Geosciences (Master of Science) Leibniz University Hannover

The programme is open to German-speaking and international students. We guarantee that international students can complete the degree programme with courses held in English, although there are elective courses that are offered in German only, e.g., in the field of tectonics and applied geology and geophysics.

The geosciences play a central role in key issues of global importance for the Earth system. Climate change has dramatic consequences for physical, geochemical, ecological processes on Earth's surface with strong economic and social implications. This includes the development and management of the land surface, the exploration and exploitation of natural resources under dramatically increasing population pressure (water, soil, energy resources, metallic and non-metallic raw materials), the assessment of geohazards, the development of new materials and processes, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental protection.

In recent decades, geosciences have developed into a natural science with modern physical-chemical measurement methods and strong theoretical and mathematical-physical model thinking. This includes the analysis and modelling of processes that take place on the surface and in deeper areas of Earth on different time and space scales. The aim of the Master's “Geowissenschaften” at Leibniz University Hannover is to provide strong scientific backgrounds with state-of-the-art methods to face the forthcoming problems of economic and social importance related to climate change.

Application from students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required.)

• 15 April to 31 May of the year for the winter semester
• 15 October to 30 November of the previous year for the summer semester

Application from students from Germany and the EU

• 1 June to 15 July of the year for the winter semester
• 1 December to 15 January of the year for the summer semester

Prospective students applying from outside the EU must request a Preliminary Examination Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist before applying to the Master's programme. The processing time for the VPD takes up to eight weeks. Therefore, please allow enough time before applying for the programme. More information about applying for the VPD can be found on the central application pages.

The Master's degree programme in Geosciences contains only one compulsory module, which is a seminar on communication of scientific results at conferences. All other modules are elective modules. Students can select modules among four specialisation topics:

• Soil/Water (Soil Science, Distribution of Soil Units and Soil Use, Soil Pollution, Soil Processes and Modelling, Environmental Mineralogy, Hydrogeology and Water Management)
• Sedimentary systems and tectonics (Neotectonics and Tectonic Geomorphology, Sedimentary Archives and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction), most courses in this specialisation are held in German
• Applied geology and geophysics (Sedimentology, Deposits and Raw Materials, Geophysics, Engineering Geology, Numerical Modelling of Geological Processes), most courses in this specialisation are held in German
• Mineralogy/Geochemistry (Soil Mineralogy, Isotope Geochemistry, Mineral Deposits, Magmatic and Hydrothermal Processes, Crystal Physics and Spectroscopic Analysis of Minerals)

In addition, individual projects (with up to 21 credit points) and excursions can be chosen in each specialisation. It is also possible to attend courses from other degree programmes that complement the geosciences programme (with a maximum of 20 credit points). The submission of a Master's thesis (with 30 credit points) completes the degree programme.

No tuition fees

Approx. 400 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following:

• Contribution to the "Studentenwerk Hannover" (student services organisation)
• Contribution to the student government (Student Union, AStA)
• Semester ticket
• Contribution to administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

Compared with other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are basically in line with the EU average. You will need around 850 EUR a month to cover your living expenses. The largest expense will be your monthly rent. In Hannover, the rent amounts to between 300 and 500 EUR per month.

Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in Geosciences. In addition, applicants with other degrees may also be admitted, assuming that the previous studies provide most of the required background for the Master's programme. In particular, students must have sufficient knowledge of Fundamentals in Natural Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) and Geosciences.

Prior to the final admission, the admission committee can invite applicants to a 15 to 20 minute online interview carried out by the lecturers of the degree programme. The interview helps determine if the applicant is capable of successfully completing the desired study programme.

Language requirements for international applicants: English B2

Application from students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required.)

• 15 April to 31 May of the year for the winter semester
• 15 October to 30 November of the previous year for the summer semester

Application from students from Germany and the EU

• 1 June to 15 July of the year for the winter semester
• 1 December to 15 January of the year for the summer semester

Prospective students applying from outside the EU must request a Preliminary Examination Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist before applying to the Master's programme. The processing time for the VPD takes up to eight weeks. Therefore, please allow enough time before applying for the programme. More information about applying for the VPD can be found on the central application pages.

Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung

Deutschlandstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/deutschlandstipendium

Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.

Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse

Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)

The job market is complex and offers a wide range of options for students when they finish their degrees. Decisive factors for a successful start to your career are a clear professional goal, some initial experience in actual practice, contacts in the working world, and the ability to make a convincing impression in the job application process. The Career Service supports students from all subjects on their personal journey from their studies via internships to their careers.
www.zqs.uni-hannover.de/en/kc/career-guidance-and-service/individual-advice/

Leibniz University Hannover wants to support and promote young scientists in all phases of their careers, from their doctorates and postdoctoral studies to their "Habilitation" or tenure-track professorship in a structured and advisory manner.
More Information: https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/forschung/wissenschaftlicher-nachwuchs-1