Geotechnical engineering and applied geology

Zwei Studierende in Warnwesten dokumentieren Daten aus Bohrungen.

Soils, resources and the environment

New: Bachelor of Choice

Do you wonder what kind of soil is needed to support a skyscraper? Or would you like to find out how to plan a tunnel through a mountain? Or why a dam doesn't break?

Are you curious about how our earth is structured and how resources can be used in a technically and environmentally compatible way?

Do you generally enjoy using modern technology and are you just as happy outdoors as you are making plans on the computer? Then you should definitely study geotechnical engineering and applied geology with us! With us you'll learn to do the linkage between the fieldwork and the analytic work.

We do not have an admission quota or tuition fees. We only charge a semester fee, which includes the Deutschland-Ticket.

You can find all the information you need about enrolment and deadlines here.

Apply now

Ideas meet Impact Practice with Purpose

In short, geotechnical engineering and applied geology deal with how to bring important mineral resources to the surface or how to make groundwater and geothermal energy usable, for example through drilling. Your studies will be at the interface between civil engineering and geology. It is a combination of field work on site and planning work in the office.

Auf dem Bild sieht man zwei Hände, die einen in zwei Hälften geteilten Bohrkern aus dem Boden enthalten.

Focus on the environment Resource-efficient and sustainable

Geotechnical engineers and geologists are more concerned with sustainability issues than ever before. They have specialist knowledge of existing building materials, recycled materials and even geosynthetics, and are driving forward sustainable ground preparations. They consider how geothermal energy can be used for heating and are involved when important structures such as dams need to be adapted to climate change or when flood protection is required.

Fundamentals and advanced studiesWhat to expect

In addition to natural sciences, engineering and technical fundamentals in areas such as mathematics, chemistry, surveying and geology, you can tackle exciting subject-specific content during your studies. Whether drilling technology, earthworks and foundation engineering or everything related to hydrology – we offer an extremely versatile and varied degree programme with plenty of practical experience through numerous excursions.

Classic full-time or full-time in combination with vocational training The choice is yours

For your full-time studies, we guarantee you a 4-day week without reducing the quality or scope of your studies. This means you have one fixed day for your plans, your job or your family.
The geotechnical engineering programme in the practical association combines training and study – it is full-time and runs on two tracks. You start with an apprenticeship and, from the third year of training, your full-time studies begin with us, tailored to your training. This will take you a little longer than a traditional full-time degree, but you will end up with two degrees.

Steinmaterial im Labor Geotechnik und Nachbergbau. Geotechnische Prüfmethodik für Steine aus einem Tagbruch.

Start with the Bachelor of Choice Orientate yourself and then decide

Still unsure whether geotechnical engineering is right for you?
Then we offer you an orientation phase with the Bachelor of Choice. In the first two semesters, you will learn the basics of two degree programmes: Raw Materials Extraction and Recycling and Geotechnical Engineering and Applied Geology. After that, you decide which of the two degree programmes you would like to continue with.

Facts and figures – overview

Degree:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Duration:
6 semesters

Programme start:
Summer semester and winter semester

Entry requirements:
University Entrance Certificate (non-standard entry is also considered), the Bachelor programme is taught entirely in German. Proof of C1 must be provided.

Note: The degree programme has been further developed and is currently undergoing the accreditation process. A positive assessment has already been received from the ASIIN accreditation agency; the final decision by the Accreditation Council is still pending. We therefore reserve the right to make changes. The relevant ministry has approved the launch of the degree programme for the winter semester 2026/27.

We do not have a minimum grade requirement for bachelor's programmes, nor do we charge tuition fees. We only charge a semester fee, which includes the Deutschland-Ticket for public transport.

You can find all the information you need about enrolment and deadlines here.

Versatile careerJob with options

Geotechnical engineers work for mining companies, surveying and planning offices, public administrations, universities and scientific institutes. They deal with issues relating to the extraction, development and processing of raw materials (e.g. coal, ore, natural gas, oil, groundwater). They measure and collect geotechnical data, evaluate it and create geotechnical maps, profiles and plans.

Master's degreeContinue

For a seamless transition you can continue your studies at THGA with a Master's degree in Georesource Engineering. You can choose the Specialisatoin in Geotechnical Engineering and deepen your geotechnical know-how.Further on you'll broaden your overall knowledge regarding comprehensive topics in the field of georesources.

As a second choice there is the Specialisation in Post-Mining. This programme is unique in Germany and trains engineers to plan and implement the complex processes involved in mine closure and aftercare in positions of responsibility. It also deals with the extraction and processing of mineral raw materials. The programme combines scientific and technical qualifications at the interface between mining surveying, geodesy and geotechnical engineering.

No matter which Specialisation you choose, you'll be able to extend your management and professional skills and parlay your knowledge in different elective subjects.