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.
Career prospects
Career prospects present themselves in university and non-university research, development and application, e.g. in the exploitation of raw materials (geothermics, minerals), environmental management (detection of pollutants, survey of deposition zones, hydrogeological operations), construction projects (sub-ground surveys for tunnels, dams, above-ground constructions, etc.) or in monitoring natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanos) as well as in the survey of the earth's interior from crust to core. Another possible career path for master's graduates is in science, starting with a doctorate.
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 students
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)
+49 721 608 - 44930
Carmen Reck ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
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
Printed matter
Module handbook
Statutes and regulations
Titel | Stand | Download |
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2022 KIT 011 Satzung zur Änderung der Satzung für den Zugang zu dem Masterstudiengang Geophysik am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) | 03.03.2022, veröffentlicht 04.03.2022 | |
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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2023 KIT 015 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.02.2023, veröffentlicht 28.02.2023 | |
2022 KIT 028 Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.04.2022, veröffentlicht 29.04.2022 | |
2021 KIT 065 Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 22.10.2021, veröffentlicht 22.10.2021 |
Titel | Stand | Download |
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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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
83. Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Geophysik | 10.09.2008 |