Building on bachelor's programmes in Physics/Geophysics, the joint master’s programme taught in English offers students a broad and in-depth scientific education in the field of physics of the earth. This fundamental education enables students to understand not only the basic mechanisms of our planet, but also some of the challenges humanity faces due to its dependence on the physical environment. These topics include natural resources and risks as well as the impact of humans on nature and their immediate surroundings.

The master's programme in Physics of the Earth targets the functioning of the Earth, and how to explore its structure; it thus approaches some of the major challenges facing humanity that arise through our dependence on natural resources, and our need for environmental and societal safety.

The joint master's study is a two-year programme offered by the major universities of Austria and Slovakia: the University of Vienna and the Comenius University in Bratislava, building on the strength and complementary expertise. Physics of the Earth refers to our physical environment, and what we can learn about it through the application of principles from physics. The focus of the study programme is on furthering the exposure to mathematics and physics as relevant in the Physics of the Earth, and the quantitative methods used in the field. Students learn how to observe and mathematically describe phenomena occurring in the Earth interior.

Students obtain a strong knowledge of seismology and elastic wave propagation as well as of the gravity and magnetic field of the Earth. The fundamental education advances analytical thinking, independence, and develops problem-solving competence that can be applied to questions of basic research as well as industrial application.

Study Programme

Five compulsory modules develop the students’ basic knowledge of mathematical and numerical tools and of the main principles of the physics of the Earth:

• Basic mathematical and numerical methods applied in modelling, time series analysis and in solving inversion problems
• Continuum mechanics and basics in rheology
• Basics of seismology
• Physical properties and structure of the Earth and tectonophysics
• Dynamic processes of the Earth's interior
• Magnetic field and gravity field of the Earth
• Instrumentation in earthquake seismology as well as in gravity and magnetic field observation

Students deepen their knowledge and focus on specialisation topics within two compulsory elective modules.

After Graduation

Based on their basic education in the area of physics of the earth, graduates of this master’s programme can pursue a wide range of career paths, both in basic research as well as in technology-oriented companies, particularly in the areas of energy, natural hazards and risks, safety, raw materials, groundwater and the environment. Graduates have the opportunity to conduct research at national research institutions, universities, national and international organisations (e.g. CTBTO, IAEA), companies dealing with oil, gas or other raw materials, as well as in the private business sector and the insurance industry. Students of this joint master’s programme acquire competences in information technology, data processing and physical measurements and are qualified to work in public administration, counselling, engineering offices, etc.