Earth and Planetary Science Major
The Earth and Planetary Science (EPS) major offers an integrated and comparative approach to understanding Earth and other planets. It connects geoscientific analysis of Earth with the study of other planetary bodies, using shared physical principles and analytical tools. Rather than treating Earth and planetary science separately, the program systematically links them: geoscientific methods are applied to planetary environments, and planetary observations are used to sharpen and deepen the understanding of Earth processes. The interdisciplinary program is aimed at all Bachelor’s graduates who have a natural science background and have acquired some geoscientific skills.
Throughout the program, students acquire a deep understanding of the fundamental processes and analytical methods that form the core toolkit of modern Earth scientists and planetologists. These include advanced remote sensing and satellite data analysis, chemical and mineralogical investigation of rocks and materials, quantitative modeling based on geophysical data, and analytical and data science methods.
Teaching is closely linked to active research. Faculty members are involved in international space missions while conducting research projects on Earth, ensuring that students engage directly with current scientific developments and real-world datasets, preparing them for research-oriented careers as well as positions in applied geosciences.
“Our vision is to better understand Earth by comparing it to other planetary bodies”
Thomas Kenkmann
Chair of General Geology and Structural Geology
Study Structure
The program provides a fundamental understanding of the Earth system and other planetary bodies. Its academic focus lies on geodynamic, tectonic, magmatic, and geochemical processes operating within planetary interiors, at their surfaces, and in the interactions between these domains.
The curriculum is structured into three areas: Basic, Focus, and Elective.
Basic Area (20 + 30 ECTS)
The Basic Area consists of compulsory modules shared with the Environmental Earth Sciences major. It strengthens methodological and analytical competencies and includes training in data analysis, geoinformatics, research methods, seminars, and field excursions. It also contains the final Master Thesis, conducted in the fourth semester.
Focus Area (35 ECTS)
The Focus Area deepens disciplinary knowledge and provides a coherent foundation in the key scientific concepts and approaches that underpin Earth and planetary geodynamics, including analytical and computational methods, and the physical and chemical processes governing planetary interiors, lithospheres, and surfaces.
Elective Area (35 ECTS)
A broad range of elective modules allows students to tailor the program to their individual interests and career goals. Students can further develop strengths in quantitative, analytical, and computational approaches, and may also choose to place greater emphasis on planetary- or terrestrial-focused modules. The elective structure supports flexible specialization while maintaining the comparative perspective that characterizes the program.
What you will learn
- A deep understanding of Earth system and planetary processes
- Strong analytical and quantitative competencies
- Advanced methodological expertise in:
- Remote sensing and satellite data analysis
- Chemical and mineralogical analysis of rocks and planetary materials
- Quantitative and numerical modeling
- Interpretation of geophysical and geological datasets
This combination of conceptual understanding and technical training equips graduates to analyze complex planetary systems and work confidently with modern scientific data.
Study Contents
Basic Area
Mandatory modules across MSc. Earth Sciences
- Research Methods
- Data Analysis
- Geoinformatics
- Research seminars
- Excursions
Focus Area
Mandatory EPS major modules
- Introduction to Planetary Sciences
- Scientific Computing
- Geochemistry of the Lithosphere
- Earth and Planetary Interiors
- Analytical Methods for Geomaterials
- Earth and Planetary Magmatism
- Tectonics and Geodynamics
Elective Area EPS
Module availability varies by year
- Remote Sensing
- Impact Cratering and Shock Waves
- Numerical Modeling of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Material Science
- Experimental Rock Mechanics and Deformation
- Mineral Physics
- Geophysics and Petrophysics
- Isotope Geochemistry
- Fluid-Rock Interaction
- Advanced Analytical Methods
- Space Missions and Instrumentation
- Modules from the EES major and from within the Faculty
Master Thesis
The programme concludes with a Master’s thesis conducted within the chosen major. The subject represents either an applied or fundamental research project. Students receive guidance on the subject, methodology, and writing from two supervisors. The thesis is complemented by a presentation at the M.Sc. seminar, which also gives an overview of the research topics pursued by peers. You can find out more about the members of our institute and their research here.
Find more information on each module in the module handbook.
Master Earth Sciences
The Earth and Planetary Science Track is part of the master in Earth Sciences.
Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences
The masters programme is part of the Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Professional opportunities
The broad training in Earth and Planetary Sciences reflects the diverse and evolving career landscape open to our graduates. By combining geoscientific expertise with planetary perspectives and strong quantitative skills, the program prepares students for opportunities across research, industry, technology, education, and public institutions.
Graduates work in universities and research institutes, geological surveys, space agencies, contributing to our understanding of Earth systems and planetary environments. Others pursue careers in consulting and engineering firms, the raw materials and energy sectors, geotechnical and civil engineering projects, or environmental and hazard assessment. Expertise in remote sensing, geophysical data analysis, and quantitative modeling also opens doors in geospatial companies, analytical laboratories, scientific computing, and data-driven industries. Whether in fundamental research, applied geoscience, planetary exploration, or technology development, graduates help advance our understanding of planetary processes and their relevance for society.