Courses are taught in English. The Master's thesis can be written in either English or German.
The Master’s programme in Geophysics at the University of Münster is research-oriented and spans two years. It covers theoretical and applied concepts with an emphasis on the following fields:
Students benefit from small classes, a supportive learning environment, and close interaction with leading scientists in their fields.
Unlike many other Master's programmes in Earth sciences and related fields, a strong focus lies on quantitative methods, techniques and theories deeply rooted in physics and mathematics. Therefore, a solid background in both fields is required.
During the first year, students receive in-depth training in Seismology, Applied Geophysics, and Geodynamics. In addition, they select additional courses from a large choice of physics, geoscience, and interdisciplinary topics.
The second year is devoted to an independent research project carried out in one of the department's research groups under the supervision of leading scientists in their respective fields. The project is split into two parts: the module "Professional Specialisation and Project Design" in the third semester and the Master's thesis in the fourth semester.
We do not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 355 EUR per semester. This includes various services for students as well as a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in Münster and all of Germany.
You can find more information here.
We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).
You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.
A Bachelor's degree in geophysics, physics, mathematically oriented geosciences, or a closely related subject with a minimum grade of "C" according to ECTS
Credit points in an amount comparable to the Bachelor’s programme in geophysics offered at the University of Münster in the following fields: geophysics, physics and mathematics
For second-year students, several jobs as teaching assistants for Bachelor's courses or mentors to junior Bachelor's students are available. German language skills are required for teaching assistants. Small paid internships may be available. In addition, there is usually a large number of job offers for students in Münster.
As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and not easy to find in Münster – but it's not impossible either! Like most German universities, we do not have our own student halls of residence. However, the "Studierendenwerk", a governmental organisation, offers student halls in Münster. You can find additional information on housing options here and here (only in German).
When contacting about private offers, be careful! Please make sure that you never transfer money before you sign the rental contract. Ideally, you should be able to talk personally to the potential landlord, even if you are still abroad (via phone, video call, etc.) If you are not sure whether an offer is real or possibly a fraud, please feel free to contact the team of our International Office and send us the offer.
The University of Münster: Combining tradition & innovation
With some 41,000 students and 5,100 academics, the University of Münster is one of the biggest and oldest universities in Germany and one of the foremost centres of German intellectual life. Fifteen faculties with more than 120 subjects, over 280 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the university. Officially founded in 1780, our roots go back to a convent for the education of women founded in 1040, and the establishment of a Jesuit college in 1588.
Today, besides a broad range of academic opportunities – from Bachelor's programmes to in-service continuing education courses, the University of Münster offers a huge and varied number of extracurricular activities and support for its students: Learn a new language at our Language Centre, take part in one of over 150 different sports at our University Sports, sing in a choir or join an orchestra, take part in a university group, act in a play – or sit back and enjoy the performances of other students: with our wide variety of cultural, international, political and religious student societies, initiatives, and sports groups, the University of Münster offers you countless opportunities to spend your free time and make new friends.
We value a close relationship between research and teaching as well as extensive advice and counselling services.
About the city
In Germany, Münster is known as one of THE student cities. Since its official founding in 1780, the University of Münster has grown continuously. Our departments, central institutions and libraries are spread all over the city - well, the city of Münster somehow is our campus! Münster is a beautiful, green, safe and lively city of about 320,000 inhabitants in the north-western part of Germany, and the northern part of its federal state, North-Rhine Westphalia. Münster has a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene - partly due to its over 60,000 students at one of the eight institutions of higher education. Many cafés, bars and cultural institutions in the city offer a wide range of discounts for students. Münster also hosts one of the most important art exhibitions worldwide the sculpture project – every 10 years. What else? Well, Münster has won numerous awards for its high quality of life – and a bicycle is the best way to zoom around!
International Campus
For international and German students, the University of Münster has various offerings for networking, intercultural understanding and encounters, a buddy programme matching international and German students, cultural events, support, and much more.
The International Office is your first point of contact. The team at the International Office advises international incoming students as well as local students, academics and staff who are planning a visit abroad. We answer questions from international prospective students and applicants relating to preparatory programmes, choosing a major, admission requirements, application procedures, visa and residence issues, financial matters and life in Germany / Münster.
If you are an international student, our Language Centre offers study preparatory German language courses. For enrolled students, our Language Centre also offers study-accompanying German language courses as well as courses for almost 20 other languages free of charge.
Münster lies in the heart of the Münsterland region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and close to the border with the Netherlands. The city of Münster with its 320,000 inhabitants (of which around 62,000 are students) is a vibrant hub with a central location and excellent connectivity. Due to its position, Münster is an ideal starting point for excursions to other major cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, or Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The city is well connected by train, bus, and via Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO). Within Münster itself, the bicycle is the primary mode of transport: Münster is known as Germany's bicycle capital and boasts an extensive network of well-developed cycle paths.
The Münsterland is lined with numerous historical castles, offering glimpses into past times and inviting visitors to exciting excursions. A particular highlight is the Teutoburger Wald, which lies not far from Münster. This forested ridge offers beautiful hiking trails, ideal conditions for walking, and even opportunities for climbing.
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