This international, research-focused Master's programme in Geophysics is taught entirely in English and combines theoretical teaching with hands-on field experiments. The curriculum places particular emphasis on exploration seismology, earthquake seismology and the study of natural hazards, giving you practical and conceptual training in these core areas of geophysics.
You will benefit from the Geophysical Institute’s long-standing international reputation—more than 50 years—particularly in exploration and earthquake seismology. Core (compulsory) courses cover a wide range of topics in earthquake seismology and seismics, and the programme allows you to tailor your studies through elective modules, field classes, summer schools and workshops to match your research interests.
The course structure is designed to develop skills across the entire geophysical workflow: from data acquisition in the field, through modelling and inversion, to final interpretation. This combination of rigorous theory, practical experience and specialised options supports students who want a strong research orientation within geosciences.
This master's curriculum builds a strong foundation in seismic science during the first year with mandatory courses on seismology, seismics, the physics of seismic instruments, seismic wave theory, and seismic modelling including inversion and tomography. A range of electives lets you deepen specific skills—examples include full-waveform inversion, seismic data processing, InSAR processing for earthquake source analysis, array techniques in seismology, 3D land seismics, and classes addressing geological hazards and risk.
In the second year you join one of the department’s research groups and carry out your thesis within that team, giving you sustained, hands-on research experience and direct preparation for careers in academia or industry. Learning outcomes across the program emphasize an advanced understanding of seismic theory, proficiency in data processing and modelling techniques (including inversion and tomography), practical familiarity with seismic instrumentation, and the ability to conduct independent, publishable research.
A distinctive feature is the in situ teaching concept: lectures and practical sessions take place at field sites so you can observe and measure the physical parameters you study. Recent field locations have included the Aeolian Islands, earthquake-affected areas in the central Apennines, potash mines in Thuringia, the Gotthard base tunnel during construction, seismically active regions in Germany and the Czech Republic, and 3D active seismic experiments in the Upper Rhine Graben. The program also offers international summer schools and workshops (for example in cooperation with Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia) and access to courses at partner universities within the Eucor network (for example Strasbourg, France), which broaden your technical skills and international network.
Program components and requirements (at a glance)
This Master’s programme expects applicants to hold a recognised university entrance qualification (for example Abitur, a national high school diploma or an equivalent national university entrance test). You must have completed a relevant Bachelor's degree of at least three years’ regular duration (or 180 ECTS). If your final degree certificate will not be issued by the application deadline, you may still apply with a preliminary transcript of records—as long as the full degree is completed before registration.
Academic preparation should include substantial coursework in geophysics, mathematics and physics. As a rule, applicants will have completed a minimum of 36 ECTS credits in mathematics and physics combined, plus at least 20 ECTS credits specifically in geophysics during their Bachelor’s studies. If you lack some geophysics credits, there is the possibility to make them up during the first year of the Master’s programme.
Students without a geophysics background are encouraged to use an available interactive e‑learning bridging course covering core topics in seismology and seismics to improve their chances of immediate success. Proof of English language proficiency is also required—see the programme website for accepted tests and required levels.
Requirements (bullet points)
For full, up‑to‑date details and any additional application instructions, consult the programme website.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates gain the technical skills to work across the full geophysical workflow — from field data acquisition to advanced modelling, inversion and interpretation — preparing them for roles in exploration and earthquake seismology, seismic hazard assessment, environmental and engineering geophysics, and related sectors.
Many alumni pursue careers in industry (e.g. energy and mineral exploration, geotechnical and environmental consulting), public-sector agencies responsible for hazard monitoring and mitigation, or continue into doctoral research in academia or specialised research institutes.