This English-taught MSc programme strengthens and broadens students’ applied geosciences knowledge and skills with a clear emphasis on hydrogeology, soils and environmental engineering in the context of international development cooperation. It combines theoretical teaching, analytical and modelling methods, and practical field experience to prepare graduates for technical and scientific roles related to water resources, soil and environmental management in diverse environments.
Students choose one of two study tracks:
The curriculum includes a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory and field methods, and modelling/GIS work, equipping students with interdisciplinary tools used in research, environmental consulting, water and sanitation projects, and development programmes.
All students, regardless of specialisation, take part in a field trip to a semiarid region, a project seminar that emphasizes teamwork and scientific writing, and a module on designing research concepts. The degree is finalised by writing and submitting a Master’s thesis.
Requirements (concise)
The degree follows an annual cycle and normally begins in the winter semester. Studies are organised in distinct phases: a non-matriculated preliminary distance course (learning control) to harmonise foundational geoscience knowledge among all entrants; an on-campus attendance phase over three semesters made up of semester-long courses, intensive block courses and field excursions; an eight-week scientific training placement; and a final, six-month Master’s thesis. All teaching, fieldwork and assessments are credited under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
Core study content is split into basic (foundational) modules and specialisation modules. Semester courses and block courses deliver the technical and methodological fundamentals, while special modules let you tailor the degree toward particular interests in tropical hydrogeology and environmental engineering. Assessments are by examinations or coursework. Learning outcomes include a solid grounding in basic geosciences, the ability to design and carry out applied geoscientific investigations, competence in analysing real-world hydrogeological data, and the capacity to communicate results in written scientific form.
The eight-week scientific training (12 ECTS) may be completed during the taught phase and, where appropriate, in your home country; its outcome is a written report. The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS), which deepens and applies the knowledge gained through coursework. Theses are supervised by programme lecturers and can often be carried out in collaboration with industry partners or research institutions; projects using datasets or problems from your home country are explicitly possible. Academic staff and a student adviser support individual specialisation planning and thesis supervision.
Key requirements (concise)
This Master’s programme requires a solid academic foundation in earth and water sciences. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree that provides both theoretical and practical grounding so they can engage with advanced topics in hydrogeology and environmental engineering. If your first degree is in civil or environmental engineering, you should have taken sufficient natural science and geoscience courses to meet the programme’s expectations.
Your bachelor’s thesis must be relevant to the fields covered by the degree — specifically topics from geosciences or water and/or environmental research — as this demonstrates prior research experience and subject-specific interest. International applicants should be ready to document coursework and thesis topics clearly (for example via transcripts or thesis abstracts) so the admissions team can assess equivalency.
If you intend to apply for a DAAD scholarship, note there is an additional professional-experience requirement: you must have accumulated at least two years of work experience in areas related to water and geology by the time you submit your application. For full details and any country-specific equivalency rules, consult the programme’s study regulations.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles in water resources management, groundwater and hydrogeological consultancy, environmental engineering, flood and river management, and related fields within international development cooperation. Typical employers include consulting firms, NGOs, government agencies, international organisations, and research institutions. The programme’s emphasis on applied geosciences, field methods, modelling and practical internships also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies or specialist technical positions.