International Programmes 2023/2024

Geoscience PhD Geoscience PhD

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Dr rer nat / PhD Geoscience
Teaching language
  • German
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (75%) and German (25%).

Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The PhD programme Geoscience is based on three research foci of the faculty. These are:

1. Coupled processes among the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere

This research focus examines geological, mineralogical, crystallographic and biological processes in the formation of minerals and rocks. Interactions at different geological and biological interfaces are investigated. At these interfaces, mass transfer processes take place, beginning in the low-thermal region and extending to the upper temperature limit for life (110-120°C).

2. Dynamics and transport processes of the lithosphere

This priority focuses on the fundamental processes that control the dynamics of the lithosphere and the design of the earth's surface. The extent and nature of volcanic eruptions are determined by the physical properties of melts and their chemical evolution in the magma reservoir. The geochemical composition, isotopic tracers and the physical properties of the magmas are examined analytically and experimentally. They make it possible to reconstruct the origin, depth and activity of magma chambers.

3. Coupled processes in georeservoirs

The development of geological reservoirs in the earth's crust (georeservoirs) for applications beyond hydrocarbon extraction has been intensified worldwide over the past decades. For example, the use of geothermal energy as a renewable, base-load energy source and the storage of gases and energy in geological formations are of growing economic and societal importance.

By participating in a number of externally funded projects, doctoral candidates learn to perform independent scientific work. Through active participation in the scientific affairs of the faculty or the Geoscience Centre, students acquire knowledge and skills that go beyond a curricular programme of study.

Course organisation

The focus of the PhD programme lies on the individual research of the PhD students (160 ECTS are gained by dissertation and defence), which is accompanied by a variety of courses: 20 ECTS are gained by completing courses, one compulsory course on theory and methods is included, and three elective courses are part of the programme (e.g., on reflecting research, scientific communication, scientific teaching, key competencies, etc.).
Students are free to decide on the specific courses they will complete during each semester.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

The confirmation of one potential supervisor from the Faculty of Geoscience and Geography to supervise the doctoral thesis is required upon application. Please see the course website for the entire admission regulations and details about the application procedure: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/430861.html.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills, e.g.:

  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, at least grade "B"
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, at least grade "C"
  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): at least 6
  • TOEFL iBT: at least 80 points
  • TOEFL PBT (paper-based): at least 550 points
  • CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference): at least level B2 certificate
  • UNIcert: at least level III
  • successful graduation from an English-language study programme
Submit application to

University of Göttingen
Dekanat der Fakultät für Geowissenschaften und Geographie
Goldschmidtstr. 3
37077 Göttingen
Germany

Possibility of finding part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industry and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

Further information: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html

Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are only available if you have a low income.

Structured research and supervision
Yes
Research training / discussion
Yes
Career advisory service

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html.

University of Göttingen

University location

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