Geosciences

The Bachelor’s program offers a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary and research-related course of studies in the area of geosciences. It is based on a cooperation between Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and the Technical University of Munich, which together with further partners created the Munich GeoCenter (MGC).

Central to the program are the structure and development of planet Earth, as well as the processes that take place within and influence this dynamic system. Further content concerns the development of life as well as the effects that human interventions have on the environment. In the analysis of these themes, the methods of mathematics and the natural sciences play a central role. The program also deals with resource exploration and usage, the study and further development of existing materials, and risk assessment relating to natural hazards. Further topics handled during the course of study include biodiversity, climate change, the geochemical analysis of biogeochemical cycles, environmental pollution, environmental remediation, and satellite-based observational methods.

In addition to foundational competencies, the program allows students to start specializing in one of the core areas of the geosciences: geology, paleontology and geobiology, mineralogy, or geophysics.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the Bachelor’s program in Geosciences (PDF, German)

As a graduate, you are able to independently formulate and deal with geoscientific questions using the appropriate methods. Your knowledge allows you to develop strategies that yield solutions to discipline-specific problems in various areas. Depending on your study profile, you can draw upon further expertise in environmental and climate protection, energy and natural resources, construction and spatial planning, material development or natural phenomena, biodiversity research in space and time, as well as georisks. In all of your activities you draw upon your interdisciplinary knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.

Upon completing the program you are familiar with the processes involved in the formation of the Earth. You understand how they work, their physical characteristics, and their material components. In addition, you understand the processes that continuously shape the Earth and the current diversity of life on Earth. You are also able to classify minerals and rocks, as well as document these in geological cross sections and maps. Further, your choice of specialization has resulted in the acquisition of additional specialist knowledge in the relevant discipline.

As a result of the mapping and field exercises accompanying your studies, you are accustomed to applying your skills in practice. Working in a group has provided you with distinctive social competencies, so that you are able to negotiate conflicts and take responsibility for your actions.

The first four semesters focus on content from all areas of the geosciences, as well as foundational competencies in the natural sciences, mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry. Geoscience modules embrace general geology, geomaterials and geochemistry, historical geology, rocks, maps and cross-sections, endogenous processes, petrology, paleontology and geobiology, as well as fieldwork.

From the third semester, there is a choice of four specializations: geology, paleontology and geobiology, mineralogy and geophysics. These are complemented by a wide range of elective and compulsory modules, enabling students to create their own individual academic profiles.

The program concludes with a Bachelor’s thesis, where knowledge accrued of the discipline and its methods converges.

• Overview degree program structure (German) (PDF 296 KB)
• Program structure: Description of modules (German)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?
• Important information about your application from LMU

• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Access to this program is currently unrestricted, even if the possibility of an aptitude assessment procedure is provided for in principle. 

This means there is no selection procedure. You will be admitted

• after submission of the online application and all documents in a formally correct manner by the deadline
• and after your documents have been reviewed. 

In detail:

• Unrestricted admission

• Unrestricted Admission