The master's program's goal is to enable students to autonomous activity in geoscientific research and development. This qualification shall be attained both by successful attendance of courses of the geociences and by supervised research. To gain a broad scientific qualification as a basis for in-depth studies in a research- and implementation-orientated area, compulsory and compulsory optional modules are offered which are to enhance the understanding of modern experimental and theoretical developments in the geological sciences or are to introduce the student to those areas of the geological sciences which were not taught during undergraduate studies.   

At the program's outset one of four focal areas is to be chosen. Its courses convey basic and advanced knowledge and skills of the particular area. Additionally, interdisciplinary geoscientific contents of teaching are offered as a part of the geoscientific core-curriculum's course offerings.

Through the compulsory M. Sc. thesis students are able to gain expertise in the autonomous and supervised execution of a research project.