Applied and Environmental Geoscience (AEG)

Educational organisation

The MSc programme lasts four semesters and requires successful completion of six compulsory and eight elective modules as well as the Master's thesis.

The COMPULSORY MODULES cover key topics of environmental geoscience and additionally include modules that allow students to gain methodological, conceptual as well as practical skills for scientific research in the field of environmental geosciences in close interaction with staff and research groups. Compulsory modules are:
Hydrogeology, Aquatic and Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Modelling 1, Scientific Practice 1, Scientific Practice 2, Scientific Presentation

The ELECTIVE MODULES give students the opportunity to individually complement these lectures with topics of their interest. The following three AREAS of SPECIALISATION are offered, each requiring a special suite of three modules:
1. HYDROGEOLOGY: Applied Hydrogeology, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Geotechnical Engineering
2. ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING: Environmental Modelling 2, Case Studies in Environmental Modelling, Physics of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
3. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY: Environmental Microbiology and Geomicrobiology, Hydrogeochemical Modelling, Analytical Environmental Chemistry

The remaining credits can be obtained by any combination of all offered elective modules:
Water Treatment, Case Studies in Environmental Geoscience, GIS and Remote Sensing, Environmental Modelling 2, Advanced Geophysics, Atmospheric Physics, Environmental Microbiology and Geomicrobiology, Laboratory Course Geomicrobiology, Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Isotope Chemistry, Lab Course Environmental Chemistry, Geotechnical Engineering, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Applied Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Numerical Methods in Environmental Modelling, Earth Processes, Environmental Risk Assessment

The MASTER'S THESIS PROJECT is spread out over two semesters and already starts in the third semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

Study units abroad are not part of the curriculum.

Internships

Internships are not required.

Forms of assessment

Modules are concluded with one or several examinations. Depending on the types of lectures in the modules, examinations can be written exams, project reports or presentations. Modules are generally comprised of lecture units along with exercises that can be included in the assessment.
In total, 120 ECTS credits are needed to graduate: 36 ECTS credits for compulsory modules, 54 ECTS credits for elective modules, and 30 ECTS credits for the Master's thesis project.

Course objectives

The research-oriented MSc programme provides students with the ability to analyse and evaluate environmental problems in geosciences. AEG graduates are well-trained for jobs in environmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, and (re-)insurance companies covering costs of environmental risks and remediation.

The key employers for graduates of the AEG programme are environmental consultancies working in:

• characterisation of sites (hydrogeology, geophysics, chemical and microbiological analysis)
• assessment of environmental risks
• management of water resources
• design and operation of remediation technologies
• modelling of flow and reactive transport in subsurface systems

Furthermore, the AEG programme is an excellent foundation for doctoral studies in programmes of earth sciences, environmental sciences, and environmental engineering.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide adequate proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL 79 internet-based test, 213 computer-based test, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in either geology, geo-ecology, physical geography, physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, biology or related natural sciences

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently 142.10 EUR per semester. Fees entitle students to acquire the semester ticket for public transportation in the city of Tübingen and the surrounding area.

Costs of living

Costs of living and accommodation range from 600 EUR to 800 EUR per month, depending on lifestyle.

Job opportunities

Students may find jobs as graduate research assistants in projects at the Center of Applied Geoscience.

Arrival support

Students arriving in Tübingen will be picked up and escorted to their accommodation.

Services and support for international students

During the orientation days, students will be accompanied to public authorities for registration purposes and helped with opening bank accounts, registering with the university and setting up their health insurance. In addition, a number of social events are organised where class members can get to know each other.

Accommodation

Accommodation for international students is available in student residence halls at a moderate cost (approx. 250 EUR per month).