• Target level of study

    BAC +5

  • ECTS

    120 credits

  • Duration

    2 years

  • Training structure

    Faculty of Science

Presentation

The Master's degree (STPE) at the University of Montpellier offers a two-year course in the fields of Earth sciences focused on geodynamics, characterization, exploration and sustainable management of geological resources, geological hazards, coastal and coastal environments. The master's degree prepares students for a wide range of professions that target industry, private and public organizations, or academic research, thanks to:

  • the development of fundamental and applied knowledge and skills in Earth dynamics, geological processes and interactions with the environment;
  • training at the level of executive/engineer (bac +5) and researcher.

The STPE Master's degree is developed for autonomous and motivated students, with an interest in field and laboratory studies as well as analytical and numerical tools used in modern Earth and environmental sciences. The program is strongly supported by the expertise of the research teams of the Geosciences laboratory of the University of Montpellier as well as by a large network of professional experts from industries and partner organizations.

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Program

The STPE Master's degree (Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environment) offers five specific courses:

  • Geodynamics and Geomaterials (GEODyM): specialized course in the understanding of the geodynamic contexts associated with the formation of different terrestrial materials (dual-degree course with the Institute of Business Administration allowing students to acquire a dual scientific and management/management skills);
  • Coastal Engineering and Coastal Development (GCL): specialized in the study and quantification of coastal and port hydro-morphodynamic processes, geotechnics and coastal engineering, coastal risk analysis, and coastal resource management (sand, freshwater). It trains in research and professions in sustainable coastal management;
  • Geological Hazards – Observations, Measurements, Modelling (GA): courses dedicated to the understanding, characterisation and management of hazards and associated geological and geodynamic processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis, etc.);
  • Exploration and Reservoir Geology (GER): course dedicated to field geology for the exploration of georesources and energy transition issues (hydrocarbon and water reservoirs, metals and minerals of renewable energies, geothermal energy and geological storage).
  • Earth and Water Under Global Change (AWARE): specialized course on the impact of global change on hydrogeological and geological processes, the Earth's resources and environmental, geological and hydro-climatic risks.

A double degree program is offered in partnership with the École des Mines d'Alès, allowing the selected students to obtain the degrees of Master of Universities and Mining Engineers.

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Select a program

Exploration and Reservoir Geology

The GER Master's degree offers a high-level training in geology for the exploration of fluid and mineral resources, in connection with the energy transition. The international recognition and high placement rate of this Master's degree comes from its specialization in the analysis of natural objects (40% of practical fieldwork in M1, and analysis on geomodellers in M2), as well as its close links between academic research of excellence and "major" companies in the industrial sector (hydrocarbons, mineral resources, geothermal energy, storage, etc).

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Coastal Engineering

From the foothills to the sea, via lagoons and wetlands, we've been living along coastlines since the dawn of time; and we'll continue to do so, because the coastline is the gateway to the ocean, a source of wealth, pleasure and peace, an environment intimately linked to the development of civilizations. But the coastline is a geo-ecosystem that is highly sensitive to human activity. It is also particularly exposed to the effects of climate change. Lastly, although it's a familiar environment, it's actually very difficult to understand how it works, given the many complex interactions between water, air, sand, rocks and living organisms. For all these reasons, the coastline is at the heart of many scientific questions linked to hydro-morphodynamics and associated sciences. These questions are themselves strategic for the future of coastal development and housing, the management of natural coastal and marine areas, resource management (marine energy, sand stocks, freshwater in coastal areas), the quantification of coastal hazards and risks, and the design of innovative protection systems that respect the natural environment. 

The Coastal Engineering, Coastal Dynamics and Sustainable Development Master's degree [GCL] trains students to specialize in the study and management of coastal and port areas, based on the acquisition of skills in geotechnics and coastal engineering, coastal risk analysis, environmental characterization using imagery and geophysics, and a solid foundation in the observation, measurement and simulation of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes in marine and port environments.

https://www.mention-geosciences.org/

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Geodynamics and Geomaterials

Precise characterization of the various geomaterials is a major challenge if we are to ensure the sustainable development of our planet. The "Geodynamics and Geomaterials" master's program trains students to understand the geodynamic processes associated with the formation of the earth's various materials.


The key points of the course are:
- an understanding of the physical and chemical processes controlling the Earth's dynamics
- projects and internships enabling personalized acquisition of skills
- mastery of tools such as digital mapping and 3D data visualization.
-learning methods for quantitative characterization of geomaterials (e.g. advanced microscopy, geochemistry, experimental rock deformation).


The Master's program draws on the internationally recognized scientific and technical excellence of the Géosciences Montpellier laboratory, and on contributions from geomaterials professionals.

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Geological hazards - Observations, Measurements, Modelling

Natural disasters and risks are one of the major challenges facing our society. The "Geological Hazards" master's program trains students to understand and characterize hazards and associated geological processes, on all time and space scales, from earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis to landslides and ground stability.


The training is based on four axes:

  •  field observation and characterization
  • measurement and quantification (geophysics)
  • numerical modeling of hazards
  • understanding process dynamics and physics


The Master's degree is based on top-level research carried out at the Géosciences Montpellier laboratory (and associated R&D laboratories), as well as on technical developments and applications in partner companies and organizations.

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IDIL - Earth and Water Under Global Change - Mention Terre

The Earth and Water Under Global Change (AWARE) master's program focuses on the impact of global changes on agro-ecological, hydrological and geological processes, as well as their consequences on socio-eco-systems and the solutions adapted to deal with these major problems. It provides students with a common foundation of cutting-edge courses, methodological and digital tools, and customized training courses dealing with the impact of climatic and anthropogenic forces on the environment and the Earth's resources. Environmental and health risks, geological risks, hydro-climatic risks and their impacts on agro-ecosystems, water resources, socio-hydrosystems or the coastal environment will also be at the heart of the transdisciplinary training offered by AWARE.

The program is supported by various research units grouped together in the UNESCO ICIReWarD-Montpellier center, offering an optimal framework for studying the impact of global change on our planet, its resources and its environment.

Examples of teaching units :

- Hydro-geophysics
- Geodynamics and plate tectonics
- Chemical and ecological risks

 

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