English > Studying at SCIENCE > Full degree MSc Degrees (in english) > MSc Programmes > Geophysics

Geophysics is how the exact sciences view the origin, structure and processes of the Earth. It comprises elements from vastly different disciplines and studies within the physical sciences. For instance, our understanding of the Earth's climate is based on complex mathematical models of the physical processes of the atmosphere and the oceans combined with models of the ice caps and the properties and vegetation of the Earth's surface. These models will again be tested against many different types of data, including some that are based on analyses of isotopes in ice core samples from the inland ice of Greenland. The programme gives students a high degree of freedom in choosing between geophysical topics and courses, and you can largely compose your own course of study.

• Academic focus
• Content of the programme
• Master's thesis project
• Career opportunities
• Admission requirements
• Tuition fees and application
• Need to know more?

Academic focus

• You will learn the fundamental principles of physics that govern geophysical systems.
• You will learn about the evolution of the climate and its governing processes.
• You will learn about the physical laws governing the movement of the inland ice and about ice core samples.
• You will learn about geodesic measurements based on the latest satellite technology.
• You will learn about measuring the movements of the oceans and the science of these movements.
• You will learn about the structure of atmospheric models and the modern meteorological science upon which they are based.

Content of the programme

One year of graduate courses, primarily in English.

The courses comprise different elements, including oral presentations, written exams, the submission of reports and experimental activities.

You will be assigned to a supervisor and a research team that will help you to select courses and a topic for your Master's thesis.

You will complete the programme with a Master's thesis (60 ECTS credit points) that will take one year. Your thesis will give you the opportunity to work in depth with a problem in physics at a high research level.

The research environment is characterised by a high degree of international collaboration, and you will have the opportunity to participate in this networking, either through contact with guests at the department or through your own travels.

Structure

Year 1: Courses equalling at least 30 ECTS credit points at the graduate level in geophysics and elective courses equalling 30 ECTS credit points. An example of an MSc course of study is shown below. In each teaching block, two geophysics courses are offered at MSc level.

Year 2: Master's thesis project, concluding with a thesis to be evaluated by external examiners and defended orally.

One block is nine weeks and counts as 15 ECTS credit points.

Master's thesis project

When commencing the Master's project, a thesis contract is drawn up with your supervisor setting out the framework for the thesis. It should contain, among other things, a description of the topic of the thesis and a deadline for when it is to be submitted.

Examples of thesis topics:

• Determining oxygen isotopes in ice core samples
• Mathematical modelling of seismic waves verified using measurement data
• A study of the development of special and/or intense weather systems
• Building a numerical model of water circulation at high latitudes
• Analysis of sea level data, e.g. from satellite observations
• Development of new integration methods for geophysical systems
• Inverse methods applied to geophysical measurements

Career opportunities

As an MSc in Geophysics, you will have access to many different types of jobs. During your studies, you will learn to analyse and solve problems in a logical and creative way, qualifying you for a wide variety of positions. Geophysicists typically find employment in:

• Research and teaching at public institutions, e.g. universities and upper secondary schools (10-15%)
• Dissemination, research and research-like jobs in the public sector, e.g. the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI)
• Development work in private-sector research and development departments

There is basically no unemployment among MSc graduates in physics disciplines (including geophysics).

Admission requirements 

To qualify for admittance on the MSc programme in Geophysics, you must hold a BSc within the field of Geophysics from the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen (as described in the curriculum) or a comparable BSc from the University of Copenhagen or another Danish or foreign university with a content of physics corresponding to the mandatory courses of the BSc programme in Physics from the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. If you are not completely qualified, you may be required to spend some of your elective courses on complementary courses in order to be accepted.

Tuition fees and application

You can find information about tuition fees and how to apply for the programme under Admission.

Need to know more?

If you have further questions, you are welcome to contact the international coordinator (go to top of page).