Master of Science in Geophysics University of Hamburg

All modules of the MSc programme in Geophysics are taught in English. The Master's thesis is also written in English.

Furthermore, interdisciplinary and elective courses from other MSc degree programmes that may be taught in German can be chosen.

The MSc Geophysics at the Universität Hamburg is a research-oriented programme that offers individual specialisation. Students can choose those lectures from the curriculum of the Institute of Geophysics that best suit their scientific interests.

The curriculum of the Institute of Geophysics represents the focus of the working groups in research and teaching:

• Marine geophysics
• Seismology
• Physical volcanology
• Machine learning
• Interdisciplinary expertise
• Learning by active participation in research

Attendance is mandatory during the lecture periods:

• summer semester: April to July
• winter semester: October to January 

• 15 February 2026 to 31 March 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27

The programme is divided into two phases, beginning with the Advanced Studies Phase, during which students develop advanced knowledge and understanding in geophysics and related interdisciplinary subjects. This phase is followed by the Research Phase, during which each student specialises in a geophysical research field that eventually becomes the topic of their Master’s thesis.

Geophysical seminar with invited national and international speakers

No tuition fees

There is a semester fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: approx. 400 to 700 EUR per month
• living expenses: approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month

• A Bachelor's degree in the consecutive BSc Geophysics/Oceanography of the Faculty for Mathematics, Informatics, and Natural Sciences of the Universität Hamburg or
• a Bachelor's degree in an equivalent subject or
• a Bachelor's degree in a mathematical or physical programme where a minimum of 90 ECTS credit points coincides with the curriculum of the BSc Geophysics/Oceanography of the Faculty for Mathematics, Informatics, and Natural Sciences of the Universität Hamburg. Of the aforementioned 90 ECTS credit points, a minimum of 45 ECTS credit points must be acquired in mathematics and/or physics.

Furthermore, a minimum of 6 ECTS credit points in computer programming is required.

Proficiency in English language is required and can be proved by any of the following certificates:

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B2 or
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test with a minimum score of 5.5 or
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test with a minimum score of 72 points or
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or
• a minimum of seven years in English at a German high school or by equivalent certification, where the equivalency is determined by the admission board.

• 15 February 2026 to 31 March 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants granted by Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs for more information.

There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the university. For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, www.stellenwerk.de (wanted ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.

• tutors
• student assistants (in the academic area) and student employees (in the administrative area)
• library assistants
• test subjects for studies conducted in the fields of psychology or in the social sciences

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.