Master of Science Tropical Hydrogeology and Environmental Engineering (TropHEE) Technical University of Darmstadt

The study programme aims at deepening and diversifying the students' knowledge, abilities, and competences in applied geosciences, with a distinct focus on hydrogeology, soils, and environmental engineering in the framework of international development cooperation.

The programme encompasses two lines of specialisation, one being more geoscience-related focussing on hydrogeology, and one being more engineering-related focussing on environmental engineering. The hydrogeology specialisation includes modules such as the following: Hydrogeology, Hydrochemistry, Hydrogeochemistry, Soil Sciences, Aquifer Sedimentology, Isotope and Tracer Techniques, Groundwater Modelling, Aquatic Geochemical Modelling, Geophysical Methods, and Geo-Information Systems (GIS). 

The environmental engineering specialisation includes modules such as the following: Integrated Water Resources Management, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Water Supply Systems, Hydraulic Engineering, Applied Microbiology, Biogeochemistry, and Flood/River Management.

Compulsory modules independent from the chosen specialisation include a field trip to a semiarid region, a project seminar featuring project team work and scientific writing, and a module on setting up research concepts. The programme will be completed by the preparation of a Master’s thesis.

Generally, the TropHEE programme begins in the winter semester, since all courses follow an annual cycle. TropHEE is divided into the following phases:

• A preliminary phase (distance introductory course and learning control) without matriculation takes place before applicants begin their studies at TU Darmstadt. This ensures that all participants are on the same level of knowledge in the field of basic geosciences.
• An attendance phase over three semesters at TU Darmstadt, comprising semester courses as well as block courses (78 ECTS credits)
• The scientific training (eight weeks, 12 ECTS credits) can be done during the course and, if applicable, in the home country of the student. Its results are documented in a written report.
• The fourth semester, in which the Master's thesis is prepared (six months, 30 ECTS credits)

All courses, excursions, and the Master's thesis are awarded credits according to the European Credit Point System (ECTS). The successful participation in a course is assessed by an examination or by coursework. During the first three semesters, you can acquire a total of 90 credits, while the completion of the Master's thesis is awarded with another 30 credits.
The modules are divided into basic modules and special modules, which can be selected and combined according to the individual specialisation interests of the student. The specialisation process is supported by the TropHEE instructors and lecturers as well as the student adviser of the institute through individual guidance and counselling.

In the Master's thesis, the candidate shall apply and deepen the knowledge and experiences gained during the lectures by working on a specific geoscientific topic. The candidate's work will be supervised by one of the lecturers. There are opportunities to prepare the thesis in cooperation with companies and partner institutions. A geoscientific problem and data sets from the candidate's home country may well be suitable for the thesis.

Details can be found on the following website: http://www.trophee.tu-darmstadt.de/

The mandatory module scientific training can be done as an internship of six weeks during the semester break, usually between the second and third semesters.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences; or a Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with sound knowledge in natural sciences (mathematics, chemistry, physics) and basic knowledge in geosciences, water science/engineering, and environmental science/engineering. Moreover, the topic of the Bachelor's thesis must be from the geoscience field or from the field of water and/or environmental research. 

For details, please refer to the study regulations.

Applicants for a DAAD scholarship must have at least two years of professional experience in the field of water and geology at the time of the application.

The registration fee totals approx. 385 EUR per semester. This includes administrative fees and the semester ticket. The validity area of the semester ticket will be expanded to encompass all transportation organisations and lines participating in the "Deutschlandticket" offer throughout Germany.

Registration fees

Estimated living expenses are about 800 EUR to 1000 EUR per month plus 800 EUR annually for field trips. Please note that these costs are just a rough estimation and can vary greatly depending on your way of life and your accommodation.

Cost and budget

Student jobs are available in the private sector or in the research projects. International students can work while studying at TU Darmstadt. For example, you can apply for any of the student jobs offered by TU Darmstadt.

Jobs & part-time work

International students in their final study phase can apply for financial funding by the TU Darmstadt twice a year.

Funding

Each year, a course on (re)integration into the job market is held, which prepares students for the application process after completing the Master's programme.

TU Darmstadt's International Affairs Department assists international students in their search for accommodation through its Housing Assistance Office. A major science hub, Darmstadt is home to multiple research institutions, three universities, and many high-technology companies, all of which attract people from around the world. A wide variety of accommodations that vary in size, furnishing, and rent are available in Darmstadt and its vicinity. As the university does not own or manage student housing, we support students in finding housing in private and public student dormitories or on the private market. In order to improve your chances in finding the optimal place to live, we recommend that you start your search early. We are happy to assist you in this process. Please make sure to register online on the housing assistance website for international students.

Our services include the distribution of an “Accommodation Guide” that includes links to private and public student dormitories, hotels and youth hostels, and a “Housing Guide” that provides tips on how to search for accommodation in Darmstadt.

TU Darmstadt

By choosing TU Darmstadt, you are making an investment in your personal and professional future. Committed to academic rigour, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, TU Darmstadt provides its community with an environment that sparks innovation. Our challenging 113 academic programmes allow students to gain international experience at an early stage while preparing them for successful careers in research, education, and the private sector.

In addition to its acclaimed strengths in engineering and technology, TU Darmstadt offers prospective students a wide range of study programmes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

Our subject profile:
50% Engineering
35% Natural Sciences
15% Humanities

Founded in 1877, TU Darmstadt is one of Germany's leading universities of technology and a member of TU9, a network of the most distinguished German institutes of technology. TU Darmstadt is also the coordinator of the European University UNITE! (University Network for Innovation, Technology and Engineering) – an alliance of nine leading European universities of technology.

Our home is the metropolitan region Frankfurt-Rhine-Main. With our partners in the alliance of Rhine-Main universities – Goethe University Frankfurt and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz – we further the development of this globally attractive science location.

TU Darmstadt has a global reputation for outstanding technology transfer through industrial partnerships, award-winning teaching facilities, and highly ranked research output. Its distinct focus on interdisciplinary cooperation works as a catalyst for innovative approaches to technology in research and everyday life applications.

Committed to an international orientation in teaching and research, as well as the promotion of values like open-mindedness and mutual respect, TU Darmstadt is home to a diverse community of students and researchers from 120 countries. With more than 300 partner universities around the globe and 40 double degree programmes as well as a strong network of industrial partners in the region, our alumni are sought-after professionals on the local, national, and international level. The QS Graduate Employability Ranking regularly ranks TU Darmstadt among the best universities in the world.

At TU Darmstadt, it is our priority to support international students in navigating this new environment. The International Student Services (ISS) team is happy to assist you before and during your stay.

With around 160,000 inhabitants and well over 40,000 students (roughly 26,000 of whom are at TU Darmstadt), the science city of Darmstadt offers a high quality of life as well as numerous cultural and tourist attractions in the immediate vicinity. Due to the city’s location in the centre of the dynamic Rhine-Main region and an excellent public transportation system, Darmstadt is well connected to destinations in Germany and around Europe.

A metropolitan high-tech centre in the heart of Europe, Darmstadt is the birthplace of numerous inventions that have changed our daily lives: from the radio-controlled clock, Plexiglas®, and the first enzyme-based washing agent to the liquid crystals in our mobile phones and notebooks. As the home of Art Nouveau, the internationally renowned European Space Agency, and research facilities like Fraunhofer Institutes, Darmstadt offers a creative and innovative milieu for living, studying and conducting research.

• Getting around: All TU students will be equipped with a semester ticket ("Deutschland Semester Ticket" in German). The "Deutschlandticket" entitles students to use all public transport in Germany.
• The University Sports Centre at TU Darmstadt gives students the opportunity to find a healthy balance between work and personal life. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in activities at the university stadium or swimming pool. Entry is free of charge to both facilities. During the ongoing pandemic, students have the option of taking online classes.
• Finally, TUtor International is a project at TU Darmstadt supporting international students culturally, academically and socially. Our aim is to assist international students with their orientation and integration into student life and German society. As a multicultural and international team, we are well aware of the differences in cultural backgrounds, and we are here for you as companions and friends. 
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