Geosciences (Master of Science) Leibniz University Hannover

The geosciences play a central role in key issues of global importance for the Earth system. Climate change has dramatic consequences for physical, geochemical, ecological processes on Earth's surface with strong economic and social implications. This includes the development and management of the land surface, the exploration and exploitation of natural resources under dramatically increasing population pressure (water, soil, energy resources, metallic and non-metallic raw materials), the assessment of geohazards, and the development of new materials and processes, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental protection.

In recent decades, geosciences have developed into a natural science with modern physical-chemical measurement methods and strong theoretical and mathematical-physical model thinking. This includes the analysis and modelling of processes that take place on the surface and in deeper areas of Earth on different time and space scales. The aim of the Master's “Geowissenschaften” at Leibniz University Hannover is to provide strong scientific backgrounds with state-of-the-art methods to face the forthcoming problems of economic and social importance related to climate change.

The Master's degree programme in Geosciences contains only one compulsory module, which is a seminar on communication of scientific results at conferences. All other modules are elective modules. Students can select modules among four specialisation topics:

• Soil/Water (Soil Science, Distribution of Soil Units and Soil Use, Soil Pollution, Soil Processes and Modelling, Environmental Mineralogy, Hydrogeology and Water Management)
• Sedimentary systems and tectonics (Neotectonics and Tectonic Geomorphology, Sedimentary Archives and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction), most courses in this specialisation are held in German
• Applied geology and geophysics (Sedimentology, Deposits and Raw Materials, Geophysics, Engineering Geology, Numerical Modelling of Geological Processes), most courses in this specialisation are held in German
• Mineralogy/Geochemistry (Soil Mineralogy, Isotope Geochemistry, Mineral Deposits, Magmatic and Hydrothermal Processes, Crystal Physics and Spectroscopic Analysis of Minerals)

In addition, individual projects (with up to 21 credit points) and excursions can be chosen in each specialisation. It is also possible to attend courses from other degree programmes that complement the geosciences programme (with a maximum of 20 credit points). The submission of a Master's thesis (with 30 credit points) completes the degree programme.

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in Geosciences. In addition, applicants with other degrees may also be admitted, assuming that the previous studies provide most of the required background for the Master's programme. In particular, students must have sufficient knowledge of Fundamentals in Natural Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) and Geosciences.

Prior to the final admission, the admission committee can invite applicants to a 15 to 20 minute online interview carried out by the lecturers of the degree programme. The interview helps determine if the applicant is capable of successfully completing the desired study programme.

Approx. 440 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following contributions:

• student services organisation ("Studentenwerk")
• student government (Student Union, AStA)
• semester ticket
• administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

On average, a student in Hannover will need around 965 to 1106 EUR for living expenses each month. Please note: These are average values intended for guidance only. Individual items may vary considerably. For example, the costs of learning materials differ significantly depending on the degree programme.

Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.

Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse

Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover

Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung

Deutschlandstipendium:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung/deutschlandstipendium

Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium

The job market is complex and offers a wide range of options for students when they finish their degrees. Decisive factors for a successful start to your career are a clear professional goal, some initial experience in actual practice, contacts in the working world, and the ability to make a convincing impression in the job application process. The Career Service supports students from all subjects on their personal journey from their studies via internships to their careers.
www.zqs.uni-hannover.de/en/kc/career-guidance-and-service/individual-advice/

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)