Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology

The aim of the master's program is to convey advanced knowledge of applied geology. Elective modules allow for the creation of an individual study profile in the areas of engineering geology and hydrogeology.

Engineering geology, as a field of geotechnical engineering, provides the link between the disciplines of geosciences based on natural science, and engineering sciences. Engineering geologists deal with the investigation of natural underground phenomena as well as the associated development of derived models that respond to technical questions concerning such phenomena. In interdisciplinary cooperation with geotechnicians, civil engineers, geodesists, mining engineers, and mechnical engineers, they plan and execute measures taken in the areas of transport route construction, specialized civil engineering, tunnel and cavern construction, mining, the exploitation of raw materials and natural stone, site remediation, and the mitigation of natural hazards.

Hydrogeologists deal with the Earth's water cycle, that is, with the distribution of water in the atmosphere as well as in and on the Earth, across space and time. As such, the biological, chemical, and physical properties of water are of great significance. Hydrogeology therefore offers the basis for answering important questions about the future management of water resources. In this respect, the specific challenges are providing seven billion people with clean drinking water, the sustainable use of the natural resource “groundwater” and the spread of harmful substances in groundwater, as well as the remediation of contaminated land and groundwater. 

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

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology (PDF, German)
   

As a graduate you possess a broad spectrum of competencies, skills, and knowledge in the area of applied geology, and specifically with regard to engineering geology and hydrogeology. You operate on the interface between the geosciences and engineering sciences, understand technical geological problems, and grasp interdisciplinary connections. You present geological features of sites with precision on maps and profiles, and use appropriate field, laboratory, and computational methods in your work.

In addition to strong core competencies in engineering geology and hydrogeology, you have further discipline-specific knowledge at your disposal based on your choice of specialties. Content offered includes inter alia applied quaternary geology, geostatistics, landslide mapping with geographic information system exercises, numeric modeling, mineral raw materials, technical petrography, technical and applied hydrology, hydrochemistry, and chemical analysis.

Given that numerous courses involve group work, you will have been able to develop significant social skills and are always conscious of the ethical and moral implications of your actions. 

For graduates of engineering geology and hydrogeology, opportunities arise in research as well as in various branches of public administration. Nationally and internationally active engineering offices offer further options.

The first three semesters cover discipline-specific fundamentals in the areas of engineering geology and hydrogeology. These are accompanied by laboratory and project work. Additionally, in the second and third semesters, elective modules provide the opportunity to specialize on an individual basis.

The fourth semester is devoted to the master’s thesis, in which students’ acquired knowledge and methodological competencies converge.

• Overview degree program structure

Required language skills for admission:

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

Languages of instruction:

The languages of instruction for this program are German and English. This means that you need to complete modules in both German and English in the course of your studies.

• Information on exams
• Contact Examination Board
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

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 a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Certification of Internship / Work Experience / Vocational Training
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA

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)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (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: 01.04. – 31.05.
Application period for the summer semester: 01.11. – 15.01.

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.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (appendix 2; German) (PDF 281 KB)