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Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences

Updated on 20 October, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

The sustainability of our planet has become a concern due to climate change. There is a need to focus and put special emphasis on how to protect the planet. Hence, there is a dire requirement for professionals with the expertise to work towards the upliftment of the planet and related fields. The Earth and Marine Sciences programs provide education related to existing environmental issues.

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Here’s a glance at some of the best institutes as per QS World University Rankings, for acquiring education in this sector:

Course Brief

Earth and Marine Sciences are a domain that deals with several disciplines like mathematics, environmental science, geography, and geology. The courses in this program range from oceanography to the earth’s structure.

Such courses can equip you with the skills to collect environmental data about various regions. You can expect various on-field activities to understand the practical changes happening to the planet.

In addition, you can work in the academic or industrial sector. Higher studies in Earth and Marine Sciences can increase your chances of becoming a marine biologist. You can also work in a company having expertise in environmental conversation.

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Specializations

You can choose the following specializations available in the Earth and Marine sciences courses:

  • Geology
  • Soil Science
  • Paleontology
  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Science
  • Oceanography
  • Meteorology

All these concentrations are related to the state and changes in our planet’s dynamics and structure.

Job Prospects after Completion

You can pursue several jobs after completing an Earth and Marine Sciences course. Here are some of the profiles with their average remuneration per year:

  • Marine Biologist: USD 52,230
  • Oceanographer: USD 66,940
  • Meteorologist: USD 55,124
  • Geophysicist: USD 90,830
  • Geologist: USD 174,000

Note that these salaries are for profiles based in the United States of America. You can even receive opportunities in other parts of the world like Europe. 

Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences

Country: USA

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Address: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America

Status: Private

MIT is a famous institute with a dedicated discipline offering Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences courses. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs in the Earth and Marine sciences field.

According to the QS Top Universities Rankings, MIT stands at the #3  globally in the Earth and Marine Sciences. Hence, it’s apparent that it is one of the Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences.

The overall cost of attendance at this prestigious institute is approximately USD 77,020 per academic year. 

  • Tuition fee: USD 57,590
  • Living expenses: USD 19,430 (approximate)

Here are some of the well-known alumni of MIT:

  • Richard Feynman – Theoretical Physicist known for path integral formulation of quantum mechanics,
  • Kofi Annan – Nobel Prize winner and former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
  • Andrea Wong – The president of Sony International Production

Overall, you can shape a promising Earth and Marine Sciences career after studying at MIT.

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Country: Canada

2. University of British Columbia

Address: Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada

Status: Public

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs under the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.

This university ranks #47 in the world and #18 in the Earth and Marine Science subject. You can explore the major degree, ‘Earth and Ocean Sciences at UBC. This education can open an array of opportunities with job profiles like Data Assistant, Science Writer, Climate Service Specialist, and Air Pollution Technician.

The total annual expense of accommodation at UBC is approximately CAD 28,380. Here is a quick distribution of the annual fees:

  • Tuition fee: CAD 3,100
  • Living expenses: CAD 17,400 onwards

Here are some notable alumni of the University of British Columbia:

  • Yael Cohen – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
  • Belinda Wong – Businesswoman and a leader in Starbucks China
  • Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada

If you prefer to study in Canada, UBC can be one of the top universities for Earth and Marine sciences.

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Country: UK

3. University of Cambridge

Address: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom

Status: Public

The University of Cambridge has a separate Department of Earth Sciences that offers a research-oriented curriculum. The courses range from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels.

This prestigious institute ranks #2 in the world as per QS Top Universities rankings. Also, it is positioned at #4 globally in the Earth and Marine Sciences subject. Thus, you can receive a top-notch education in this domain at the University of Cambridge.

The approximate cost of living in Cambridge is around GBP 11,440 per year. However, these expenses vary as per your lifestyle and choice of accommodation. Here are other useful parameters that can help streamline your finances:

  • Tuition fees: GBP 35,500 per year (approximate)
  • Living expenses: GBP 11,400

Some notable alumni who studied at the University of Cambridge are:

  • Salman Rushdie – Famous essayist and novelist
  • Amartya Sen – Economist and Nobel Prize Winner
  • M.S. Swaminathan – Agronomist and Agricultural Scientist

So, studying at this prestigious institute can prove beneficial for your career advancement.

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Region: Europe

4. ETH Zurich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Address: Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland

Status: Public

At this time, ETH Zurich is the best university to study Earth and Marine Sciences courses. The institute has a Department of Earth Sciences that offers programs like Masters in Earth Science, Atmospheric and Climate Science, and Applied Geophysics. You can also pursue a Bachelor’s course in Earth and Climate Sciences at this top university.

Since 2015, ETH Zurich has maintained its #1 position in the Earth and Marine Sciences subject. In addition, the institute ranks at #9 amongst global universities.

The total living cost at ETH Zurich lies around CHF 26,400 for international students. Here’s a glance at the main expenses:

  • Tuition fees: CHF 730 per semester
  • Living expenses: CHF 20,000 per year (approximate)

ETH Zurich alumni work at organizations like UBS, Google, Roche, and other prominent companies.

Here are some of the popular names that are ETH Zurich pass-outs:

  • Richard Ernst – Swiss physical chemist and Nobel Laureate.
  • Konrad Steffen – Famous glaciologist known for his contribution in the impact of global warming on the Arctic. 
  • Hans Rudolf Herren – Swiss entomologist, farmer, and development specialist. 

All in all, ETH Zurich undoubtedly leads the list of Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences.

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Country: Australia

5. The Australian National University

Address: Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Status: Public

The Australian National University (ANU) has a research institution known as the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences. This institute has facilities like the Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Micropode, which is a testament to its top-notch infrastructure.

As per the QS World University Rankings, ANU stands at #30 worldwide as an educational institute. Notably, it ranks #14 in the Earth and Marine Science subject. Hence, it is clear that the Research School of Earth Sciences is one of the prominent departments at ANU.

The courses and level of programs mainly influence the expenses at ANU. However, you can expect the cost of living to hover around the AUD 25,400 mark. Here are some more details about the fees:

  • Tuition fees: AUD 47,940
  • Living expenses: AUD 25,400 to AUD 28,600

Here are some of the well-known alumni that studied at the Australian National University:

  • Julie McKay
  • Brian Schmidt
  • Jennifer Robinson

ANU is one of the top universities for Earth and Marine sciences. Its high employability and up-to-date resources make it an exciting prospect for a wide range of courses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are earth and marine sciences in simple words?

Earth and marine science are a field that deals with studying physical and chemical processes that impact the planet.

Which sectors can you explore with an education in the earth and marine science sector?

You can work in agencies that operate on the environmental concerns of the planet. In addition, formal education in earth and marine sciences can help you explore mining, natural resource management, and water treatment domains.
You can also work as an environmental consultant and collaborate with various research organizations.

Do I have the chance to travel as a Geologist?

A geology profile can demand constant travel to remote locations. You can receive opportunities to locate gas reserves and evaluate a project’s feasibility. In addition, such a career requires collecting various environmental samples.

Which country is best for earth science and geologist job profiles?

The United States of America is one of the global leaders in earth science research. Also, it has multiple universities that rank high in the earth and marine science sector. Hence, exploring this country is beneficial if you are an aspiring geologist.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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