At KIT, the Applied Geosciences MSc profile "ERS" provides you with an understanding of Sustainable Energy, Resources and Storage. The ERS profile enables you to explore and unlock energy sources with a low carbon footprint in order to provide a sustainable supply of energy. Develope sustainable solutions for the increasing raw materal demand in the context of the emerging energy transtition. Learn about subsurface storage systems to secure a countries energy supply. You will develop analytical and soft skills to perform in an international and interdisciplinary environment. 

The ERS profile is closely linked to our KIT research in the Helmholtz program for GeoEnergy and Storage, and the national ThinkTank Industrial Resources Strategies on raw materials supply. Helmholtz's geothermal energy program strives for internationally visible large scale infrastructures. The institute hosts the State's Research Unit on Geothermics evaluating wells and well logging tools. It offers world-class analytical facilities, such as geochemical and petrophysical laboratories, and IT infrastructure.

Program duration

Full-time: 2 years (4 Semester)

Modules study program     

    20 CP Compulsory Modules
    50 CP Elective Modules
    20 CP Additional Modules
    30 CP Master thesis (4th semester / 2nd year)

Language of instruction

Language of instruction is English.
Entry English B2 proficiency (German high school diploma level, Abitur).

ERS course content

1. Applied Geology
Learn how to apply basic structural geology tools and predict the geometry of deformed rocks in the subsurface. Link sedimentary structures and variation in litho-logs with depositional settings. You are trained to predict rocks away from your outcrop and well data.
2. Basin Analysis
Develope an in-depth understanding of sedimentary basin evolution by considering external and internal forcing factors, and economically important geo-resources. This course will advance students’ knowledge and experiences in analysis and interpretation of geological and geophysical data leading toward building numerical models required to predict and qualitatively assess sedimentary features. You will gain hands-on experience by conducting a case study linked to an individual assignment.
3. Geothermal Energy
Understand low & high enthalpy geothermal systems as well as related geological frameworks and potential for exploitation. Learn how to tackle production related challanges and risks. Dive into numerical simulation of coupled THMC processes.
4. Subsurface Gas Storage
You will develope an understanding of the concept of carbon capture & storage comprising capacities, seal and wellbore integrity, fluid transport and trapping mechanisms. Students will learn the importance of negative CO2 emissions in the context of the global climate change.
5. Raw Materials
Learn about industrial minerals raw material market and mineral deposit evaluation. Develop an understanding of the fundamental processes of deposit formation and the relationship to mineral exploration.
6. Reservoir Geomechanics
Understand geomechanical concepts to predict production-related compaction, fracturing and faulting as well as induced seismicity.
7. Reservoir-Geology
You will apply geological core skills to assess reservoir systems, integrating concepts of structural geology, sedimentology, petrophysics, petrography and geochemistry in our lecture series and study Mesozoic and Cenozoic outcrop analogs of reservoir systems in Central Europe during our field-school. Develop an understanding for reservoir quality of clastic reservoirs by assessing controlling factors.

Application Portal

Please apply here via the KIT application portal. Information on application deadlines can be found here.

• The KIT International Office offers further information on the application process here.
• General information about KIT and study programs can be found here.
• In addition to legal text, international students can find the Int'l Office of KIT.
• usual start of the MSc is in winter semester.