MSc Study Program in the Geosciences

The IfG offers an excellent environment for studying geosciences, as it is one of the few institutes at German universities that brings together such a broad range of geoscience disciplines within a single department. The institute benefits from an international team of instructors and a bi-national Master’s program, which provide students with valuable opportunities to gain international experience. In addition, the IfG maintains close collaboration with the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG, giving students access to applied research projects and connections to industry and innovation-driven research.

Thanks to this wide spectrum of specializations and collaborative opportunities, students can prepare for a variety of careers in the geosciences while developing their expertise in a diverse, interdisciplinary, and internationally oriented environment. This combination equips graduates with strong professional skills and provides them with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Within our MSc program "Geosciences" we broadly offer several different tracks ("majors") that you can choose from:

(1) Geophysics (Experimental Geophysics, Earthquake processes, Tectonic Geodesy)

(2) Applied Geosciences (Engineering Geology and Rock mechanics, Geothermics, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology)

(3) Earth surface processes (Geomorphology and Geohazards, Sedimentology and Isotope Geochemistry, Sedimentary Geochemistry)

(4) Geodynamics and high-T Processes (Tectonics and Resources, Structural Geology, Petrology, Geochemistry, Crystallography)

(5) Applied Geothermics (Bi-national program, UNSJ Argentina and RUB Germany)

Tips from current students are coming soon....

Fieldwork is a central and highly practical component of both the BSc and MSc training at the IfG. Students participate in local and regional excursions where fundamental field methods are taught, as well as in advanced field courses, for example in structural mapping.

In addition, these courses include practical activities such as sampling and the use of modern field instruments. Field training covers key areas of the geosciences, including petrology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geophysical field methods. Excursions and field courses take students to various regions in Germany and across Europe, as well as to international locations such as Argentina. This allows students to apply their knowledge in real geological settings and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Here are some of the experiences of current students at the IGMG:

• "The interaction with each other is very uncomplicated, friendly and unbureaucratic, as there is no anonymity in the institute and people know each other." 
• "As in the bachelor's program, the atmosphere between students and teachers in the master's program is very personal and pleasant; you are not just a number here."
• "The correspondence or meetings with lecturers were always respectful, helpful and above all "relaxed" or easy-going."

Prospective students with degrees from EU countries, including Germany, should contact the study coordination office before applying. In this way, it can be clarified before application via the portal whether enrollment is possible.

Prospective students will then be forwarded to the relevant subject advisor for the mandatory consultation.

For general information about applying for admission to the RUB, see the following link. To find out specific details about applying to the program, please contact Dr. Maria Kirchenbaur (Studienkoordination-gmg@rub.de).

Application information for Non-EU citizens can be found here. 

An internship before or during your studies is not mandatory but highly recommended. Please contact the examination office or the student counsellor for the possibility to get credit points acknowledged.