Masters degrees in Geophysics offer advanced study of the physical structure and dynamics of the Earth using quantitative methods.
Related subjects include Exploration Geophysics, and Petroleum Geophysics. Entry requirements normally include an appropriate undergraduate degree such as Geography, Geology or Environmental Science.
The international master program in Geophysics at KIT is research-oriented, has a strong focus on exploration and earthquake seismology and brings together theory and field experiments. This provides our students the opportunity to cover the full range of geophysics from data acquisition to modelling, inversion and interpretation. The program is taught entirely in English.
Students studying in the international master program in Geophysics benefit from the strong expertise in exploration and earthquake seismology for which the Geophysical Institute of KIT is known worldwide for more than 50 years.
In the international research-oriented master program we bring together our knowledge in theory as well as in field experiments and give our students the possibility to understand the full picture from data acquisition to modelling, inversion and interpretation.
Students take part in compulsory and elective courses within their 1st year covering different topics of seismology and proximate subjects. During their 2nd year, students will be fully integrated in one of the research groups working on their theses in order to have an optimum preparation for their future work in science and industry. For more details on the program structure see program structure above.
Recently, the concept of in situ lecturing was successfully established at KIT. In situ lectures are taught at the place which is being studied giving students the possibility to fully understand the dimensions and observe the whole range of parameters involved in the subject. Within the last years, in situ lectures have led our students to the Aeolian Islands, deep into potash mines in Thuringia, to the Gotthard base tunnel while it was built, and to seismically active regions in Germany and the Czech Republic.
International summer schools are conducted in cooperation with Bandung Institute of Technology and Australia National University. Since KIT is part of the Eucor universities
Students can also choose lectures offered by our European partners.
Compulsory courses in the 1st year include Theory of Seismic Waves, Seismology, Physics of Seismic Instruments, Seismic Imaging, Seismic Modelling as well as Inversion and Tomography. In order to specialize, students can choose electives from Geophysics or proximate subjects. Lectures on Array Processing, Full Waveform Inversion, Geological Hazards and Risk, Induced Seismicity, Hazard and Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Volcanoes and a Winter School at the Black Forest Observatory are regularly offered.
During the 2nd year of the program students will be integrated in one of the research groups working on their thesis. We consider it as important to fully immerse into a project and work on it deeply over a longer period so that our students have an optimum preparation for their work in science and industry.
Qualification for university entrance (e.g. Abitur, high school diploma, national test for university entrance, ...)
The Bachelor degree has to be completed with a minimum of 180 ECTS points or within a regular period of study of at least three years. If the Bachelor degree has not yet been conferred by the closing date for applications, but will be completed before the registration, you can apply with a preliminary transcript of records.
Profound knowledge of Geophysics, Mathematics and Physics (usually a minimum 20 credits each during the Bachelor studies). Missing credits in Geophysics can individually caught up for during the 1st year. For immediate success students without background in Geophysics can take part in an interactive convergence course covering the most important topics from Seismology and Seismics.
On request the following proofs can also be accepted: Bachelor degree of a university program taught in English University entrance qualification received in an English program Bachelor thesis written in English.
Apply here: https://www.sle.kit.edu/vorstudium/master-geophysik.php ;
Applications for the winter term (beginning in October) can be submitted until 15 July (Non-EU-Applicants) and until 30 September (German and EU-Applicants).
Due to the modular structure of the program, a start in the summer term (April) is also possible, but not recommended for students from abroad or students who do not hold a Bachelor degree in Geophysics.
If you have an interest in the earth in relation to minerals extraction Geophysics has plenty of scope to get involved in the profession itself and expertise required to explore different types of terrain but in a newly evolving landscape of assistive technology companies offering the latest methods of discovering production and risk issues beneath the earths surface. You learn these latest methods of finding out data to understand risk and potential engineering issues in difficult to reach places. Signal processing uses the latest advances in sensor development to set up an alert system to monitor specific areas which are normally difficult to reach. Seismic processing looks at how the earth moves not only in times of earthquakes but natural movement from chemical reactions beneath the surface of the earth.
Borehole extraction is used in mineral extraction but also to determine if reserves are live or loading is safe and much and more. The skills you learn apply equally to current and future mineral extraction as they do to land and sea where extraction has historically taken place and where there is application for a different use from a remediated coal mine for example where loading can be critical to risk for future use. The programme equips you with skills in hydrocarbon, minerals and associated industries or research. You understand structure from near surface to deep interior learning from geophysical data analysis and interpretation.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about international fees:
Find out more about fees on the programme page
*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
This is a programme designed for graduates in the physical or environmental sciences, mathematics or engineering.
This is the course page for MRes Marine Geology and Geophysics at the University of Southampton. Find out everything about Marine Geology and Geophysics and what studying here involves.
In this course page we explain a range of key information about the course. This includes typical entry requirements, modules you can take and how assessment works. We also suggest career opportunities open to you as a University of Southampton graduate of MRes Marine Geology and Geophysics.
If you still have questions, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any enquiries. See our contact us page for our telephone, email and address information.
MRes students spend two thirds of their year on their research project and the rest of their time taking taught modules. You can choose from a range of flexible pathways depending on your research interest. These currently include Exploration, Geodynamics, Coastal Processes, Palaeoceanography and Micro-palaeontology. You will develop specific knowledge and skills through your selection of modules and choice of subject for your research project.
The programme is taught by staff from across NOCS who draw on their cutting edge research to create a challenging and stimulating degree programme. You will also be encouraged to attend our research seminars, some delivered by leading visiting scientists.
View the programme specification document for this course
Sustaining a growing population on our dynamic planet requires deep understanding of geological and geophysical processes within the Earth, and of how they interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biota. The Master's Programme in Geology and Geophysics trains you to address pressing questions concerning our home planet's evolution, its role as the source of raw materials needed by modern civilisation, and environmental issues. Key questions include:
How can we decode Earth’s rock record to reveal the evolution of Earth’s crust and mantle over billions of years?
How do we make natural resource exploration and extraction more sustainable and environmentally friendly?
What can the Earth’s history tell us to help us forecast the impacts of climate change?
Where can we safely construct power plants or store nuclear waste?
The programme includes four specialist options: Petrology and Economic Geology; Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology; Palaeontology and Global Change; and Solid Earth Geophysics.
Upon completion of the programme, you will have gained expertise in a number of scientific and professional skills, including, depending on your specialist option:
Further information about the studies on the Master's programme website.
At the beginning of the advanced studies, you will familiarise yourself with the central research methods in the field. The studies consist of intensive learning in small groups on practical work courses, guided laboratory work on specialised courses, and tailored short-term courses led by international and Finnish experts. In addition, you will be able to take part are a variety of field courses and excursions (in Finland and beyond) to familiarise yourself with research topics in their natural surroundings.
Join us for our Master Open Day to find out more about our courses.
Geophysics is the remote study of the Earth's interior through physical techniques – principally analysing seismic data, but also applying gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic methods.
It is a key element of oil, gas and mineral exploration, environmental and archaeological assessment, and engineering site investigation.
This course prepares you to embark on a career in resource exploration, environmental and engineering geophysics.
Running continuously for over 50 years it is very firmly established and has strong links to industry. It provides you with a broad range of practical skills, underpinned by a theoretical understanding that equips you to become a professional in your chosen field.
You will also undertake a four-month individual project, mostly in association with an external company or institute and often in their offices.
Demand for geophysicists continues to be high and this well-established course has an exceptionally good record of job placement for both UK/EU and overseas students.
Course highlights:
Theoretically, experimentally, and observationally oriented Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are offered in a number of key areas of geophysics. Current interests include topics in observational and theoretical glaciology; climate variability; geodynamics of the crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planets; geological fluid mechanics; volcanic processes; origin and structure of planetary magnetic fields; reflection seismology; time-series analysis and wavelet processing; inversion methodologies with application to reflection seismology, mineral exploration, and environmental studies; computational electrodynamics; seismology with observational programs in crustal and upper mantle studies; earthquake studies focused on understanding past and current tectonic processes in Western Canada; and theoretical model studies to investigate wave propagation in laterally heterogeneous media.
Theoretically, experimentally, and observationally oriented Master of Science (M.Sc.) programs are offered in a number of key areas of geophysics. Current interests include topics in observational and theoretical glaciology; climate variability; geodynamics of the crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planets; geological fluid mechanics; volcanic processes; origin and structure of planetary magnetic fields; reflection seismology; time-series analysis and wavelet processing; inversion methodologies with application to reflection seismology, mineral exploration, and environmental studies; computational electrodynamics; seismology with observational programs in crustal and upper mantle studies; earthquake studies focused on understanding past and current tectonic processes in Western Canada; and theoretical model studies to investigate wave propagation in laterally heterogeneous media.
In 2012 the new Earth Sciences Building was completed. The $75 million facility was designed to inspire collaboration and creativity across disciplines.
Join us for our Master Open Day to find out more about our courses.
The only applied structural geology Masters in the UK. Providing you with advanced training in the practical application of structural geology, preparing you either for employment in the hydrocarbon or mining industries or for postgraduate study (PhD).
You’ll gain a skillset combining advanced structural techniques and interpreting seismic data, an understanding of structural systems in time and space, and an appreciation of both the geological and geophysical constraints of seismic interpretation and model building.
This will enable you to use a combination of structural and geophysical techniques to solve geological problems. As a capable seismic interpreter you’ll be able to contribute in an industry role from day one.
Our teaching is research led, with direct links to active applied research. You’ll be taught by a range of research and industry experts, as well as through industry-led workshops. Strong industry links are a feature of this course.
Course highlights:
Fieldwork
The following fieldwork to the UK and overseas is free, and forms an integral part of the course. It is directly linked to learning outcomes in the classroom.
A 3.0 grade point average is the minimum required to remain enrolled in the program.
No graduate credit is allowed for a course in which a grade lower than C has been received. Thesis/master’s report grades are recorded on a pass-fail basis and are not computed in grade point averages, although a passing grade in all thesis/master’s report credit hours is required.
Initial advisement of master’s program students is by the departmental graduate advisor. Students are expected to select a general research area and to make arrangements with a research advisor during their first year. The research advisor approves the remainder of the course of study and supervises the student’s research.
Courses taken for graduate credit in this program shall be selected from those offered by the Graduate School and are subject to the approval of the student’s advisor, the thesis committee, and the graduate advisor. Students with a concentration in environmental geoscience may take up to six hours of courses offered by the College of Law. These courses must be taken pass/fail and must be counted as courses outside the major discipline.
Full-time students intending to take the non-thesis option should declare their intention to the Graduate School at the end of their first semester; part-time students, after completing nine credit hours. This option requires the approval of the departmental chair and the Dean of the Graduate School. At the time of enrollment in a non-thesis option, the student must select both a general area in which to write a report and a member of the graduate faculty willing to supervise the report and approve the remainder of the study program. The report is the culmination of independent study and may be the result of an extensive literature search, fieldwork, laboratory work, or similar effort. The report must follow the general guidelines for writing a thesis and is subject to the advisor’s approval. Students in the non-thesis option must enroll in GEOL 7913 or GPHY 7913 for the report portion of their program.
Our MSc in Geoscience Research is a research-focused postgraduate taught master's course with industry and international placement opportunities designed for a career in research, academia or a discipline related work setting.
The course consists of six modules spread over three semesters, including an extensive research project in geoscience, environmental science or physical geography.
Project areas range from applied and environmental geophysics to igneous petrology, volcanology, Quaternary environments, palaeoclimates, palaeoceanography, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology, sedimentology, palaeontology, renewable and alternative energy, and petroleum geoscience.
A distinct feature of this master’s programme is the opportunity for UK students to complete a placement at one of several European, North American and Asian partner institutions, all of which have established research links with Keele staff. However, as a UK student, you can also choose to carry out your research project here at Keele or in collaboration with local or UK-based industry. As an international student, you will undertake your research and placement at Keele University under the supervision of international experts in their chosen research area.
The emphasis on the substantial ‘hands on’ research training with the provision of an international placement option makes this programme unique within the Higher Education Sector in the UK and will thus increase your employability. We believe that this will help to develop future employees with an international outlook.
The MSc Geoscience Research programme at Keele offers the added value of the Distinctive Keele Curriculum (DKC), which develops students' intellectual, personal and professional capabilities (Keele Graduate Attributes) through both subject-specific and generic workshops and activities.
See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/geoscienceresearch/
The principal aim of this Masters course is to develop your generic and specific research skills in an area of the Geosciences or related scientific disciplines, which will enhance your employment prospects. On completion of the programme you will:
- Have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the chosen research area in Geosciences;
- Gain a conceptual understanding to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline area;
- Be able to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
- Possess developed scientific skills and knowledge, and transferable skills, in a UK-based or international workplace setting;
- Have a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research;
- Attain organisational and commercial awareness.
For those students undertaking a placement/research project in Europe the work and achievement on the programme will be documented in the EU Europass, a record of achievement signed by all parties. All students are required to pursue the University’s ‘Realise’ scheme which enables them to identify their personal and professional skills and development needs.
The MSc programme is full-time for 12 months, starting in September.
The programme comprises six modules including a research project/placement which is undertaken either at Keele University or on placement with a host institution overseas:
- Research Skills (30 credits)
- Literature Review (15 credits)
- Modern Language Module* or Academic English for Postgraduate Students** or Geoscience Option Module*** (15 credits)
- Research Project Design and Management (30 credits)
- Dissertation (90 credits)
*Students undertaking their research project at a host institution overseas will choose a modern language module or a language and culture module for their international placement.
**International students for whom English is not their first language will take Academic English for Postgraduate Students to further improve their English language skills.
*** UK/Native English speaking international students undertaking their research project at Keele University or a host institution in the UK can take a selected Geoscience option module relevant to their research area. These may include: Natural Hazards; Glaciers & Glacial Geomorphology; Global Environmental Change; Water Resources; Hydrological & Engineering Geology; Structure and Geodynamics; Economic Geology; Advanced Topics in Sedimentology; Exploration Geophysics for the Hydrocarbon Industry; Petroleum Geology; Volcanic and Magmatic Processes.
You will be taught by experienced, well qualified and enthusiastic staff. All of the staff are research active within the discipline, accomplished at working on research funded work both nationally and internationally. The programme team are enthusiastic to share their teaching, research and professional experience to help you achieve success in your studies.
You will complete formal assessment on all modules. Assessments will include presentations, reflective diary, reports, reviews, portfolio and a dissertation. During your placement this will include keeping an extensive record of the training attended and skills obtained, with a reflective report (for the research training portfolio), as well as a dissertation on the project undertaken during the placement.
The research project/dissertation is based on the submission of a 20,000-25,000 word report that is undertaken in conjunction with an academic supervisor and, where appropriate, an industrial collaborator.
There will be additional costs in terms of living expenses, travel and insurance related with the placement if you choose to undertake your research project with an overseas host institution. The amount required will be dependent on the cost of living associated with certain countries.
UK Students choosing a placement research project in an EU member state will be eligible to apply for an ERASMUS scholarship.
Our research-focused course with industry and international placement opportunities leads our graduates into a diverse range of careers.
Our students have chosen careers in research, academia or a discipline related work setting, including geotechnical and environmental consultancies, and local, regional, national or multi-national corporations.
For examples of what graduates are doing now, see here - https://www.keele.ac.uk/gge/applicants/postgraduatetaughtcourses/mscgeoscienceresearch/employmentcasestudies/
Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/
This course is ideally situated to take advantage of the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen city and its industry experts who also have a strong input into the programme content and structure. This combination of academic overview and industry expertise ensures that you have a good range of skills and knowledge which is applicable to the global oil and gas and energy market so ideal if you are international or work or want to work internationally. Your skills are ideally placed to scope out maximising oil field recovery from declining field areas on top of upstream geoscience knowledge from initial exploration to mature and declining field recovery.
Aberdeen has been running this programme since 1973 to the current day, learning with the energy industry which is located in Aberdeen itself. This means that the programme is not only robust drawing on historical learning relevant to the current day, but highly regarded internationally. This strength of knowledge feeds down directly to you as a student and afterwards as a highly trained professional within the energy market.
Regarded as the best of its kind in the world the programme gives you vocational training in geoscience skills for minerals exploration and production, including: seismic interpretation, petrophysical analysis, geochemical evaluation, sedimentology, structural analysis, and reservoir modelling.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about international fees:
Find out more about fees on the programme page
*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
