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 English master's program is divided into subjects, which in turn consist of different modules.

In Geophysics, the focus of the first year is on the modules Seismometry, Signal Processing and Seismogram Analysis (22 CP) and Theory and Inversion of Seismic Waves (18 CP).

While studying these compulsory courses, you can also develop your personal focus within the framework of the compulsory electives (16 CP in total), where you can choose from further in-depth modules from the field of geophysics or related disciplines. In addition, there are freely selectable interdisciplinary qualifications or soft skills in the amount of 4 CP.

In the third semester, you will go through the compulsory modules Scientific Focusing Pphase (10 CP), Scientific Seminars (4 CP) as well as Introduction to Scientific Practice (16 CP), a detailed thematic specialization phase and introduction to scientific practice, and thus develop the necessary foundations for the master's thesis (30 CP), on which you will work in the final fourth semester.

A master's degree in Geophysics opens up career opportunities in university and non-university research, development and application, e.g. in the field of raw material development (geothermal energy, minerals), in the field of environmental management (pollutant detection, landfill investigations, hydrogeological work), in construction projects (subsurface investigations for tunnels, dams, buildings, etc.) or in the monitoring of natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes) as well as in the field of exploration of the earth's interior from the crust to the core. A scientific career, starting with a PhD, is also a possible career path you can take after completing your master's degree.

• internationally renowned research institute
• small number of students, thus very personal atmosphere
• opportunity to take part in recent research activities at an early stage
• numerous measuring expeditions and major international research projects every year
• in situ lectures with hands-on experience
• several lecturers at the GPI have received a number of awards for their outstanding, innovative teaching
• for prospective doctoral candidates: Karlsruhe Young House of Scientists (KYHS)

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:
  1. geophysics of at least 20 credit points
  2. physics of at least 20 credit points
  3. mathematics of at least 20 credit points
  Should up to 20 credit points be missing, admission may be granted under the provision that certain exams are completed by the end of the second semester. Recognition of study achievements in the above-mentioned fields is at the sole discretion of the admission board.
• excellent English language skills on B2 level according to the Common European Framework for Reference for languages. For more information, please consult the admission regulations for the master's program Geophysics.

Additional contacts:

• KIT-Department of Physics
• Geophysical Institute
• Academic advisor
• Examination board
• Information about exchange programs and studying abroad
• Student representatives Physics

• Course catalog current term
• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs