• Target level of study

    Master's degree

  • 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 program in Earth sciences focused on the exploration and sustainable management of geological resources, geodynamics, and the characterization of geological hazards. The master's degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in industry, private and public organizations, and academic research, thanks to:

  • the development of fundamental and applied knowledge and skills in Earth dynamics, geological processes, and interactions with the environment;
  • to executive/engineer-level training (five years of higher education) and researcher training.

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

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Program

The Master's degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environment (STPE) offers four specific tracks:

  • 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 for renewable energies, geothermal energy, and geological storage).
  • Geodynamics and Geomaterials (GEODyM): specialized program focusing on understanding the geodynamic contexts associated with the formation of different terrestrial materials (dual-degree program with the Institute of Business Administration, enabling students to acquire dual expertise in science and management);
  • Geological Hazards – Observations, Measurements, Modeling (AG): courses dedicated to understanding, characterizing, and managing hazards and associated geological and geodynamic processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis, etc.);
  • Earth and Water Under Global Change (AWARE): specialized course on the impact of global change on hydrogeological and geological processes, Earth resources, and environmental, geological, and hydro-climatic risks.

A dual degree program is offered in partnership with the École des Mines d'Alès, allowing selected students to obtain both a Master's degree and an engineering degree from the École des Mines.

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Select a program

Exploration and Reservoir Geology

For more than 20 years, the GER Master's program has offered excellent training in the exploration geology of fluid and mineral resources, in line with the energy transition. The international recognition and high placement rate of this Master's program stems from its specialization in the analysis of natural objects (40% of practical work in the field in M1, and analysis on geomodels in M2), as well as its close links between high-level academic research and companies in the georesources sector (fluids, minerals, geothermal energy, storage, etc.).

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Geodynamics and Geomaterials

The precise characterization of different geomaterials is a major challenge for the rational and sustainable development of our planet. The Master's program in Geodynamics and Geomaterials trains students to understand the geodynamic processes associated with the formation of different terrestrial materials.


The key points of the program are:
- understanding the physical and chemical processes that control the dynamics of the Earth
- projects and internships that allow for personalized skill acquisition
- mastery of tools such as digital mapping and 3D data visualization.
- learning methods for the 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 Montpellier Geosciences Laboratory and on contributions from professionals in the field of geomaterials.

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Geological Hazards – Observations, Measurements, Modeling

Natural disasters and hazards are one of the major challenges facing our society. The Master's degree in Geological Hazards trains students to understand and characterize geological hazards and associated processes, at all scales of time and space, from earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis to landslides and ground stability issues.


The training is based on four areas:

  •  field observation and characterization
  • measurement and quantification (geophysics)
  • digital modeling of hazards
  • understanding of the dynamics and physics of processes


The master's program draws on high-level research conducted at the Montpellier Geosciences Laboratory (and associated R&D laboratories) as well as technical developments and applications in partner companies and organizations.

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IDIL - Earth and Water Under Global Change (AWARE) - EARTH

The Earth and Water Under Global Change (AWARE) master's program focuses on the impact of global change on agro-ecological, hydrological, and geological processes, as well as their consequences on socio-ecosystems and appropriate solutions to address these major issues. It offers students a common foundation of cutting-edge courses, methodological and digital tools, and personalized training addressing the impact of climatic and anthropogenic forces on the Earth's environment and resources. Environmental and health risks, geological risks, hydro-climatic risks, and their impacts on agro-ecosystems, water resources, socio-hydrosystems, and the coastal environment will also be central to the transdisciplinary training offered by AWARE.

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

Examples of teaching units:

- Hydrogeophysics
- Geodynamics and plate tectonics
- Chemical and ecological risks

 

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Admission

Admission requirements

Applications can be submitted on the following platforms:

French & European students:

International students from outside the EU: follow the "Études en France" procedure:https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html

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