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Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

Geophysics

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Tuition No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Degree Master of Science
Duration 4 semesters
Deadline EU/German nationals: September 30 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
Delivery On-campus
Location Karlsruhe, Germany
Language English

Program Overview

In the English-language master's degree program in Geophysics at KIT, you will benefit from research-oriented teaching, which is based on close contact with research in the university and large-scale research areas. The lecturers have received several awards for their outstanding teaching, and you will also study in small, very well supervised groups. The standard period of study is 4 semesters, during which you will earn 120 ECTS credits. In the first year of study, you will complete modules from the compulsory subject Geophysics and also set your own focus through compulsory elective courses and interdisciplinary qualifications. In the third semester, you will undergo a specialization phase to prepare you for your master's thesis, which you will complete in the fourth semester. The study program does not include a compulsory internship. You can complete a voluntary internship during your studies. If it serves the objectives of your studies and covers at least half of the lecture period, you can apply for a semester off (leave of absence). Such an internship offers you valuable experience outside the university and can make it easier for you to start your career later on. You have various options for integrating a stay abroad into your master's degree program. For example, you can study at a foreign university of your choice for one or two semesters via Erasmus+ or as a freemover. You can also do an internship abroad. In addition, selective mobility is possible via Eucor - The European Campus: KIT students can flexibly attend individual courses in addition to courses at KIT or study full-time for an entire semester or year at an Eucor partner university.

Key Program Features

  • • 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)

Career Opportunities

A master's degree in Geophysics opens up career opportunities in both academic and non-academic research, development and application, e.g. in the field of natural resource development (geothermal energy, minerals) and in environmental management (pollutant detection, landfill investigations, hydrogeological work). There are also job opportunities in construction projects (subsurface investigations for tunnels, dams and buildings, detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO); non-destructive testing (NDT)), in monitoring natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes) and in the exploration of the earth's interior from the crust to the core. Graduates also have opportunities at the intersections with related fields (e.g. geodesy, physics or geosciences) and, due to their experience with large scientific datasets and related software, in professions generally focused on analytics, data analysis and software development. A career in research, starting with a doctorate, is also a possible career path that you can pursue after completing your master's degree.

Program Curriculum

• Geophysics Physics of Seismic Instruments (6 CP) Seismology (8 CP) Seismics (8 CP) • Electives (6 CP) • Interdisciplinary Qualifications (2 CP) • Physics of Seismic Instruments (6 CP) • Seismology (8 CP) • Seismics (8 CP) • Geophysics Theory of Seismic Waves (6 CP) Seismic Modelling (4 CP) Inversion and Tomography (8 CP) • Electives (10 CP) • Interdisciplinary Qualifications (2 CP) • Theory of Seismic Waves (6 CP) • Seismic Modelling (4 CP) • Inversion and Tomography (8 CP) • Scientific Focusing Phase - Seminar (10 CP) • Introduction to Scientific Practice (20 CP) • Master's thesis (30 CP)

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Geophysics are based on the current admission regulations: • bachelor's degreeA 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 subjectsGeophysics amounting to at least 20 ECTS creditsPhysics 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 examinationProof 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 • Geophysics amounting to at least 20 ECTS credits • Physics and Mathematics amounting to at least 36 ECTS credits

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)

Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.

About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe, Germany

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....

University Profile
  • Application Deadline EU/German nationals: September 30 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
  • Language English
  • Duration 4 semesters
  • Credits 120 ECTS