Earth and planetary science, environment

Made possible by a collaboration between the Ecole normale supérieure - PSL, the Ecole nationale supérieure des Mines de Paris - PSL, the Observatoire de Paris - PSL and the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes - PSL, the Master’s degree in Planetary Science from Université PSL offers state-of-the-art training in the fields of earth science, meteorology, oceanography, climate science and biogeoscience, as well as their applications for environmental science both on Earth and in space.
This Master’s degree program is designed to address the need to train a new generation of geoscientists who can quantitatively evaluate the operations and development of System Earth, a complex system of solid and fluid containers that interact across a range of temporal and spatial scales. Specifically, scientists are seeking fundamental knowledge about how matter and energy are exchanged and interface between those containers. In addition, they hope to address critical societal challenges ranging from natural hazards (earthquakes, flooding, cyclones, space weather) to climate change, resources (water, energy, minerals) and pollution of our soil, water and atmosphere.

Learning Outcomes

The Master’s program offers comprehensive training in the earth sciences, atmospheric and climate science, oceanography and biogeoscience. It provides students with the quantitative and disciplinary foundation they need in order to play an active role in future geoscientific research and contribute to industrial innovation and R&D. It is designed to promote open-minded intellectual development and an interdisciplinary approach, and includes numerous activities in the field as well as multiple research internships. The training offers the necessary grounding in the earth sciences and provides participants with the disciplinary knowledge to pursue very high-level research in their chosen specialization or investigate the fields of the future in industry. It produces students with the ability to tackle weighty topics in all their complexity, including climate change, mitigation of natural risks, sustainable natural resources and the energy transition.

Who Should Apply?

Students holding a bachelor's degree in earth science, physics or chemistry or 180 ECTS credits from a scientific curriculum of bachelor's degree or equivalent level, and particularly students coming from the CPES of PSL, ENS - PSL, MINES ParisTech - PSL, or EPHE - PSL or other engineering programs and who wish to supplement their education in the field of geoscience and the environment.

Opportunities

Graduates of the program may go on to complete a doctoral thesis before embarking on a career in research and higher education. A growing number of students are choosing careers with large companies or major government institutions.