Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

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

Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points

Language of instruction: 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

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.

1

Geophysics

Seismometry, Signal Processing and Seismogram Analysis (22 CP)
Theory and Inversion of Seismic Waves (18 CP)

Compulsory electives
(6 + 10 CP)

Soft skills
(2 + 2 CP)

2
3

Scientific Focusing Phase, Scientific Seminars and Introduction to Scientific Practice
Scientific Focusing Phase (10 CP), Scientific Seminars (4 CP), Introduction to Scientific Practice (16 CP)

4

Master's thesis (30 CP)

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.

Excerpt from the diploma supplement of the study program

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.

Characteristic features of Geophysics M.Sc. at KIT

  • internationally renowned research institute
  • small number of students, therefore very personal atmosphere
  • opportunity to participate in current research activities at an early stage
  • numerous trade fair expeditions and large international research projects per year
  • in-situ lectures with practical experience
  • several GPI lecturers have received multiple awards for their outstanding, innovative teaching
  • for prospective doctoral students: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KYHS)

What KIT has to offer

  • central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  • 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  • wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  • numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  • study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  • excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  • comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  • extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  • internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  • modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  • Lernraum app
  • diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  • stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Admission requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Geophysics are based on the current admission regulations:

  • bachelor's degree
    A passed bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree from a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education, whereby the course must have been completed with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits, alternatively with a standard period of study of at least three years in the subject of Geophysics or a related subject area
  • minimum knowledge and minimum performance in the subjects
    • Geophysics amounting to at least 20 ECTS credits
    • Physics and Mathematics amounting to at least 36 ECTS credits
    If you are missing up to 20 ECTS credits in Geophysics, you may be admitted on condition that you make up the missing credits by the end of the 2nd semester at the latest. Any condition will be decided by the admissions commission and you will be informed when you are admitted.
  • Proof of entitlement to an examination
    Proof that you have not definitively failed an examination required by the examination regulations in the master's degree program in Geophysics or a related degree program with essentially the same content and that you are still entitled to take the examination

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Geophysics, you need sufficient knowledge of the English language, which must correspond to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof of sufficient English language skills

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

  • your Abitur certificate, if you have taken English for at least five years up to graduation and your final or average grade of the last two years of English lessons corresponds to at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least 5 points or
  • a degree from a university with English as the sole language of instruction and examination, whereby English must be the only and official language of the completed degree program noted in the diploma supplement, the transcript of records or the degree certificate

Otherwise, only the internationally recognized English tests listed in the KIT admission and enrollment regulations are accepted as proof. These are

  • Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with at least 90 points in the internet-based test or

  • IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no section below 5.5 or

  • University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or

  • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or

  • UNIcert at least level II

In addition, proof other than that listed above may be accepted on request in individual cases. In particular, the following may be considered

  • a higher education entrance qualification from institutions with English as the language of instruction
  • a bachelor's thesis written in English

The final decision if certain proof is accepted is made by the admissions commission.

Please note:
Language certificates are extremely important application documents that can prevent your enrollment if you do not submit them on time. Therefore, check early on in the application process whether you have the necessary language certificates for your degree program and, if necessary, plan to take one of the language tests mentioned above. The deadline by which you must submit language certificates corresponds to the enrollment deadline stated in your admission offer. In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of this deadline. The extension can be granted until the start of the lecture period at the latest.

Application for the 1st semester

Application for a higher semester

Sabrina Joos
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)

+49 721 608 - 44930Sabrina Joos does-not-exist.kit edu

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

Current studies and exmination regulations Geophysics M.Sc. / Geophysik M.Sc.
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WT 2024/25

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Lectures will not take place:
  • From 12-24 to 01-06
  • the week after Pentecost
  • on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg