Applied Geosciences – Field-Based Geosciences (FBG) (MSc) RWTH Aachen University

All the courses and the Master's thesis of the stream FBG are offered in English.

Although German is not necessary, we strongly advise students to obtain basic knowledge of the language for everyday use. Therefore, we offer German language courses at the RWTH Language Center. At the moment, those courses are fully funded for international students of the Department of Earth Science and Geography.

Our MSc programme Applied Geosciences is offered in five streams:

• Applied Mineralogy and Crystallography (AMC)
• Computational Geology & Geophysics (CGG)
• Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR)
• Field-Based Geosciences (FBG)
• Geoengineering (GIN)

Field-Based Geosciences (FBG)

The Field-Based Geosciences stream offers an immersive and practice-oriented approach to studying the Earth, designed for students who want to connect scientific understanding with real-world application. This specialisation combines traditional geological methods with modern tools to prepare graduates for the complex challenges of today’s geosciences.

A key feature of the programme is an extended field camp, where students gain hands-on experience in geological mapping, structural analysis, and field documentation. In addition to technical training, the camp focuses on essential fieldwork skills such as planning, safety, teamwork, and professional conduct in remote environments. This intensive experience gives students the confidence and competence to work independently in the field—an increasingly valuable skill in both academic and applied settings.

Beyond the field, the programme provides a strong theoretical foundation in geosciences and develops analytical skills through lab-based courses and data interpretation. Students are introduced to modern techniques including drone-based surveying, satellite remote sensing, and digital mapping, which are integrated into both field and classroom learning. This blend of traditional knowledge and technological innovation equips graduates with a broad and versatile skill set.

Graduates of this stream are well prepared for careers in research, resource exploration, environmental consulting, or natural hazard assessment. With its unique blend of field experience, scientific depth, and technical skills, Field-Based Geosciences equips students to tackle real-world challenges and gain a deeper understanding of the planet.

Non-EU applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester (starting in October) or 1 September for the following summer semester (starting in April)

EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester (starting in October) or 15 January for the following summer semester (starting in April)

It's possible to download the current course curriculum at the end of the following page: https://www.fgeo.rwth-aachen.de/cms/geowissenschaften-und-geographie/Studium/Studiengaenge/Master-courses-of-study/Angewandte-Geowissenschaften/~cajo/Kurzprofil-des-Studiengangs/lidx/1/.

It's possible to spend one or two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities: https://www.fgeo.rwth-aachen.de/cms/geowissenschaften-und-geographie/Studium/Internationales/Outgoings/Auslandsstudium/~zafjd/Partnerhochschulen/lidx/1/.

It's possible to integrate up to two internships as elective parts of the curriculum.

No tuition fees

Approx. 300 EUR per semester (including semester ticket for public transport)
There is no special fee for international students.

https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationale-studieninteressierte/organisation-des-studienaufenthaltes/internationale-studierende/~bqmo/kosten/?lidx=1

The professional requirements differ for the various specialisations.

Bachelor's graduates with the following geoscientific competence profile (e.g. Bachelor's degrees in the fields of geosciences, earth sciences, geology, mineralogy, crystallography, etc.) can be admitted to the specialisation FBG:

Bachelor of Science or Engineering with at least 180 ECTS and

• at least 20 ECTS from natural sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics and/or physics)
• at least 80 ECTS from geosciences (e.g. geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, crystallography, geoengineering)
• at least 5 ECTS from geoscientific field education

Applicants must provide proof of their English language skills according to RWTH Aachen University regulations at enrolment (not application). An overview about the accepted language certificates can be found here: https://www.fgeo.rwth-aachen.de/cms/geowissenschaften-und-geographie/Studium/Studierende/Angewandte-Geowissenschaften-und-Georess/~lemb/Sprachkenntnisse/lidx/1/.

Non-EU applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester (starting in October) or 1 September for the following summer semester (starting in April)

EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester (starting in October) or 15 January for the following summer semester (starting in April)

http://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/Studium/Im-Studium/~ehg/Stipendien-Foerderung/?lidx=1

International students may take up work in the private sector during the semester or the semester break for up to three months without having obtained a work permit. Students thus may take up full-time work for 90 days or part-time positions (up to four hours per day) for 180 days. This regulation is also stated on the residence permit. During the semester, students are allowed to take up jobs with up to 19 working hours a week. During the semester break, students may work full-time but only for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks.

Student assistants are more flexible with regard to working hours because the full- and part-time regulations do not apply. As a student assistant, you are allowed to work up to 19 hours per week throughout the year.

"Studierendenwerk Aachen": https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/en/housing.html

Availability of university accommodation in Aachen is limited. Participation in individual allocation procedures is therefore usually required. Because of the high demand for university accommodation, it may be necessary to resort to the private accommodation market. As apartments for families and couples are particularly high in demand, applicants interested in this type of accommodation will almost definitely need to draw on the private accommodation market like the majority of RWTH Aachen University's students. There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen; the International Office can provide students with information before or upon their arrival. Prices for university accommodation vary between 200 EUR and 330 EUR per month; accommodation on the private market is priced between 290 EUR and 550 EUR per month, of course depending on the size and the number of rooms. For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels, a few youth hostels and a boarding house located in and around Aachen (reservation is recommended).

Career Center of RWTH Aachen University: http://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/Studium/Nach-dem-Studium/~ejx/Karriere/?lidx=1

"Praxisinitiative Aachener Geowissenschaftler" (PAG): http://www.fgeo.rwth-aachen.de/cms/Geowissenschaften-und-Geographie/Studium/Studierende/Angewandte-Geowissenschaften-und-Georess/~cxve/Praxisinitiative-PAG-/?lidx=1

https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/im-studium/~hqdb/internationales/?lidx=1

With 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 44,500 students are enrolled in 144 academic programmes. More than 8,500 of them are international students hailing from 130 different countries. The scientific education students receive at RWTH Aachen University is firmly rooted in real-world application. As a result, our graduates are highly sought after by businesses to work as trainees and fill executive positions. National and international rankings show that our graduates have a high aptitude for managing complex tasks, constructively solving problems in teams, and taking on leadership responsibilities. Thus, it should come as no surprise that one in five board members of German corporations is an alumnus of RWTH Aachen University.

Work conducted in the research centres at RWTH Aachen University is strongly oriented towards the current needs of industry, commerce, and the professions. This has resulted in numerous innovations, patents, and licences. The individual competence centres at RWTH Aachen University collaborate effectively across departments and faculties in interdisciplinary groups and forums, while still maintaining a strong focus on their own department specialisation. For instance, the computer science and biology departments - and even the social sciences - all have a clear connection to the school's engineering focus. This has been a crucial factor in motivating multinational corporations such as Philips, Microsoft, and Ford to locate their research institutions in the Aachen region.

Excellence in teaching and research constitutes the basis from which RWTH Aachen University works with other leading institutions and technical universities around the world.

As Germany's westernmost city, Aachen is located on the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. Its population is about 260,000. Aachen's historic centre around the distinctive cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is characterised by a student lifestyle. At the city's doorstep, the hilly Eifel landscape with its rivers, lakes, and forests offers a picturesque countryside for outdoor recreation. Aachen benefits from its central location in the heart of Europe!