Applied Geophysics
A unique international education in theoretical and practical aspects of Applied Geophysics
A unique international education in theoretical and practical aspects of Applied Geophysics
The Joint Master in Applied Geophysics is offered by three of Europe’s leading technical universities – TU Delft (The Netherlands), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and RWTH Aachen (Germany). The two-years 120-ECTS programme brings together outstanding students with world-leading scientists in the field of Applied Geophysics. You will be part of an international group of students with diverse backgrounds sharing the passion for exploring the Earth’s subsurface to address global sustainability challenges for our future.
Join us in working on a better future
Join us in working on a better future
Learning goals
The Applied Geophysics study and research programme leads students to outstanding skills in mathematical and physical basis, programming, numerical methods, and applications, preparing them to solve global challenges for a sustainable future.
- Specific learning goals of the master programme are:
- Gain a quantitative understanding of geophysical phenomena, instruments and sensing principles
- Receive in-depth training in mathematical and numerical tools
- Put theoretical knowledge into practice in hands-on exercises and field courses
- Learn the most relevant application fields of Applied Geophysics
- Study in a global environment
Living and studying in different cities
Our Master’s programme offers students the unique opportunity to live and learn in three vibrant European cities and experience different cultures while studying. This unique mobility experience enhances our students’ prospects for pursuing careers in competitive global industries.
Programme overview
Year 1, September – January
TU Delft’s principal research strength is in the geophysical methods for subsurface characterization and monitoring of subsurface processes.
Year 1, February – June
ETH Zurich’s principal research strength is in exploration, engineering and environmental geosciences as well as geothermal energy.
Year 2, October – February
RWTH Aachen’s principal research strength is on geothermal energy, numerical methods, hydrogeophysics and scientific machine learning.
Curriculum and themes
The curriculum covers methodological aspects in the physical, mathematical, computational as well as data analysis and signal processing foundations of Applied Geophysics. Key skills are taught in compulsory courses. A broad range of elective courses allows students to delve into topics of their interests. An overview of the courses for 2022-2024 can be found here
Core competencies conveyed during the course of study:
Geophysical sensors and data acquisition
Field-based research and education plays an essential role at all three partner universities.
Example lectures:
- Field Geophysics and Signal Analysis with Exercises at TU Delft
- Geophysical Fieldwork and Processing at ETH
- Geophysical Logging and Log Interpretation at RWTH Aachen
Inversion of geophysical data, signal processing, numerical methods, and machine learning
Researchers at all three partner universities conduct world-leading research in geophysical data modelling and inversion as well as their application to real-world problems.
Example lectures:
- Inverse Theory I & II and Numerical Modelling for Applied Geophysics at ETH
- Machine Learning at RWTH Aachen
- Hydrogeophysics and Engineering Geophysics at RWTH Aachen
Exploration, environmental and engineering applications
All three partner universities teach and research at the fore-front of applying geophysical techniques to problems of high societal relevance.
Example lectures:
- Geology for Geo-Energy at TU Delft, Geothermal Energy and Geofluids at ETH Zurich
Career Prospects for a Sustainable Future
Graduates of the Joint Master in Applied Geophysics work in a wide range of companies and government institutes in the energy, civil engineering and environmental sector. The quantitative nature of the studies opens more possibilities outside geophysics, in for example, financial institutions, insurances and consultancy agencies. Many graduates also continue a research path in PhD research programmes in various parts of the world. View the more detailed infographic here or visit the Alumni & Career perspectives page for more information.
“Our mission is to educate students in geophysical methodologies to help solving global challenges for a sustainable future – to provide clean energy, to exploit natural resources in a responsible way, to respond to the effects of climate change, to provide critical data for infrastructure building and maintenance and to monitor natural hazards.”
“Our mission is to educate students in geophysical methodologies to help solving global challenges for a sustainable future – to provide clean energy, to exploit natural resources in a responsible way, to respond to the effects of climate change, to provide critical data for infrastructure building and maintenance and to monitor natural hazards.”
“Our mission is to educate students in geophysical methodologies to help solving global challenges for a sustainable future – to provide clean energy, to exploit natural resources in a responsible way, to respond to the effects of climate change, to provide critical data for infrastructure building and maintenance and to monitor natural hazards.”
Follow us
