This English-language Master’s programme provides advanced, research-focused training across two specialisations: Environmental Earth Sciences and Earth & Planetary Sciences. You will develop competence in independent scientific work and gain hands-on experience with field-based and analytical methods, along with data processing and modelling techniques. Graduates are prepared for further academic research or professional roles in organisations such as geological surveys, geological companies, space agencies, and private industry sectors (for example: raw materials, civil engineering).
The Environmental Earth Sciences track emphasises interdisciplinary approaches to pressing surface-system challenges — pollution, drought, erosion, landslides, floods and climate change — by examining interactions among the geosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere and their links to human systems. The curriculum focuses on understanding surface processes and designing sustainable management strategies and environmental technologies. The Earth & Planetary Sciences track is unique in Germany for teaching Earth and planetary processes together in a comparative framework; it addresses the growing importance of planetary science alongside terrestrial research. Students learn core methods shared by earth scientists and planetologists — such as advanced remote sensing, chemical–mineralogical analyses, and quantitative modelling based on geophysical data — and benefit from close ties to current research and space missions through staff involvement in both planetary and Earth-focused projects.
Admission expectations (concise)
Curriculum overview
The programme is organised into modular units, with each module worth 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. Modules are designated either as core (required) or elective (optional), and students must accumulate a total of 120 ECTS to successfully complete the Master’s degree. For practical planning, this total corresponds to 24 modules at 5 ECTS each.
What to expect from the core and elective structure
Core modules provide the fundamental disciplinary grounding you need in geosciences, while elective modules let you tailor the degree to your interests and career goals (for example by focusing more on field methods, laboratory analyses, data modelling, or environmental applications). The modular format also makes it straightforward to combine advanced theoretical lectures with hands-on practicals and project work.
Key learning outcomes
Requirements (concise)
Notes for international students: ECTS is widely recognised across Europe, which helps with credit recognition and mobility. The mix of compulsory and optional modules allows you to build both breadth and specialised depth according to your academic and career objectives.
Admission overview
To be considered for this MSc you need a relevant undergraduate degree and evidence of adequate preparation in core scientific subjects, plus proof of English language ability. Degrees taken at German or foreign universities are acceptable provided they meet the programme’s minimum duration and grading requirements.
Before you apply, make sure you can document your overall grade, the duration and content of your bachelor’s study, and certificates showing earned ECTS credits in the specified subject areas. You will also need to demonstrate English proficiency at the required level.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are equipped for academic research careers (PhD programmes and university research) and for professional roles in government and industry. Typical employers include national and regional Geological Surveys, geological and environmental consultancies, space agencies and research institutes, as well as private-sector companies in the raw materials and civil engineering industries.
The programme’s combination of field, laboratory and modelling skills also opens roles in environmental management, hazard assessment, resource exploration and applied geoscience, where graduates can contribute to sustainable solutions and data-driven decision-making.