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Master's programme

International Master's Programme in Geophysics Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 July 2027 (winter semester)
Language level required
English: C1
German: None

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Intake
Winter semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

The International Master's programme in Geophysics is an English language programme. No prior knowledge of German is required for admission.

Programme description

The International Master's programme in Geophysics is offered jointly by LMU Munich and Technical University of Munich, two of Germany's elite universities.

The international Master's programme in Geophysics is a research-oriented programme with a strong focus on modelling and simulation. Many of our students go on to continue with PhD-level research afterwards. Our internationally renowned programme allows students to specialise in one of the following fields:

  • geodynamics
  • seismology
  • paleo- and geomagnetism

Note that these fields are to be interpreted broadly, as we also have research groups focusing on earthquake seismology and rupture dynamics, archaeological prospection, glaciology and geocomputing.

As our research is highly interdisciplinary, we are interested in recruiting not only students with a background in geosciences, but also students from physics, mathematics, or the engineering sciences.

If your interest is in applied geophysics, especially exploration seismology, or related techniques, then this is not the right programme for you. Our programme does not focus on these topics. We do not teach these topics and we do not do research on these topics.

Programme structure

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 geophysical data processing.

Elective modules allow students to specialise in one of the fields of geodynamics, seismology or paleo- and geomagnetism. Students broaden their horizon by selecting modules from fields such as geochemistry, geodesy or geology in the third semester.

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.

As this is a joint programme, students who get admitted will become registered students of both LMU and TU Munich and have courses at both universities.

Programme structure

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

In cooperation with

Technische Universität München

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
1 November 2026
15 July 2027
Iceland
1 November 2026
15 July 2027
Norway
1 November 2026
15 July 2027
Liechtenstein
1 November 2026
15 July 2027
Switzerland
1 November 2026
15 July 2027
Non-EU countries
1 November 2026
28 February 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions 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
  • 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 (minimally linear algebra and multidimensional calculus, preferably also ordinary differential equations) and physics is expected from our applicants.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution. Exceptions may apply. See our website for further details.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
IELTS Academic
Total: 7 / 9

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Basic fee 97 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschlandticket

Cost of living

Living costs (including accommodation and health insurance) in Munich range from 1,000 to 1,200 EUR per month.

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme

The International Master's Programme in Geophysics assigns an academic mentor chosen from amongst the faculty members to each of its students. Various programmes and counselling opportunities for international students are provided by the International Office of LMU.

Career advisory services

LMU Career Services is the first point of contact at LMU for over 50,000 students and companies regarding all questions relating to careers and recruiting. The more than 100 career events and seminars each year, as well as numerous counselling services, are offered for all departments, from first-year students to doctoral candidates.

Accommodation

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html.

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 400-600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

Contact

Main contact

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Geophysics

Name
Dr Marcus Mohr
Adresse
Theresienstraße 41, 80333 München
E-Mail
E-mail

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Immer wissen, was als Nächstes ansteht

Mit deinem Study Guide hast du eine persönliche To-do-Liste, die sich an dein Herkunftsland, deinen Abschluss und deine Interessen anpasst – und dir zeigt, was als Nächstes wichtig ist.