Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)

Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points

Language of instruction: German or English

Limited capacity:
First semester: no
Higher semester: no
Application possible for:
First semester: winter and summer term
Higher semester: winter and summer term
Application deadline:
German and EU nationals
First semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Higher semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Non-EU nationals:
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term

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

This is a consecutive degree program which requires a bachelor's degree in the same or a related study field. The program comprises a compulsory portion of 19 credit points, electives of 71 credits points and a master's thesis of 30 credit points. Compulsory modules are:

  • numerical methods in geosciences
  • map charting and geodata processing
  • project survey or internship

Electives are three-tiered (core competences, geoscientific specialization, subject-related supplements). Students can choose between these three profiles:

  • Energy, Resources & Storage
  • Hydro- & Engineering Geology
  • Mineralogy & Geochemistry

Alternatively, modules can be choosen freely among these profiles. Only the profile Energy, Resources & Storage can be studied in English.

The four-semesters (two years) Master’s Program “Applied Geosciences” at KIT aims at practice and research-oriented qualification in the following three fields: (1) Sustainable Energy, Raw Materials and Storage; (2) Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology; and (3) Mineralogy and Geochemistry. Sound scientific education in these three fields enables graduates to describe and interpret characteristics, terminologies, schools and limits of the thematic core and elective subjects, to present the state of research and to further develop it on a selective basis. Their broad knowledge enables them to think in an interdisciplinary way and to consider subjects from various perspectives. They are prepared to use computer-based methods in practice. Graduates are able to have a critical view on complex problems, information and present challenges in a differentiated way. They are able to analyze, compare, evaluate and implement them with suitable methods and concepts independently and in a team. They can communicate on a scientific level and take responsibility in national and international teams. Graduates are excellently qualified for industry, the service sector, public administration as well as academia.

In the field of “Sustainable Energy, Raw Materials and Storage” students study the sustainable use of geoenergy, georesources, and raw materials and acquire profound understanding of big infrastructure developments, such as systems for geothermal energy storage and production. Our graduates analyze and evaluate the system Earth and actively contribute to ensuring sustainable supply of energy and resources. They develop sustainable solutions for the energy transition, future resource supply and relevant storage infrastructures, and successfully work in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

In the “Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology” profile graduates master all classically relevant methods of engineering geology and hydrogeology as well as geothermal energy in theory and by practical application. In addition to field and laboratory methods, the curriculum also includes numerical modeling of groundwater flow, heat and mass transport as well as coupled hydro-mechanical processes in the subsurface. Graduates can assess groundwater resources in terms of quantity and quality and know the most important approaches for their use and sustainable protection considering ecosystems - from drinking water supply to thermal groundwater use. Our graduates work in environmental and engineering consultancies dealing with groundwater, infrastructures and geothermal energy, authorities, industries and also in research and development (R&D) such as universities. 

In the field of “Mineralogy and Geochemistry” graduates know in detail the components of the Earth, the minerals, rocks and soils as well as their structure and chemical composition. The students obtain in-depth insight into the latest analytics, the operating mode of various analytical methods and the development of new methods. They are able to apply and develop analytical methods (e.g. spectroscopy, SEM, LA-ICP-MS, AFM, wet chemistry, etc.) and to interpret and model the results. They have comprehensive knowledge about element cycling in and between the pedosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere, and consequences for the environment and humans.

Excerpt from the diploma supplement of the study program

Graduates of Applied Geosciences are offered a multitude of possibilites in engineering offices, business consultancies or in other areas of the industry (construction industry, mining, oil industry, drilling industry, water supply works...) as well as in administration, administrative bodies and orginazations. The work area ranges from renewable energy, ground water exploitation and protection to exploitation and restoration of residual waste, survey and exploration of natural resources, prognosis and prevention of natural disasters to preservation of the environment. Aside of a direct start in a professional career, graduates with very good grades can also consider a doctorate which can offer a subsequent career in research and teaching.

  • research-oriented teaching
  • involvement of students in current research projects
  • excellent study situation
  • close contact to lecturers and scientific staff
  • numerous multi-day excursions in Germany and abroad
  • state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
  • top ranking positions
  • career-relevant key qualifications
  • integration of KIT into the EUCOR university network enables all KIT students to participate in courses of the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
  • large offer of university groups
  • possibility of side jobs at scientific institutes/labs

Admission requirements

Briefly summarized, admission requirements for Applied Geosciences Master are as follows:

  • an above-average bachelor's degree or equivalent in applied geosciences or in a degree program with essentially the same content of at least 3 years duration and based on a minimum of 180 ECTS credit points
  • necessary minimum requirements in the following fields:
    • geosciences: completed coursework of at least 20 credit points
    • physics and/or chemistry: completed coursework  of at least 10 credit points
    • mathematics: completed coursework of at least 10 credit points
    • in addition, at least 30 credit points in an additional field of natural sciences, geosciences or engineering

Language skills necessary for international applicants

Applicants without university entrance qualifications awarded by a German-speaking secondary school need to submit proof of the following language skill:

  • German language skills: for application, skills of at least B1-level are necessary. All certificates are accepted; a certificate of attendance of a B1-level course is sufficient. For enrollment, a DSH2 certificate or equivalent needs to be presented.
  • or English language skills of at least B2-level, e.g. proven by Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 90 points in the internet-based test or equivalent. Proof of English language skills is not required for applicants who
    • have completed a degree program at a university with English as the sole language of instruction
    • have attended at least 5 years of English language classes in secondary school, can provide a higher education entrance qualification and have received minimum grades of 4 (sufficient, D) or at least 5 points in the last two school years of these English language classes.
    Can proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language not be provided until the end of the application deadline, admission can be granted under the provision that one of the above-mentioned certificates of the English language will be provided during enrollment.

Contact the International Students Office for additional information.

Application for the 1st semester

Application for a higher semester

Annette Hildinger
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)

+49 721 608 - 44930Annette Hildinger does-not-exist.kit edu

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Studierendenservice

 

+49 721 608 - 82222

 

Contacts for students

Contacts for applicants

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe

 

Business hours

International Students Office
First point of contact for international applicants

+49 721 608 - 44911

Contact form

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Previous studies and exmination regulations Applied Geosciences M.Sc.
Titel Stand Quelle
30.03.2023, veröffentlicht 30.03.2023

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04.09.2020, veröffentlicht 04.09.2020

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28.03.2014, veröffentlicht 28.03.2014

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25.02.2014, veröffentlicht 26.02.2014

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15.03.2012, veröffentlicht 03.04.2012

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24.08.2011, veröffentlicht 15.09.2011

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23.07.2009

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