Overview

The Master’s Degree in Geosciences for Sustainable Development trains professionals with a solid scientific and technical background to tackle environmental and territorial challenges with an interdisciplinary approach. Students acquire skills to manage complex geological systems, promoting sustainability and the responsible use of resources. The program integrates knowledge and modeling of the Earth, including human-induced disturbances, and fits perfectly within the broader framework of the ecological and energy transition, which is at the core of national and international attention and the UN 2030 Agenda.

​​​​​​The Master’s Degree program is structured with a balance between theory and practice, including lectures, laboratory activities, and numerous field experiences.

The multidisciplinary approach allows students to integrate scientific and technological skills, preparing them to tackle geological challenges with advanced tools and innovative methodologies. Moreover, interaction with professors and experts from various fields enriches the academic journey, providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth Sciences and their applications.

• Geoscienze per la gestione del territorio e la protezione ambientale (ITA): this curriculum, entirely in Italian, trains specialists in sustainable land management and environmental protection. Students acquire skills in applied geology, geomorphology, and resource management, addressing topics such as climate change and geological hazards. The program integrates theory, field activities, and internships, including opportunities abroad.
• Geosciences for energy, mineral and water resources (EN): this curriculum trains experts in the sustainable management of natural resources, with a focus on geological analysis, monitoring technologies, and modeling for the responsible use of energy, mineral, and water resources. It integrates theoretical training, laboratory activities, field experiences, and internships, preparing students for global challenges in the geosciences.

The international scope of the research activities undertaken in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences enables students to enrich their education through fieldtrips at world-class geological sites.

In the field, students gain hands-on experience, observing both active geological processes, such as the volcanism of the Eolie islands, and their outcome, for example on the peaks of the Dolomites.

Typically, over 50 per cent of the transport and subsistence costs incurred by students who participated in the educational field trips are covered by the Department.

Students develop analytical, modeling, and process management skills related to geological processes, using advanced tools such as GIS, remote sensing, and innovative sensors. The training includes fundamental topics such as the sustainable management of natural resources, protection of the land from geological hazards, and the impact of human activities on the planet. The thesis represents an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through experimental research and applied projects.

The degree program is part of the LM+ project, an innovative initiative that integrates academic training with professional experience. The program includes an additional semester for interested students, dedicated to a paid experience at one of the partner companies, such as Arcadis Italia Srl, Syngen Srl, ISMGEO, Ramboll Italy, and Hortus S.r.l. Unlike a simple internship, LM+ offers a structured pathway, where companies actively collaborate with the University of Pavia, proposing specific research topics each year. This approach allows students to acquire practical professional skills and facilitates their entry into the workforce.