Masters Degree in Geoscience

In research, geoscientists work with highly specialised and high-resolution chemical, biological and physical laboratory and field analysis. Therefore, the geosciences are a very diverse branch of science in which there are constantly new research findings and methodological developments.
Geoscientists deal with the interrelationships and interactions of the Earth system and the structure, evolutionary history, as well as current and future state of our planet Earth and its habitats. All geoscientific processes of the Earth system in the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere are examined. This includes all geological, chemical, physical and biological procedures and processes that have taken place and are currently taking place from the formation of the Earth to its present appearance.

Current issues and important scientific areas are research into raw material deposits (metals, oil, natural gas), geothermal energy, natural disasters (volcanoes, earthquakes), climate impact research, the development of new materials (CO₂-neutral cements, high-performance ceramics, bone substitutes) and engineering geological and hydrogeological issues (e.g. subsoil investigations, slope analyses, geophysics). e.g. subsoil investigations, landslides, designation of water protection areas, investigations of the water cycle), as well as the investigation of past and present ecosystems (climate archives, biodiversity, reaction of organisms and ecosystems to environmental influences).

1st semester (WiSe)
Courses to extend the basics acquired in the Bachelor’s degree and introduction to the major and minor fields of study in preparation for the field and laboratory courses offered in the following semesters

Lecture-free period: industrial internship or mapping/project work or module field exercise

2nd semester (SoSe)

Semester-long lectures and exercises, key qualification module

Lecture-free period: industrial internship or mapping/project work or module field exercise

3rd semester (WiSe)

Consolidation of knowledge of the research modules; comprehensive courses whose content serves as direct preparation for the Master’s thesis, key qualification module

Lecture-free period: industrial internship or mapping/project work or field exercise module

4th semester (SoSe)

Master’s thesis + Master’s colloquium

You can choose two out of six possible fields of study, depending on your individual interests.

The following fields of study are offered:

• Petrology-Geodynamics-Georesources (PG, in German)
• Applied Sedimentology-Georesources (AS, in German)
• Applied Geology (AG, in German)
• Applied Mineralogy (AM, in German)
• Palaeobiology-Palaeoenvironments (PB, in English)
• Climate and Earth Systems (CES, in English)

Note: If you apply as international student only „Palaeobiology-Palaeoenvironments“ and „Climate and Earth Systems“ can be choosen other fields are not available.

Depending on the individual orientation, there are numerous, different career opportunities, e.g. in engineering offices, universities, chemical industry, State Office for the Environment, laboratories, museums, research centres. The career prospects are very good due to the scientific orientation.

An explanation of what the individual specialisations deal with in detail can be found on our homepage or on the official information sheet for the Master of Geosciences.

• Interest in the Earth system
• Interest in the natural sciences chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology.

Together with our students, we explore the Earth system to find solutions for the challenges of the future.

We research:

• Climate and climate impact research
• Sustainable exploration of resources
• Development and optimization of geo-materials
• Geothermal energy/geoenergy
• Research and protection against natural disasters (e.g. volcanism, earthquakes)
• Groundwater protection

We offer:

• In both the bachelor’s and master’s program, there is the possibility to choose from different specializations. Study according to your own interests!
• Numerous excursions at home and abroad
• Intensive supervision during your studies
• Proximity to research and industrial projects

The numerous fields of geosciences also include a large number of different professional fields. Geoscientists work in Germany and abroad, for example in:

• engineering offices,
• universities,
• the chemical industry,
• environmental agencies,
• laboratories,
• museums,
• research centres.

For more information about career opportunities in the geosciences, please visit our Career Prospects page: https://www.gzn.nat.fau.eu/study/profession-geoscientist/.

Here, you can also learn more about career paths of our Alumni: https://www.gzn.nat.fau.eu/prospective-students/career-paths-after-graduation/.

There are two Master subjects taught in English: Paleobiology and Climate and Earth Systems. For further details see “Options for Major/Minor Subjects” below!
Make sure that you choose the right combination of courses. If you enrol for a Major or Minor Subject taught in German and cannot prove a B2 level of German, you may get rejected. Information on application/registration for the Masters Degree The application to the Geoscience Masters Degree is submitted via the campo portal. Information about enrolment and application deadlines Checklists of your application

• CV
• School Leaving Certificates  (Abitur, A Levels, IB, etc.)
• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate after §50 Abs. 2 (Certificate, Transcript of Records, Diploma Supplement or comparable documents) or a Transcript of Records in case of §47 Abs. 3
• Letter of motivation, containing information on the following topics:
  a. previous education (in particular, geoscience education)
  b. what are your expectations and aspirations for the programme
  c. choices of first and second major subjects.

The Geoscience M.Sc. at FAU always begins in the winter semester. The application deadline for winter semester is in mid July. An average grade of 2.5 is required for entry for home students, international students are reviewed by individual case.

The Geosciences Masters Degree is a two years course (four semesters) totalling 120 ECTS credits. It comprises specialisations in a major and a minor subject alongside two core skill (key qualification) modules and an Interdisciplinary Elective Module. The major/minor are chosen from the six areas of specialisation available at the GeoZentrum Nordbayern. Key Qualifications are subject-specific oriented industry internships, project work, mapping or comparable activities within or outside the university. Any module within the Faculty of Natural Sciences can be taken as an Interdisciplinary Elective Module.

Offered Major/Minor Subjects:

• Applied Geology (AG)
• Applied Mineralogy (AM)
• Applied Sedimentology – Georesources (AS)
• Petrology – Geodynamics – Georesources (PG)
• Palaeobiology – Palaeoenvironments (PB) (in English)
• Earth Systems Research Lab (RL) (in English)

Overview of the modules in the Masters Degree in Geoscience The Geoscience Masters Degree begins with a knowledge deepening phase which lasts for two semesters. Students attend both major and minor subjects throughout this phase. A core skill and elective module are taken in the first semester and a second core skill module in the second semester. The purpose of this period is to broaden the subject-specific and relevant methodological knowledge.

The following research phase covers two semesters and focuses on practical education. Students work independently in the laboratory on questions from their major subjects and learn how to use specialist geoscience software.

In the fourth semester of the Master’s Degree Programme the students work on their concluding Master’s Thesis which is presented in a final Master’s Colloquium.

Industrial internships, mapping, research project or fieldwork (core skills module) can be done in the semester break. Students have the option to attend the various field trips associated with lectures which are offered by the GeoZentrum. After successful graduation the title Master of Science (M.Sc.) will be awarded.

Majors/Minors are taught in German unless otherwise stated. In the Masters Degree Programme Geosciences the students have to choose two out of the six offered subjects, one Major and one Minor Subject. In the Major Subject the students attend three modules more than in the Minor Subject and write their Masters Thesis. Here an overview on the subjects:

Palaeobiology – Palaeoenvironment (PB, in English)

Paleobiology covers the evolution of life and ecosystems, with a focus on environmental conditions and processes. It ranges from the early history of life to recent history and the effects of anthropogenic climate change. Important topics are carbonate sedimentology, marine fossils and taxonomy alongside palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Methods include statistical analysis of large datasets (such as the Palaeobiology Database or the PaleoReefs Database) geological field and laboratory work and chemical analytical methods. Additional information is available on the homepage of the international master program.

Climate and Earth Systems (CES, in English)

The subject Climate and Earth Systems can only be studied as a Minor Subject. The students work on their own scientific projects and learn how to write project proposals, scientific writing, as well as science communication and exercise their computer skills. They get a geoscientific background for interdisciplinary cooperations and train skills for an academic career.

Petrology – Geodynamics – Georesources (PG, in German)

This major focuses on geodynamic processes in the Earth’s crust and mantle, which are fundamental in understanding the evolution of our planet. The formation of magmas in Earth’s interior and at active continental margins (mid-oceanic ridges and subduction zones) play an important role. Furthermore, the consequences of magmatic activity, such as volcanic eruptions, and the impacts on society are covered in this field. The formation mechanisms of magmatic ore deposits is an important subject, fundamental for exploration geology. The main methods of investigation in this specialism is isotopic and chemical analysis of rocks.

Applied Sedimentology – Georesources (AS, in German)

The processes that lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks and related non-metallic natural resource deposits, alongside methods of exploration are the main focus of this major. This includes fossil fuels (crude oil, natural gas, coal) and construction materials (sand, gravel, natural rock). A second important topic in this field is geothermal energy as a renewable energy resource. Here the study focuses on the thermal properties of rocks with respect to their use for heat and electricity generation, for both near-surface and deep geothermal engineering. In addition, the isotopic geochemistry laboratory is in this department, focusing on stable carbon and oxygen isotopes for the reconstruction of climatic conditions and changes of Earth’s past.

Applied Geology (AG, in German)

Applied geology in Erlangen places an emphasis on hydrogeology. The focus of environmental systems modeling in Erlangen is on the development and use of model-based solutions for risk assessment and sustainable management of environmental systems. Here, hydrological and groundwater models, as well as methods for time series analysis and uncertainty quantification, are applied. Other topics considered include contaminated site investigations and landfill construction, as well as groundwater remediation measures and extreme events in the Alpine region. Hydrology is the study of water cycle processes. It covers ground and surface water dynamics, preservation and safety of regional water supplies, karst hydrology and water chemistry. Main methods of this area are isotope analysis and the  chemical composition of waters. This research group also investigate possible ground storage of CO₂.

Applied Mineralogy (AM, in German)

The mineralogical institute covers the applied field of building chemistry (cement mineralogy), high-performance ceramics (e.g. phosphorecent materials) and calcium phosphate as bone substitutes. The focus is on reaction processes in mineralogical substances and their influence on material properties. The methods used are primarily x-ray diffractometry, calorimetry and microprobe analysis.

10 ECTS of the Masters Degree require the completion of two Key Qualification (core skills) modules (SQ-1 and SQ-2, 5 ECTS each) that are scheduled for the second and third semester.

Here are some possibilities:

1. Industrial Internships (4 weeks)
2. Geological Mapping (12 days)
3. Fieldwork (12 days)
4. Project work or comparable activities (4 weeks),

The core skill module work must be evaluated by an accredited examiner.

Elective modules available in the Geoscience Masters Degree. The elective module is scheduled for the first semester. Please note, lectures are offered annually. It is recommended to complete modules offered in the winter semester in the first semester and lectures offered in the summer semester in the second semester.

Current Elective Modules for the Geoscience Masters Degree programme are worth 5 ECTs (most modules are in German):

Last change: May 2026

Master’s Thesis subject has to be chosen by the start of the final semester and after the acquisition of at least 50 ECTS credits. The successful completion of a Master’s Thesis equates to 25 credits. Master’s Thesis colloquium presentation is worth 5 credits. A Geosciences Masters Degree  prepares students for work in industrial enterprises, engineering companies, authorities and comparable establishments. The degree also lays the foundation for doctoral studies.

After Section 34 of the General Examination Regulations for the Bachelors Degree in Geoscience (BSc) and Masters Degree in Geoscience (MSc) and GeoThermics/GeoEnergy (MSc) the following guidelines for the implementation and assessment of the Master’s Thesis in the Masters Degree in Geoscience:

• A Master’s Thesis in the Geoscience Masters Degree can be assigned by all full-time professors and habilitated full-time workgroup heads at the GeoZentrum Nordbayern.
• The students must ensure that they have a topic for their Master’s Thesis. Topic and date of issue have to be confirmed by the supervisor and registered by the student with the added formular at the examinations office.
• The maximum period for a Master’s Thesis is 6 months (an extension of max. 3 months can be permitted by the examination board in well founded exceptional cases).
• The Master’s Thesis should follow the rules of scientific publishing and contain the chapters Abstract, Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, poss. Conclusion, Discussion and a list of the References (guideline by the examination board).
• The Master’s Thesis can be written German or English (with approval of the supervisor).
• The model title page is required at the start of the thesis.
• The Master’s Thesis must be submitted to the examination office by the deadline in three casebound copies alongside an electronic form (PDF document on external data storage device) together with the Erklärung des Studierenden zur Offenlegung (declaration of disclosure) and the BAföG-Erklärung (declaration on Federal Law on Support in Education).
• The Selbständigkeitserklärung (statement of authorship) must also be incorporated into the Master’s Thesis.
• Two copies of the thesis will be forwarded to reviewers by the examination office.
• The review of the Master’s Thesis will be done in equal parts by the supervisor and another reviewer. The examination board comprises all full-time professors and habilitated full-time work group heads at the GeoZentrum Nordbayern. (possible grades: 1.0 /1.3/1.7/2.0/2.3/2.7/3.0/3.3/3.7/4.0/5.0 = inadequate).

The text above is only an excerpt from the General Examination Regulations for the Bachelors Degree in Geoscience (BSc) and the Masters Degree in Geoscience (MSc) and GeoThermics/GeoEnergy (MSc). You will find all further guidelines and rules for the Geoscience Masters and the Master’s Thesis in the document.

Latest version: February 2016