Master's Degree in Geodetic Engineering and Applied Geophysics
Jaén, Spain
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
Spanish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The Master’s Degree in Geodetic Engineering and Applied Geophysics focuses on the application of current geodetic and geophysical techniques to problems in the fields of Earth Sciences and Engineering, such as:
- Deformation of the Earth’s crust in Geodynamics
- Analysis of the subsoil in Geophysics, Geology and Environmental Sciences
- Monitoring structures (dams, bridges, tunnels, etc.) in Civil Engineering
This master’s programme offers solid training in theory and practice that equips graduates for professional and research careers.
The syllabus covers the theoretical foundations of the two disciplines, including the latest satellite geodesy and geophysics techniques. Among these techniques are GNSS, InSAR, ground-penetrating radar and electrical tomography.
Students will also explore practical applications of these techniques in real case studies in Civil Engineering (El Arenoso Dam in Córdoba, Málaga Port, etc.) and Geophysics parts of the Cordillera Bética, zone of convergence between the Eurasian and Nubian tectonic plates, etc.).
Applicants should have the following characteristics:
- Curiosity, intelligence, dedication
- Strong commitment to study, desire for self-improvement and perseverance
- Critical and entrepreneurial spirit
- Critical reasoning skills
- Ability to analyse and synthesise information
- Decision-making skills
- Interest in the natural world and in science and technology
- Solid training in basic sciences, numerical and abstract reasoning, spatial vision
- Thirst for knowledge and ability to identify different ways to solve problems, as well as a keen desire to inform themselves of the latest developments
- Oral and written communication skills in the languages commonly used in the international scientific community
With regard to applicants’ academic background, the following qualifications and others related to them are preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Geomatic and Topographic Engineering; Technical Engineering Degree in Topography; Engineering Degree in Geodesy and Cartography; Double Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Mathematics; Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering; Bachelor’s Degree in Roads, Canals and Ports Engineering; Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Technology Engineering; Bachelor’s Degree in Energy Resource Engineering; Technical Engineering Degree in Mining and Engineering Degree in Mining; Bachelor’s Degree in Geology. If the applicant possesses the desirable characteristics listed above, they will have no problem adapting to the programme even if their previous qualifications are in a slightly less relevant area such as Computer Engineering or Telecommunications Engineering.
Subject Type
- Required - 30 Credits
- Elective - 18 Credits
- External Internships - 6 Credits
- Master's Thesis - 6 Credits
- Total Credits - 60 Credits
Distribution of the Curriculum in ECTS credits by subject type
Basic
- Possess and understand knowledge providing a foundation or opportunity to develop and/or apply ideas in an original manner, particularly in research contexts.
- Apply the knowledge acquired and develop an ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar settings within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.
- Integrate knowledge and tackle complex judgements on the basis of information which may be incomplete or limited, including reflections on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of this knowledge and judgements.
- Communicate conclusions and knowledge and the underlying reasons informing them to expert and non-expert audiences clearly and unambiguously.
- Undertake self-directed or independent study.
General
- Be able to participate in multidisciplinary teams to design and develop scientific and/or professional field projects and experiments.
- Be able to use advanced statistical analysis as a tool for management and research.
- Be able to handle databases and specialist software.
- Be able to use advanced instruments and methods for observing the Earth, as well as information obtained via indirect methods.
- Be able to implement experimental designs and work plans and to apply techniques, protocols and strategies skilfully to obtain information about the natural environment.
- Be able to critically analyse scientific articles and technical reports.
- Be able to interpret experimental results in relation to accepted theories, establish hypotheses using the scientific method and defend them convincingly.
- Be able to produce excellent work.
- Be able to make effective decisions in their professional and/or research work.
- Be aware of the need to promote scientific, technological, social and cultural progress in academic and professional contexts as part of a knowledge society.
In addition to its focus on scientific research, this Master’s Degree from the University of Jaén is designed to provide valuable training for a wide range of sectors and professional fields, including:
- GNSS positioning and navigation (Galileo, GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou)
- Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)
- New technologies in Geodesy, Geomatics, and Geophysics
- Engineering projects
- Engineering and construction consulting
- Application of drones and sensors in Engineering, Earth Sciences, and the Environment
- Natural disaster prevention and mitigation studies
- Land use planning
- Information modeling in Engineering and Earth Sciences
- Geophysical projects
- Prospection and mining
- Terrestrial digital twins
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Project management
- Public administration (national, regional, and local)
- University teaching, secondary education, and vocational training
- Consulting and commercialization of topographic-geodetic instrumentation, geophysical equipment, and monitoring and surveying solutions
This is, therefore, a program with cutting-edge content and strong future prospects, significantly enhancing the employability of graduates. They will be able to pursue careers in both the private sector and public administration, as well as in research centers. Additionally, the degree provides access to doctoral studies and the opportunity to embark on a research career.