Program Overview

Introduction to the Earth Sciences Master Program

The objective of Earth Sciences is to understand the creation and development of planet Earth from its beginning to its current complexity. Due to the interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, the Earth’s surface – and with it, the human habitat – is constantly changing.

Facts and Formalities

• Degree: Master of Science
• Type of programme: Consecutive
• Start of programme: Winter and summer semester
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters
• Language(s) of instruction: German
• Fees and contributions: 161.10 € / Semester
• Application procedure: Consecutive master’s programmes with access restriction
• Application deadlines: Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.

Course Content

On the basis of the knowledge acquired in a Bachelor's degree programme in Earth Sciences, students in the consecutive, research-oriented Master's degree programme will gain further expertise and methodological knowledge in the field of Earth Sciences. In addition to a small number of mandatory lectures and courses, in accordance with their own interests, students may choose additional courses from a wide range of options. Special emphasis is placed on intensive field and laboratory courses.

Course Structure

The Master’s degree programme in Earth Sciences at Heidelberg University consists of providing further education in the form of lectures, field work, tutorials, seminars, laboratory internships, and project work. The programme consists of the following compulsory and compulsory-elective modules:

Compulsory Modules

• Communication and Didactics
• Isotope Geology and Geochronology
• Earth dynamics
• Field Exercises I
• Final oral examination
• Master’s thesis

Optional Modules

• Environmental Geochemistry
• Cosmochemistry and Planetary Processes
• Paleoenvironmental Dynamics
• Paleoclimatology
• Sedimentary Geology
• Paleontology
• Thermochronology - Numerical Modelling - Landscape Development
• Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes
• Georesources
• Analytical Techniques
• Environmental Physics
• Field Exercises II
• Freely-selected module

Additional Degrees

• Bachelor 100%
• Master of Education Extension Subject