About this programme
The MSc Marine Geosciences study programme at Kiel University explores the depths of the oceans and integrates multiple disciplines in the marine sciences such as marine geology, oceanography, environmental sciences. This English-language Master's programme not only enhances your foundational knowledge from your Bachelor's degree but also equips you with advanced skills to address pressing environmental and societal challenges, focusing on coastal geology, marine geochemistry, marine resources, and the ocean's role in the Earth's climate system. The study programme MSc Marine Geosciences offers an interdisciplinary, wide-ranging scientific course with numerous practical experiences, hands-on experiences in the laboratory and opportunities for field work at sea and on land as a basis for your professional career. You are invited to join the multidisciplinary marine research landscape at Kiel University within the university’s research focus Kiel Marine Science (https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/research/priority-research-areas/kiel-marine-science) and in collaboration with the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (https://www.geomar.de/en), and start your career as a marine geoscientist in industry, academia, or a similar field. Join us on our expedition to learn more about the better part of our planet and play a role in its future. Highlights of the programme include: international study programme with students from all around the world interdisciplinarity and a high amount of field work and hands-on training a mobility window to study abroad in the third semester (ERASMUS+) The international study programme MSc Marine Geosciences starts in the winter semester, i.e. in October each year. The study programme comprises four semesters with 120 credit (ECTS) points (90 ECTS points for modules and 30 ECTS points for the Master's thesis) and is a full time-study programme. During the first two semesters, the basic knowledge and the instruments used in marine sciences, especially in marine geosciences, will be taught. On field trips and research cruises (sea-going training), the acquired skills will be applied and consolidated. Building on this, specialisation will take place in elective courses, which will be supplemented by insights into the various disciplines of marine science. During the third semester, a special window of mobility will give students the opportunity to gain further experience during an optional stay abroad at a partner university. At the end of the programme, each student should be able to write a high-quality scientific Master's thesis that will open the way to a great academic career or employment in industry, NGOs, or with authorities. The international programme MSc Marine Geosciences at Kiel University is divided into five sections: 1. Technical Basics (40 ECTS): These modules are mainly offered at the beginning of the study programme, i.e. in the first semester. They cover all aspects of marine geosciences, ranging from the coasts to the seafloor and everything in between. Lectures and seminars build the foundation you need to go into the field. 2. Excursions/Field Work (25 ECTS): These modules are offered mostly in the second and third semesters, and they allow you to participate in sea-going and land-based excursions in Germany and beyond, including research cruises with RV Alkor and other German research vessels. 3. Compulsory Electives (15 ECTS): These modules provide in-depth knowledge. They allow you to create a curriculum that addresses your specific interests and needs. The breadth of elective modules offered in the study programme allows you to specialise in diverse fields in marine geosciences. 4. CAU-Wide Option (10 ECTS): These modules provide the opportunity for you to take courses from study programmes of another faculty at Kiel University to further define your academic profile. These modules will, however, not count towards your final grade. 5. Your Own (Research) Work: Apply your kn
Course details verified 10 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source