Master's program in Environment and Georesources Management

new starting winter semester 2026/27

Regular duration of studies: 4 semesters

ECTS credits: 120

Course language: German

with restricted admission:

Study structure and contents
Study geology, earth sciences, natural resources, and sustainability in an interdisciplinary program: energy resources, geothermal energy, water supplies, minerals, and soils - the Earth’s resources form the foundation of the economy, energy supply, and social development. At the same time, we must protect the soil, subsurface, and natural habitats, secure supply chains, and respect ecological limits.

In the study program Environment and Georesource Management at KIT, you will address precisely these challenges: you will combine geosciences, engineering, economics and environmental law in a forward-oriented program with a focus on sustainability, the circular economy, and responsible resource management.
 

Sustainable Management of Georesources: between Mining, Recycling, and Climate Protection. The development and use of georesources - from traditional raw materials and energy resources to groundwater - requires in-depth knowledge of geology and the geosciences. At the same time, economic conditions, global supply chains, social acceptance, environmental and mining laws, and political governance play a central role - all of which you will explore during your studies.

The key challenges include:

  • sustainable raw material security and responsible mining
  • transforming linear value chains into a circular economy and promoting recycling
  • assessing and managing climate and environmental change
  • protecting soil, subsoil and water resources
  • risk management for natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and tsunamis

 

This program is a great fit for you if you're interested in topics such as sustainable resource management, the energy transition, the circular economy or environmental and spatial planning, and want to play an active role in shaping them.

 

Typical academic backgrounds include earth sciences, geoecology, environmental engineering, mineral resources engineering as well as environmental or resource management or related natural science or engineering programs.

 

In the master’s program, you will delve into core topics in environmental and georesource management through required courses and set your own academic focus by choosing a specialization - Energy and Raw Materials Management or Environmental Management. Within your specialization, you’ll have access to numerous elective modules that allow you to tailor your studies flexibly, for example in geoinformatics, raw material exploration and evaluation, energy and energy economics or circular economy and recycling. You can also delve deeper into topics such as water, environmental change, legal and economic frameworks or spatial planning, thereby developing your personal skill set.

 

The standard period of study of the program is four semesters, during which you will earn a total of 120 ECTS credits. In addition, you have the opportunity to take additional modules as part of the program’s elective offerings and broaden your academic horizons.

 

At the end of your studies, you will complete your master's thesis (30 CP).
Application
Online via the KIT Applicant Portal

Academic advisor
Prof. Dr. Jochen Kolb (jochen.kolb∂kit.edu)

Dean of Studies
Prof. Dr. Jochen Kolb (jochen.kolb∂kit.edu)

Commissions (examination boards, admission commissions, study commissions)

Information about studying abroad

Geosciences student representatives (website in German)

Modulhandbuch

Courses, see course catalogue

Examination dates