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.