The MSc in Geophysics at Aarhus University provides a compelling learning experience, integrating skills in physics and mathematics with proper geoscience. Students get to choose their own specific area of focus while exploring a variety of fields at a range of scales, from past and present climate and shallow quaternary structures and materials, through the development of groundwater aquifers and sedimentary basins, to the structure and dynamics of the lithosphere and the Earth’s mantle. Numerical modelling is generally used.

HIGH-CALIBRE RESEARCH

Teaching on the programme is integrated with research at the highest international level. The Department of Geoscience is renowned for its research in hydrogeophysics (airborne and surface electromagnetic methods) for use in hydrogeology and mineral exploration. Further specialities are reflection seismic acquisition (on board the research vessel Aurora), processing, and interpretation, as used in subsurface mapping of hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoirs; seismology and potential fields; and numerical modelling of surface and mantle processes.

The thesis, which is heavily weighted, is a chance for students to tailor their degree to their own personal and career interests while benefiting from close collaboration with fellow students and faculty members.

STUDENT LIFE

The Department of Geoscience is a small community of about two hundred students brought together by shared research, team field trips, and common interests.

Classes are held in modern facilities with well-established labs. You will have access to cosy study areas, quiet reading rooms, wi-fi, computers and, of course, a classic Danish pop-up Friday bar. As a Geoscience Master’s student, you will also have access to a communal office where you can sit and study, or just hang out with other students.

CAREERS

Geophysics graduates have found jobs across a wide range of fields, including groundwater management, geophysical exploration for water and minerals in engineering companies and in the energy sector (including oil and gas), and for geothermal energy and CO2 deposits. They also frequently move into higher education and government research.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor’s degree amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits in geophysics and physics can qualify the student for admission, provided the combined academic demands regarding the Master’s programme in Geophysics are met.

SELECTION CRITERIA

As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission to the programme. Student places are allocated on the basis of an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the bachelor’s degree.

Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of geology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, programming and probability calculus.

SPECIALISATIONS IN MSC IN GEOPHYSICS

The MSc in Geophysics is a two-year programme offering four different specialisations. The specialisation is chosen in the first year, and the second year is dedicated to the master’s thesis.

Modules in each specialisation are either 5 or 10 ECTS. A full year of study is 60 ECTS.

For more information visit our webpages http://geo.au.dk/en/studies/

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission

If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now

There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements

Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants  

Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees

Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/