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.

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.

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