• Target level of study

    BAC +5

  • ECTS

    120 credits

  • Duration

    2 years

  • Training structure

    Faculty of Science

Presentation

The Master's degree (STPE) at Montpellier University offers a two-year course in Earth sciences, focusing 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;
  • 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 Master STPE (Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environment) offers four specific courses:

  • Exploration and Reservoir Geology (GER): a course dedicated to field geology for georesource exploration and energy transition issues (hydrocarbon and water reservoirs, renewable energy metals and minerals, geothermal energy and geological storage).
  • 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);
  • 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.);
  • Earth and Water Under Global Change course (AWARE): specialized course on the impact of global change on hydrogeological and geological processes, Earth 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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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 skills acquisition
- 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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