International Programmes 2026/2027

International Master's Programme in Geophysics International Master's Programme in Geophysics

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • München

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
München
In cooperation with

Technische Universität München

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

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

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from:
  • EU countries
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Liechtenstein
  • Switzerland
For the winter semester:
1 November - 15 July
The following is valid for applicants from: non-EU countries
For the winter semester:
1 November - 28 February
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The International Master's programme in Geophysics is offered jointly by LMU Munich and Technical University of Munich, 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.

Course organisation

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.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

Basic fee 97 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschlandticket

Costs of living

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

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

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.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
C1 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026): 95
  • Reading: 24
  • Listening: 22
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
  • TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 5
  • Reading: 5
  • Listening: 5
  • Speaking: 5
  • Writing: 5
  • IELTS Academic: 7
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from:
  • EU countries
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Liechtenstein
  • Switzerland
For the winter semester:
1 November - 15 July
The following is valid for applicants from: non-EU countries
For the winter semester:
1 November - 28 February
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Accommodation

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.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

LMU Career Services is the first point of contact at LMU for over 50,000 students and companies regarding all questions relating to careers and recruiting. The more than 100 career events and seminars each year, as well as numerous counselling services, are offered for all departments, from first-year students to doctoral candidates.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

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.

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

University location

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.