International Master's Programme in Geophysics Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Technische Universität München

The International Master's programme in Geophysics is an English language programme. No prior knowledge of German is required for admission.

The International Master's programme in Geophysics is offered jointly by LMU Munich and Technische Universität München, two of Germany's elite universities.

The international Master's programme in Geophysics is a research-oriented programme with a strong focus on modelling and simulation. Many of our students go on to continue with PhD-level research afterwards. Our internationally renowned programme allows students to specialise in one of the following fields:

• geodynamics
• seismology
• paleo- and geomagnetism

Note that these fields are to be interpreted broadly, as we also have research groups focusing on earthquake seismology and rupture dynamics, archaeological prospection, glaciology and geocomputing.

As our research is highly interdisciplinary, we are interested in recruiting not only students with a background in geosciences, but also students from physics, mathematics, or the engineering sciences.

If your interest is in applied geophysics, especially exploration seismology, or related techniques, then this is not the right programme for you. Our programme does not focus on these topics. We do not teach these topics and we do not do research on these topics.

Application deadlines for the following winter semester:

• applicants from Germany, other EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway: 15 July
• other applicants: 28 February

The programme spans four semesters. It consists of a set of mandatory and elective modules.

Modules in the first semester familiarise students with tools from mathematics and physics needed for geophysical analysis and modelling as well as basic geophysical concepts and methodologies.

The second and third semesters are composed of modules related to advanced geophysical concepts and methodologies and tools from computational science and geophysical data processing.

Elective modules allow students to specialise in one of the fields of geodynamics, seismology or paleo- and geomagnetism. Students broaden their horizon by selecting modules from fields such as geochemistry, geodesy or geology in the third semester.

The fourth semester is reserved for the preparation of the Master's thesis, the subject of which will be closely integrated with the research in our group.

The programme consists of 120 credits, 30 of which are assigned to the Master's thesis and its defence.

As this is a joint programme, students who get admitted will become registered students of both LMU and TU Munich and have courses at both universities.

No tuition fees

Basic fee 85 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschlandticket

Living costs (including accommodation and health insurance) in Munich range from 1,000 to 1,200 EUR per month.

Applicants for the programme must possess the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree (in a programme of at least six semesters) with a sufficient grade in one of the following fields:

• geosciences
• geophysics
• mineralogy
• geology
• physics
• mathematics
• engineering sciences
• or a related subject

Please note that since the programme has a strong focus on modelling and simulation, a sound background in mathematics (minimally linear algebra and multidimensional calculus, preferably also ordinary differential equations) and physics is expected from our applicants.

Instruction and research will be carried out in English. Proficiency in the English language corresponding to level C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) must be demonstrated.

Application deadlines for the following winter semester:

• applicants from Germany, other EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway: 15 July
• other applicants: 28 February

No

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link:

https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 400-600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

The International Master's Programme in Geophysics assigns an academic mentor chosen from amongst the faculty members to each of its students. Various programmes and counselling opportunities for international students are provided by the International Office of LMU.