends for life.

Start your studies in Earth System Science at the University of Zurich and become part of a new generation of scientists tackling the most pressing challenges of our time – climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable resource use.

Regristration

Amission requirements