Geosciences University of Potsdam

The Geosciences form an integral part of Earth system research; modern Geosciences are central in the context of societal efforts to adapt to global environmental changes and are therefore highly relevant for social, economic and political decision making. In the research-oriented MSc programme in Geosciences at Potsdam University, students acquire in-depth knowledge of modern Geosciences, both as a fundamental science and in their fields of application as well as gaining interdisciplinary skills. Three majors with several areas of specialisation can be selected.

The Master's programme in Geosciences at the University of Potsdam is offered as a single-subject programme with a standard period of study (full-time study) of four semesters and 120 credit points. The Master's programme includes the following majors: geology, geophysics and mineralogy/petrology. In addition, a degree in geosciences is possible without a major. All information on course organisation and programme structure can be found here.

The partnership with the neighbouring institutes GFZ, AWI and PIK with jointly appointed professors significantly expands the research and teaching portfolio of the Institute of Geosciences.

Supervised field, industrial, laboratory, or computer internship in a selected area of geoscience, with an elaboration and presentation of the results obtained

The prerequisite for a Master‘s degree is a Bachelor‘s degree or an equivalent degree in a geoscience subject from a university, an equivalent institution in the Federal Republic of Germany, or a foreign university with a standard period of study of at least three years. The Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) should have a share of at least 36 credit points in the subjects of geosciences (earth sciences, mineralogy, geology, geophysics or related subjects), as well as a total of at least 24 credit points from university-level courses in mathematics, chemistry and physics, with at least six credit points per subject. Final admission to the Master’s programme is by the Examination Board for Geosciences. All information about the academic admission requirements can be found here.

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam. However, there is an administrative fee that includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin as well as regional/local trains all over Germany.
More information here

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. In addition, there are some laboratory and field expenses for personal equipment; however, in certain cases, the university provides partial funding.

A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service.

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2025 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked number 1 in Germany and number 17 worldwide.

Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.

Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.

With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.

A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.

Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today, the palaces and parks of Potsdam form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglourious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed and produced here.

The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.

If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.