International Geophysics

The International Master's programme in Geophysics is offered jointly by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Technische Universität München, two of Germany's elite universities.
The international Master's programme in Geophysics is research-oriented with a strong focus on modelling and simulation. Our internationally renowned programme allows students to specialise in one of the following fields: geodynamics, seismology, or paleo- and geomagnetism. We are interested in recruiting not only students with a background in geosciences, but also students from physics, mathematics, or the engineering sciences.

Educational 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 signal processing. Elective modules allow students to specialise in one of the fields of geodynamics, seismology or paleo- and geomagnetism and to broaden their horizons by selecting modules such as geochemistry or Earth-oriented space sciences in the second and third semesters. 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.
This is a joint degree programme.

Language requirements

Instruction and research will be carried out in English. A good knowledge of English is required. To be admitted to the Master's programme in Geophysics, we require a TOEFL test (with a score of 550 in a written test or 213 in a computer-based test or 80 in an internet-based test), an IELTS test (minimum score 6.0 with no part of the test less than 5.0), a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (minimum score A or B) or a Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum score A or B).

Academic 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
• biology
• 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 and physics is expected from our applicants.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 120 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Munich metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Munich is one of the most expensive cities in Germany. Thus, a budget of no less than 700 EUR per month is recommended (e.g. 350 EUR minimum for private accommodation, 50 to 200 EUR for basic health insurance, depending on income, etc.).

Services and support for international students

The International Office offers a support and integration programme to assist international students, doctoral students, and postdocs at LMU:
http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/about_lmu/contact/int_office/index.html