Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)
Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points
Language of instruction: English
Higher semester: no
Higher semester: winter and summer term
Higher semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Program details
Degree and duration
Regular program length of 2 years leading to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree; 120 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be completed. Individual prorgram length may differ from regular program length.
Program structure
The master's degree program is modularly structured. The competences and skills acquired during the bachelor's degree program are strengthened and complemented. The following chart containts the study disciplines as well as a recommendation by the KIT-Department about how to distribute them across different terms:
1 | Geophysics (40 CP) |
Electives (16 CP) |
Interdisciplinary Qualifications (4 CP) |
2 | |||
3 | Specializing Phase (10 CP) |
Introduction to Scientific Practice (20 CP) |
|
4 | Master's Thesis (30 CP) |
Qualification profile of the graduate
The basic scientific qualifications acquired during bachelor’s studies are further deepened or complemented in the master’s program of geophysics. In particular, the graduates’ profiles are further developed and their scopes of geophysical knowledge and methods are broadened. Studies are aimed at the graduates having the capability of independently using scientific knowledge and methods and of assessing their significance and scope for the solution of complex scientific and socially relevant problems.
Graduates of the master’s program of geophysics know and understand the scientific fundamentals of general and applied geophysics and have deepened this knowledge in particular in the areas of seismics, seismology, and natural hazards. They can discuss and solve geophysical problems.
Graduates understand seismics and seismology and in particular the theory of seismic waves and can calculate the solution of the elastic wave equation for the general and special cases. They know the principles of inversion of seismic waves and can apply them. They understand the measurement technology used in geophysics, can explain and compare a number of measurement principles, and know how an objective and detailed error assessment of the measurement results is carried out. They can process and analyze seismic signals of various frequency ranges and evaluate foreign analyses of seismic signals. In seismics, seismology, and interpretation, the students know all working steps from data collection to analysis and can execute them.
The graduates understand geoscientific and physical relationships even beyond the subject of geophysics and can discuss and interpret them. Based on the knowledge obtained, they can correctly classify facts and topics and possess the practical skill to solve problems of geophysics and neighboring geoscientific disciplines. Based on empirical studies, graduates are capable of deriving solutions from the data measured, formulating models, deriving prognoses, and checking them in detail for their verification or falsification.
Graduates can apply geophysical knowledge to research-relevant problems and are able to analyze and solve technical problems using the methods of their discipline and using the pertinent software (programs) and hardware (computers). They also have the basic cultural competence to clearly summarize scientific findings and research results orally and in written form and they master didactically adequate presentation techniques. They can work in a self-organized way and possess extensive communicative and organizational skills.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements to the master's degree program are:
- a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree issued by a university, university of applied sciences or a university of cooperative education based on a minimum of 180 ECTS credit points (alternatively at least 3 years program length) in geophysics or a related field
- minimum requirements completed in the bachelor's program in the following fields:
- geophysics of at least 20 credit points
- physics of at least 20 credit points
- mathematics of at least 20 credit points
- excellent English language skills on B2 level according to the Common European Framework for Reference for languages. Sufficient are e.g. 5 years of English with at least the grade 4 (5 points) in the last two school years.
Application portal
Application for the 1st semester
Application for a higher semester
Contacts for prospective students
Student advisor
Zentrum für Information und Beratung (zib), student advisory services
+49 721 608 - 44930
Carmen ReckFjx5∂kit edu
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrum für Information und Beratung (zib)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe
First point of contact for international applicants
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Contacts for students
Information brochures
Module handbook
Statutes and regulations
Titel | Stand | Download |
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2018 KIT 009 Satzung für den Zugang zu dem Masterstudiengang Geophysik am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) | 27.02.2018, veröffentlicht 27.02.2018 |
Titel | Stand | Download |
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2020 KIT 037 Studien- und Prüfungsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) für den Masterstudiengang Geophysics | 06.08.2020, veröffentlicht 06.08.2020 | |
2015 KIT 069 Studien- und Prüfungsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) für den Masterstudiengang Geophysik | 06.08.2015, veröffentlicht 06.08.2015 |
Titel | Stand | Download |
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2014 KIT 019 Satzung zur Umsetzung des Übereinkommens über die Anerkennung von Qualifikationen im Hochschulbereich der Europäischen Region vom 11. April 1997 gemäß §§ 32 Abs. 2, 4 und 36a LHG in den Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen am KIT | 28.03.2014, veröffentlicht 28.03.2014 | |
2013 KIT 049 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Studien-und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Geophysik | 18.12.2013, veröffentlicht 20.12.2013 | |
2011 KIT 020 Satzung zur Änderung der Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Geophysik | 21.04.2011, veröffentlicht 18.05.2011 | |
83. Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Geophysik | 10.09.2008 |
Teaching calendar
WT 2020/21
02-11-2020 to 20-02-2021
ST 2021
12-04-2021 to 24-07-2021
Easter: 04 / 05-04-2021
Passover: 24 to 29-05-2021
WT 2021/22
18-10-2021 to 12-02-2022
ST 2022
19-04-2022 to 30-07-2022
Easter: 17 / 18-04-2022
Passover: 06 to 11-06-2022
WT 2022/23
24-10-2022 to 18-02-2023
ST 2023
17-04-2023 to 29-07-2023
Easter: 09 / 10-04-2023
Passover: 29-05 to 03-06-2023
WT 2023/24
23-10-2023 to 17-02-2024
ST 2024
15-04-2024 to 27-07-2024
Easter: 31-03 / 01-04-2024
Passover: 20 to 25-05-2024