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

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.

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.

  • 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.

Application for the 1st semester

 
Application portal for summer term
opens December 01, 2024.

Application for a higher semester

 
Application portal for summer term
opens December 01, 2024.
Carmen Reck
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)

+49 721 608 - 44930Carmen Reck does-not-exist.kit edu

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe

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

10-21-2024 to 02-15-2025

ST 2025

04-22-2025 to 08-02-2025

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10-27-2025 to 02-21-2026

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04-20-2026 to 08-01-2026

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10-26-2026 to 02-20-2027

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04-19-2027 to 07-31-2027

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10-25-2027 to 02-19-2028

ST 2028

04-18-2028 to 07-29-2028

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