Overview

We study large depositional systems of the past, sediment re-distribution processes and land-shaping mechanisms with particular reference to the role of water, ice and wind.

Stratigraphy and timing of geological events is investigated using paleontological and absolute dating techniques such as luminescence, radiocarbon, stable isotope and cosmogenic isotope dating. We apply microfossils to decipher the history of life and study depositional archives in both terrestrial and marine settings to reconstruct environmental changes in particular during the Tertiary and Quaternary periods.

Climate fluctuations and related evolution of plant and animal realms are another focus of our research. Applying state-of-the-art analytical techniques we investigate groundwater systems at different spatial dimensions. Deep Earth studies are represented by a range of disciplines including mineralogy, petrology, volcanology, plate tectonics and the dynamics of the lithosphere, whereby Greenland is one prominent research area.

Geoscience at Aarhus University, in particular seismic and electromagnetic methods are another focus of our research. A rapidly developing field at the Department is quantification and numerical modelling of geological phenomena. In our approach to Earth Sciences we emphasize multi-faceted and interdisciplinary studies combining field, theoretical, experimental and numerical methods.

Examples of employment after graduation:

Our former PhD students (nearly half of which come from abroad) find employment both in Denmark and around the world in research and industry. Common employers are universities, GEUS, oil companies in Denmark and Norway, geological consultancy agencies and county municipalities.

Programme Structure

Research facilities available:

The Department has a unique set of research facilities at the disposal of PhD students. These include two fully equipped geophysical/geological field stations in Denmark, five modern laboratories at the Department (mineralogy and petrology, sedimentology, paleontology, geophysics and basin analysis, soil and water), a wind tunnel, the Mars-simulation laboratory, the luminescence laboratory, the Sky-TEM facility, and equipment for seismic acquisition (onshore and offshore) and processing together with work-stations for seismic interpretation. Our analytical park includes among others an electron microprobe, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) unit, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) unit, a Siemens ring-shear apparatus and a sympatec laser diffraction machine.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-05-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2025-08-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-05-01 00:00:00
Starting 2025-11-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

83

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Credits

480 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Geology Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

83

Schedule TOEFL®

Pass IELTS with Swoosh English! Sign up for a free writing masterclass or claim your exclusive 25% Studyportals discount and accelerate your preparation by taking a course designed by experts to get you the results you need.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Aarhus University and/or in Denmark, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Personal information
Curriculum Vitae
Academic background
Financing - indicate sources and amounts of possible financial support, if any. Also, please see the "Financing and prospective supervisors" section above.
Plan of study
Project description for open calls (½-4 pages) - describe your ideas and research plans for your project.
References
Motivation

Tuition Fee

Documented funding is a prerequisite for admission. You can apply as a self-financed student or for scholarships/fellowships in connection with your application

Living costs for Aarhus

6639 - 10051 DKK /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.