This English-taught MSc gives students with a relevant Bachelor's degree a thorough grounding in groundwater protection, management and remediation of contaminated aquifers. The curriculum also covers environmental law and the broader management of georesources, linking technical groundwater topics with regulatory and resource-governance issues.
You will gain both theoretical and applied competence in hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and hydrology. Training includes field and laboratory methods in water chemistry, techniques for groundwater protection, and numerical modelling of flow, transport and chemical reactions in aquatic systems. Working with spatio-temporal geoscientific databases and regional planning tools is also an integral part of the programme.
The course prepares you to tackle economic and legal aspects of resource use, to evaluate competing interests in resource conflicts, and to apply modern methods for resource assessment. Emphasis is placed on independent and team-based learning, responsibility in professional roles, and the development of communication, personal effectiveness and leadership skills—attributes important for careers in research, consultancy, public administration and industry.
Requirements (concise)
Curriculum overview
This Master's curriculum is organized over four semesters. During semesters 1–3 students work through a set of compulsory modules that establish technical fundamentals and management skills relevant to groundwater systems. Core technical courses include Groundwater Chemistry (basic and advanced), Hydrogeology (basic and advanced) and a two-part Mine Water series. Complementing these are modules that develop communication, policy and managerial competencies: Geoscientific Communication, Environmental Management and Policies, International Development and Resources, Project Risk Management, Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour, and Resource Management.
Key learning outcomes focus on the integrated understanding and management of groundwater resources. Graduates will acquire advanced knowledge of chemical and physical controls on groundwater quality and flow, specialised insight into mine water challenges, and the ability to interpret and communicate geoscientific information to diverse audiences. The management-focused modules aim to build capabilities in project and risk management, organisational leadership, and the policy dimensions of environmental and resource decision-making—preparing students to operate at the interface of technical science, stakeholders and governance.
The programme also allows academic flexibility: students select 21 ECTS from a broad range of business and technical electives or German language courses, plus 12 ECTS of free electives to pursue complementary interests. The fourth semester is devoted to an independent Master’s thesis (30 ECTS), giving students the opportunity to synthesise technical and managerial learning into a research or applied project.
Requirements (summary)
Overview
You must have completed an undergraduate degree at the bachelor level in geoscience or a closely related discipline to be eligible. The program expects applicants to bring a solid foundation in earth-science topics that are relevant to groundwater management.
“Related” disciplines often include fields that cover similar subject matter (for example: geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, earth sciences, or civil/environmental engineering) — if your degree has a different title but contains substantial relevant coursework, you should be prepared to demonstrate that background in your application.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in groundwater and water resources sectors, including positions as hydrogeologists, environmental consultants, mine water specialists, water resource managers, and regulators. The combination of practical analytical skills, modelling expertise and knowledge of legal/economic frameworks is useful in consultancies, mining and water industries, environmental agencies, NGOs and international organisations.
The programme also provides a foundation for further academic research (PhD) in hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and related geosciences, supported by training in scientific communication and project management.