Applied & Environmental Geoscience (AEG)

Overview

This English-taught, research-oriented master's programme offers a modern, interdisciplinary curriculum within one of Germany’s largest and well-regarded geosciences and environmental science institutes. Teaching and research take place in motivated, international teams and working groups that maintain numerous collaborations with universities abroad, providing strong academic support and excellent study conditions.

The course centers on assessing and solving environmental problems with a special focus on subsurface issues — for example contamination of drinking water, unsustainable resource use, and how climate and land-use change affect soil and water quality. To tackle these challenges the programme emphasizes a solid understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes occurring under natural conditions and combines classical natural science foundations with contemporary technological methods. Core topics include hydrogeology, environmental modelling, environmental chemistry and microbiology, and environmental physics.

This degree is aimed at students seeking advanced, multidisciplinary training in environmental geosciences. It builds independent problem‑solving skills through research-oriented teaching and allows you to tailor your studies by choosing one of three areas of specialisation: Hydrogeology; Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Microbiology; or Environmental Physics.

Requirements (concise)

• Good background in mathematics, chemistry and physics (required)
• Undergraduate training in geosciences or environmental sciences (helpful but not mandatory)
• Ability and readiness for independent problem solving (important; developed further during the programme)
• Language of instruction: English

Overview This two-year (four-semester) Master’s curriculum begins each winter semester and blends core training, focused specialisations, and a research thesis. The programme is built around five compulsory modules, ten electives and a Master’s thesis, giving you both a broad grounding in applied and environmental geoscience and the freedom to tailor your studies to specific career or research interests.

Core foundations (first semester) You start with three compulsory modules—Groundwater Modelling 1, Environmental Chemistry and Global Change—that establish the theoretical and quantitative foundations of environmental geoscience. These classes develop modelling and chemical-analysis skills, and provide the climate- and system-level context needed to tackle applied problems in groundwater, pollution and environmental change.

Specialisations and advanced modules In subsequent semesters you choose one of three specialisation tracks, each with three mandatory advanced modules:

• Hydrogeology: Groundwater Modelling 2; Hydrogeological Field Investigation Techniques; Remediation of Contaminated Sites — emphasising modelling, field methods and practical remediation approaches.
• Environmental Chemistry & Environmental Microbiology: Biotransformation of Pollutants; Hydrogeochemical Modelling; Environmental Analytical Chemistry — focused on pollutant fate, geochemical modelling and analytical lab skills.
• Environmental Physics: Physics of the Earth’s Surface; Atmospheric Physics; Climate Dynamics — concentrating on surface processes, atmospheric behaviour and climate drivers.

Electives and research training Elective courses let you explore other specialisations or deepen expertise within your chosen track (for example, specialised laboratory courses). The compulsory Scientific Practice and Scientific Presentation modules build interdisciplinary practical skills, strengthen interaction with academic staff and research groups, and support an early start on the Master’s thesis in the third semester—preparing you for research, consultancy or technical roles after graduation.

Program requirements (concise)

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters); intake each winter semester
• Structure: 5 compulsory modules, 10 elective modules, Master’s thesis
• First-semester compulsory modules: Groundwater Modelling 1; Environmental Chemistry; Global Change
• Choose one specialisation (each with 3 mandatory modules):
  • Hydrogeology: Groundwater Modelling 2; Hydrogeological Field Investigation Techniques; Remediation of Contaminated Sites
  • Environmental Chemistry & Environmental Microbiology: Biotransformation of Pollutants; Hydrogeochemical Modelling; Environmental Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Physics: Physics of the Earth’s Surface; Atmospheric Physics; Climate Dynamics
• Electives may be taken from other specialisations or for deeper focus (e.g., specialised lab courses)
• Compulsory Scientific Practice and Scientific Presentation modules included; early thesis initiation in semester 3

Graduates are prepared for technical and scientific roles in environmental and geoscience sectors, including hydrogeology, groundwater and water-resources management, environmental consultancy, contaminated-site assessment and remediation, and environmental monitoring and modelling. The programme’s emphasis on subsurface processes, environmental chemistry, microbiology and physics, plus training in field methods and modelling, is directly relevant to industry and public-sector employers responsible for water supply, soil and groundwater protection, and environmental risk assessment.

The MSc also provides a strong foundation for research careers and PhD studies. Transferable skills in quantitative analysis, environmental modelling, laboratory techniques and scientific communication make graduates competitive for positions in interdisciplinary teams at universities, research institutes, governmental agencies and environmental technology companies.