Master in Geosciences for the Energy Transition

Objectives and competences

Objectives and competences

Objectives

The master's degree in Geosciences for the Energy Transition aims to train highly qualified professionals in the field of geology and geophysics, with an applied focus on the challenges of the energy transition. The programme provides a solid scientific and technical foundation that will enable students to understand, analyse and solve problems related to the sustainable use of geological resources. 

The master's degree delves into advanced concepts of geology and geophysics, focusing on key areas of structural change in the energy system, such as geothermal energy, underground storage of energy vectors and CO₂, and the exploration of hydrocarbons and natural hydrogen with a responsible approach. Students acquire the skills to evaluate the energy potential of geothermal systems, design energy storage strategies in geological formations, and optimize the exploration and production of natural hydrogen and hydrocarbons, minimizing their environmental impact. 

The programme fosters an interdisciplinary vision that combines technical knowledge with analytical and advanced modelling skills, ensuring that graduates are prepared to lead innovative projects in the energy sector. Through practical training based on the use of cutting-edge technologies and real case studies, the master's degree contributes to the development of scientific solutions that promote an efficient and sustainable energy transition. 

Competences

• Knowledge  
  • To describe the fundamental geological principles involved in the identification, evaluation and exploitation of energy resources in the context of the transition to renewable energy sources. 
  • To describe the fundamentals of geophysics necessary to identify, characterize and monitor energy resources in the context of the transition to renewable energy sources. 
  • To identify the appropriate geological techniques to address the study and management of the subsoil in energy transition projects.  
  • To identify the appropriate geophysical methods to address the study and management of the subsoil in energy transition projects.  
  • To describe the key aspects of the energy transition and its integration into sustainable development goals. 
  • To recognize the relevance of geosciences in the current energy context and their contribution to the transformation of the energy, economic and social model.    
  • To understand the legislative foundations and regulatory framework for professional management of projects related to the application of geosciences to the energy transition. 
• Skills or abilities 
  • To apply advanced geological field methodologies and techniques appropriately and effectively for the study of geological formations of interest for the exploration, production and storage of energy resources.  
  • To operate geophysical and laboratory instrumentation, for the collection and analysis of data in studies related to the characterization of geological formations and the evaluation of energy resources. 
  • To use tools for the graphical representation and visualization of geospatial data for geoscientific analysis of the subsoil in the context of the energy transition. 
  • To use specialized geoscience software and technology for data processing, geological and geophysical characterization and modeling, and subsurface management in geoenergy projects.  
  • To interpret data obtained from geophysical and geological research to identify energy resource reservoirs, applying principles of geosciences to the energy transition. 
  • To use the sources of information specific to geosciences applied to the energy transition in a critical and responsible way. 
  • To produce effective communication in English in the specialized language of geosciences applied to the energy transition.    
• Competences  
  • To plan geological and geophysical data acquisition campaigns, taking into account the mathematical, physical and geological foundations that are relevant to the problem at hand. 
  • To integrate data and results from diverse sources, using computational and analytical techniques, for the interpretation of the subsoil in geoenergy exploration, production and storage projects. 
  • To formulate contributions to the design and execution of research and professional projects related to the applications of geosciences to the energy transition. 
  • To evaluate the social and environmental impact of actions in the field of geosciences applied to the energy transition and human activities with the aim of contributing to the SDGs.  
  • To apply critical reasoning and commitment to the plurality and diversity of realities of today's society, from respect for fundamental rights to equality between women and men and non-discrimination in contexts in which geosciences applied to the energy transition can play a relevant role.  
  • To demonstrate attitudes consistent with ethical concepts, codes of conduct and intellectual integrity, showing an awareness of the social implications of the different activities linked to the field of geosciences applied to energy transition. 
  • To work as part of a team in an efficient and coordinated manner, in disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, in the design, management, planning and execution of projects and collective challenges in geosciences applied to the energy transition. 
  • To apply knowledge and skills specific to geosciences applied to the energy transition in practical situations. 
  • To use diagnostic skills and creativity to solve problems in the field of geosciences applied to the energy transition. 
  • To demonstrate independent learning skills based on a capacity for analysis, reflection and synthesis and expert reasoning in geosciences applied to the energy transition. 

Access and admission

Applicant profile and access requirements

Recommended applicant profile

The master's degree is intended for graduates in geology, physics, geological engineering and related studies who are interested in developing a professional or academic career in the field of geosciences and the energy transition. 

Access requirements and conditions

• General requirements
  Students wishing to be admitted to a university master's degree must hold one of the following qualifications:
  • Official Spanish university degree.
  • A degree issued by a higher education institution within the European Higher Education Area framework that authorizes the holder to access university master's degree courses in the country of issue.
  • A qualification issued by an institution outside the framework of the European Higher Education Area. In this case, applicants must request homologation of the degree to its equivalent official Spanish university qualification or obtain express approval from the University of Barcelona, which will conduct a study of equivalence to ensure that the degree is of a comparable level to an official Spanish university qualification and that it grants access to university master's degree study in the country of issue. Admission shall not, in any case, imply that prior qualifications have been recognized as equivalent to a Spanish master's degree and does not confer recognition for any purposes other than that of admission to the master's degree course.
• Entrance qualifications:
  • Degree in geology, physics, geological engineering, mining engineering or an equivalent qualification.
  • In the case of students from other countries, those with degrees not offered in Spain that cover aspects of earth sciences (geosciences, geophysics, geophysical engineering or petroleum engineering) may also be admitted.
  • Applicants with other degrees can also pre-enrol. To assess their eligibility, the Coordination Committee takes into account whether the degree curriculum covers sufficient aspects of earth sciences (for example, degrees in environmental sciences, marine sciences or similar), the number of credits passed in subjects related to earth sciences, the topic of the final degree project, and any professional experience in areas to earth sciences.
  • A minimum level of B2 or equivalent in English is required. 

 

Pre-enrolment

Calendar

First period: 26 January-10 April 2026

Second period: 13 April-10 July 2026

Third period: 13 July-4 September 2026

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Notes:

• Pre-enrolment fee: A pre-enrolment fee of 30,21 euros is charged. Students who apply to more than one master's degree must pay the fee for each pre-enrolment request. Pre-enrolment requests cannot be processed until this fee has been paid.Fees will only be refunded if the master's degree in question is suspended.
• Reserved places: A maximum of 5% of the new places of the master's degree are reserved for students who meet the general and specific access requirements and accredit the recognition of a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.

Required documentation

• Pre-enrolment application
• Photocopy of degree certificate or equivalent qualification. In case of admission, foreign degrees that require so should be translated and authenticated through diplomatic channels before completing the enrolment.
• Other specific documentation related to the selection criteria
  • Authenticated copy of the certificate of the subjects studied. . It can be requested free of charge from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
  • DNI, NIE or passport.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Motivation letter.
  • B2 certificate or English equivalent.

Selection criteria

The Coordination Committee selects students on the basis of the following criteria and weightings:

1. Bachelor's degree transcript (65%). 
2. Motivation, previous experience and other merits (25%). 
3. English level C1 or higher (10%). 

Notification

Un cop finalitzats els períodes de preinscripció, es publica la llista d'estudiants admesos i els que queden en llista d'espera.

Enrolment

As a general rule, at the UB you will be required to enrol online. Remember that you can lose your place if you do not enrol on the day you have been assigned

• Documents required for enrolment
• Procedure to formalize enrolment
• Grants and financial aid (in Catalan)
• Economic information (in Catalan)

Welcome

• Student Support Service
• Grants and financial aid (in Catalan)
• Accommodation

Course curriculum

Subjects and course plans

Distribution of credits

List of subjects

Course timetable

Teaching staff

List of spring and autumn teaching staff on a current course

Placements

Career opportunities

What can you work on ?

• Àmbits de treball dels futurs titulats:
  • Empreses relacionades amb la indústria energètica: exploració i emmagatzematge de recursos naturals, energies renovables, gestió mediambiental, exploració geofísica, consultories i empreses de serveis.
  • Institucions públiques de l'àmbit de les geociències i la promoció de polítiques i tecnologies relacionades amb la sostenibilitat energètica. Carrera investigadora en centres de recerca.
  • Carrera docent i investigadora en l'àmbit universitari.
• Sortides professionals:
  • Personal tècnic o responsable en departaments que desenvolupin i executin projectes d'innovació en el marc de la transició energètica.
  • Personal expert en l'aplicació de noves tecnologies en la gestió i integració de nous recursos energètics i anàlisis dels impactes socials i ambientals.
  • Responsable de consultoria en projectes orientats al desenvolupament de formes d'energia sostenibles.

Contact us

Facultat de Ciències de la Terra

Martí i Franqués, s/n
08028 Barcelona
masters.ciencies.terra@ub.edu