Master of Earth Sciences

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is renowned for combining all Earth Sciences specializations with other subject areas. Earth Sciences at our university are closely linked to Biology and Environmental Sciences. Why limit yourself to being just a geologist or a geographer? Become a true Earth Scientist, with far-reaching background knowledge that allows you to really make the most of your future. How exactly do ice ages, life, plate tectonics and CO2 cycles in the Earth’s crust and oceans interact? What is the relationship between landscape and fault movements in the dating of rocks or in processes like uplift and erosion?

The programme in a nutshell

Master in Physics

Physics and Astronomy is an indispensable part of modern society. Modern life would be entirely different without computer chips, lasers, MRI screening and all the other benefits of physics research. The Master’s program in Physics provides you with plenty of opportunities to study and engage in groundbreaking fundamental research and its applications. Whether you are interested in physical processes within cells, creating artificial photosynthesis, astroparticle physics or testing fundamental symmetries at the atomic scale, the Master’s program in Physics gives you the opportunities to deepen your knowledge and engage in groundbreaking fundamental research.

Master in Hydrology

Ensuring that there is enough water of good quality to satisfy the needs of the world’s growing population is a daunting challenge. Society needs hydrologists to manage the world’s water resources. In the Master’s programme in Hydrology, you will study the processes that regulate the quantity and quality of water as it passes through ecosystems, soils and rivers. We will provide you with a solid theoretical basis, combined with hydrological research in areas ranging from tropical Amazonia to the permafrost regions of Siberia. A Master of Science in Hydrology enables you to pursue a professional or scientific career in hydrology.

Study programme

Master in Chemistry

The Master’s program in Chemistry is a challenging degree program for students who already have a solid background in chemistry and who are eager to expand their knowledge and experience. Chemistry is not an isolated discipline: it forms the bridge between biology at one end of the spectrum (biomolecular chemistry) and physics at the other end (physical-theoretical chemistry). A Master’s in Chemistry can lead to an exciting, well-paid career with extensive opportunities for pursuing your ambitions.

Chemistry is a joint degree program of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Courses are given at the two Faculties of Science. Graduates receive a diploma accredited by both universities.... [-]

Master in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics

Stochastics examines phenomena in which chance plays a central role, such as the result of a general election, fluctuations in share prices or the interactions between molecules in a living cell. If you opt for the Master’s program in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics, you will be trained to become a world-class expert in both theory and relevant areas of application. The Master’s program in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam trains you in the full depth and breadth of the field, expanding your abilities and insights and enhancing your opportunities in the job market.

The program in a nutshell... [-]

Master in Mathematics

Mathematics is a vibrant, multifaceted and versatile field, in which the focus is on the study and development of techniques to tackle pure and applied mathematical questions. Often, the dividing line between theory and practice is merely an illusion. Mathematical theory, developed for a specific problem, often finds its way into unexpected applications. This is the strength and beauty of mathematics, a discipline which is by definition infinite, and where new paths are always waiting to be explored. The Master’s program in Mathematics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam provides you with an opportunity to specialize in one area while further deepening your mathematical knowledge in general.... [-]

Neuroscience belongs to the sciences that in the future will have a large impact on virtually all aspects of our functioning as humans. Neuroscience has already changed the view we have of ourselves. This programme offers an answer to a need for responsible scientists, scientists who are sensitive to the conceptual issues in their own specific subdomain and who are, on the other hand, able to reflect and communicate about the broader implications of their field, clinical as well as societal. We aim at philosophy in neuroscience instead of philosophy about neuroscience.

The curriculum of PNS includes 30 ec in Philosophy, 36 ec in Neuroscience, 42 ec in Philosophy of Neuroscience, and 12 ec for the individual Master’s thesis, at the total of 120 ec. For details of the curriculum, please consult the website at www.vu.nl/philosophy... [-]

AtoSiM is a two-year Physics or Chemistry Masters degree focused on computer modeling of physical, chemical and biomolecular systems.AtoSiM is operated jointly by:

This two-year degree provides a high-level qualification in the rapidly expanding field of computer modeling in physical, chemical and biomolecular sciences. This highly integrated Course covers a full range of techniques: from quantum mechanical atomistic descriptions to coarse-grained mesoscopic models. Particular fields of application include condensed matter and statistical physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science and theoretical bio-molecular science.The study program is divided into four parts. All students follow courses first in Amsterdam, then in Rome, and finally in Lyon to obtain a triple diploma. The fourth semester is devoted to research in laboratories either in Amsterdam, Rome, Lyon or one of our 21 additional partners.Students obtain a triple degree. Admission into the master degree is decided on the basis of academic excellence by a selection committee composed of representatives from each partner institution. Applicants should have at least three years of prior studies majoring in physics, chemistry, engineering, applied mathematics or bio-informatics. Proof of English proficiency is also required.... [-]

Science for Energy and Sustainability (SES) is a two-year interdisciplinary track within the Master's programmes Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy. It combines ‘hard’ scientific research with the analysis of societal issues, business models and government regulations. It is a joint degree programme with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam so you will benefit from the expertise, networks and research projects at both universities.

It is, if you:

The two-year track Gravitation, Astro-, and Particle Physics (GRAPPA) in the Master’s programme Physics and Astronomy, a joint degree with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, stands at the intersection of theoretical physics, experimental (astro)particle physics and astrophysics. Students benefit from a highly collaborative international research environment. Current research topics include gravitational waves, collider-based particle physics experiments and dark matter detection, and the staff is involved in several large international research projects.

The GRAPPA track is for ambitious students interested in gravitation, astroparticle and particle physics. You are intrigued by both the subatomic scale (e.g. the Standard Model, particle interactions) and the largest scales (e.g. astrophysical objects, the Universe), and are particularly interested in combining the two to address some of the biggest puzzles in science. Furthermore, you:... [-]

Are you fascinated by the brain functions that make us see, hear, move, feel and think the way we do? Are you eager to gain the knowledge and skills needed to flexibly apply the most advanced brain imaging and brain stimulation techniques in fundamental, applied or clinical research settings? Then Cognitive Neuroscience is the right choice for you! This highly multidisciplinary programme is embedded in the M-BIC (Maastricht Brain Imaging Centre) and provides you with the theoretical background and hands-on research skills necessary for becoming a versatile brain researcher. Cognitive Neuroscience is an ideal choice for those who aim for an academic or related career focused on understanding normal and/or abnormal brain function.... [-]

What is the molecular biology behind memory? Which genetic alterations make you more vulnerable to stress and depression? And which cellular targets can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease? If these questions intrigue you, the specialisation Fundamental Neuroscience might be what you are looking for. You’ll study the mechanisms that underlie psychological processes, as well as psychiatric and neurological disorders. The courses are organised along the mechanisms and disorders, and include practical training sessions in which you will acquire laboratory skills you’ll need to study them. You will also take several courses that focus on improving your academic skills, such as writing papers and research proposals. After you’ve completed the programme, you will have obtained all the knowledge and skills you need to embark on an academic career in fundamental neuroscience.... [-]

Are you fascinated by the complexities of human choices? Are you eager to combine ideas and methods from economics, neuroscience and psychology to understand the cognitive and social aspects of human decision making? Then Neuroeconomics is the right track for you. You will learn how the different disciplines have studied human behaviour, their research tools and how they can be combined for a holistic perspective on human decision making and the role of the brain in it. The programme will prepare you for an academic career in behavioural economics or decision neuroscience or other occupations where a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour is important (consulting, public policy).... [-]

***Awarded 'Top Rated Programme' label, Keuzegids 2018***

Are you intrigued by the complexities of the wide range of mental disorders? Are you eager to develop the knowledge and research skills needed to understand how such disorders come about and to find new ways of treating and preventing them? Then Psychopathology is the right choice for you! This highly multidisciplinary programme provides you with the theoretical background and clinical insight necessary for research in the fields of experimental psychopathology, clinical psychology and psychiatry. Psychopathology is also an ideal choice for those who intend in the future to combine science and clinical practice.... [-]