GeoThermics / GeoEnergie M. Sc.

The World is dependent on the long-term availability of affordable, base-load-capable energy. Increasing demand with energy sources such as crude oil and natural gas, the complexity of "unconventional" energy sources, but also the high demand for renewable energy such as geothermal energy due to the desired energy transition are creating new challenges. As a result, the need for interdisciplinary geoscientists who can oversee and apply interdisciplinary relationships and decision-making processes in the exploration, economic development and sustainable use of geoenergy resources is increasing.

Fields of activity of geothermal energy/geoenergy include:

• Energy and resource management
• Exploration, development and use of conventional and unconventional energy sources
• Exploration of underground storage, geotechnical engineering and mining
• Engineering geology offices and consulting firms
• Insurance companies and expert offices
• Environmental authorities and associations
• Educational and research institutions

The program not only teaches modern exploration methods for locating resources, such as seismic interpretation, tectonics, reservoir geology, and modeling, but also provides the knowledge required for sustainable and resource-efficient development and utilization in geomechanics, rock physics, hydrochemistry, flow and heat transport modeling, production, energy, and drilling technology. The economic, ecological, and legal framework conditions are presented in courses on energy economics, business administration in the context of energy, environmental and public procurement law, and citizen participation. 

In addition, the program provides students with qualifications such as: innovative, interdisciplinary thinking and action in the exploration and use of geoenergy resources; a holistic view of geothermal and other geoenergy resources—from exploration and development to their use and storage; the transfer of geological and engineering geological expertise to other issues relating to the understanding of the deep geological subsurface (e.g., gas, fluid, and heat storage).

Industrial sites around the world depend on the long-term availability of affordable, base-load energy. Rising demand coupled with the simultaneous depletion of “conventional” energy sources such as oil and natural gas, the complexity of ‘unconventional’ energy sources, and, more importantly, the high demand for “clean” renewable energy such as geothermal energy resulting from the desired energy transition are creating new challenges. This is leading to an increasing demand for interdisciplinary geoscientists who can understand and apply interdisciplinary contexts and decision-making processes in the exploration, economic development, and sustainable use of geoenergy resources.

Fields of employment:

• Energy and raw materials industry
• Engineering offices for the exploration, development, and use of renewable energies, e.g., geothermal energy, and conventional and unconventional energy sources, e.g., crude oil, natural gas, etc.
• Exploration of underground storage facilities
• Geotechnical engineering and mining
• Engineering offices and consulting firms
• Insurance companies and appraisal offices
• Environmental authorities and associations
• Educational institutions
• Universities and research institutions.

Study structure 

The first semester includes an introduction to geoenergy resources, which deepens students' understanding of the fundamentals of geoscience. In addition, topics such as well geology, process machinery and equipment technology, drilling technology and well geophysics, as well as licensing and energy/raw materials law are introduced. Block courses take place during the lecture-free period.

In the second semester, knowledge of geophysical exploration and the compositional, petrophysical, geomechanical, and geophysical characterization and evaluation of reservoir rocks is deepened. In addition, there is an introduction to business administration and energy economics & environmental law. During the lecture-free period, block courses and key qualification module 1 (citizen participation) are held.

In the third semester, knowledge of research modules on seismic reservoir interpretation, reservoir geology, reservoir petrology and fluids, reservoir hydraulics, and energy systems is deepened, the contents of which serve as immediate preparation and technical orientation for the master's thesis. During the lecture-free period, Key Qualification Module 2 (industrial internship, project work, or field exercises) takes place.

The fourth semester is devoted to writing the master's thesis and defending it in the master's colloquium.

The program is mainly based in Erlangen (GeoZentrum Nordbayern). During the first semester, all courses take place in Erlangen. In the second and third semesters, you will attend courses in Munich (city center and Garching) up to two days per week. Travel expenses are covered by the program. In the fourth semester, you have the option of writing your master's thesis in Erlangen or Munich and receiving supervision there.

Course Content

The first semester introduces students to geoenergy resources. Topics such as well geology, process machinery and equipment technology, drilling technology and well geophysics, licensing and energy and raw materials law are also taught. Block courses take place during the lecture-free period. In the second semester, students deepen their knowledge of geophysical exploration and the compositional, petrophysical, geomechanical, and geophysical characterization and evaluation of reservoir rocks. In addition, there is an introduction to business administration, energy economics, and environmental law. During the lecture-free period, block courses and the key qualification module “Citizen Participation” are offered.

In the third semester, students deepen their knowledge of research modules on seismic reservoir interpretation, reservoir geology, reservoir petrology and fluids, reservoir hydraulics, and energy systems, the contents of which serve as immediate preparation and technical orientation for the master's thesis. During the lecture-free period, the key qualification module industrial internship, project work, or field exercises take place. The fourth semester is devoted to writing the master's thesis and defending it in the master's colloquium.

The program not only teaches modern exploration methods for resource prospecting, such as seismic interpretation, tectonics, reservoir geology, and modeling, but also provides the knowledge required for sustainable and resource-efficient development and utilization in geomechanics, rock physics, hydrochemistry, flow and heat transport modeling, extraction, energy, and drilling technology. The economic, ecological, and legal framework conditions are presented in courses on energy economics, business administration in the context of energy, environmental, and public procurement law, and citizen participation.

In addition, students acquire qualifications such as: innovative, interdisciplinary thinking and action in the exploration and use of geoenergy resources, a holistic view of geothermal and other geoenergy resources, transfer of (engineering) geological expertise to other fields, and understanding of issues relating to the deep geological subsurface (e.g., gas, fluid, and heat storage).

You can find all the important information about the application here:

• Visit the homepage of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
• Go to the degree program overview page

Information about the degree program can be found on the FAU Erlangen website

Statutes and Regulations
Module handbook