Master in Exploration and Applied Geophysics at University of Pisa

About the programme

Exploration and Applied Geophysics is a two-year master of science (laurea magistrale, class LM-79, Geophysics) worth 120 ECTS, taught in English by the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Pisa. It trains geophysicists who can solve geophysical, geological and engineering problems in a wide range of settings.

Graduates learn the main geophysical methods, from seismic and gravity to magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic techniques, set up laboratory experiments and work with recent acquisition technology such as fibre optics for seismology. Strong computational training lets them model natural processes, analyse large datasets and apply AI techniques. The course is open to graduates in geosciences, physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science and environmental sciences.

What you will study

There are three curricula: Exploration Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, and Earthquake and Volcano Physics. The first year builds shared foundations and the second is largely devoted to research. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:

• Exploration seismology and Applied geophysics
• Laboratory of seismic acquisition and processing
• Computational geophysics and Signal processing for physics
• Rock physics
• Curriculum units such as Seismic imaging, Advanced well logging, Physics of volcanic processes, Fluid dynamics and Laboratory of instrumental seismology
• A 40 ECTS thesis, with training and seminars

How the programme is taught

The University of Pisa and Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria run the International Master of Applied and Exploration Geophysics double degree. Selected students, chosen on academic performance, spend at least one semester in Leoben and earn at least 24 ECTS there, graduating with a diploma from both universities. The department also lists international mobility options and available thesis topics.

Career paths

The University of Pisa points graduates to:

• Geophysical service and consulting companies
• Environmental monitoring agencies
• Resource exploration companies
• Engineering and design firms
• Public and private research institutions

Fees and scholarships

The department notes that the course takes part in the Invest Your Talent in Italy programme and that MAECI scholarships are open to international students; both are competitive. Standard University of Pisa rules for 2026/27 cap fees at €2,900 a year, with automatic bands of €290, €580 or €1,160 by country income group, or an ISEEU parificato calculation. With a DSU Toscana award, it can be tuition-free for eligible students.

How to apply from outside the EU

EU and non-EU applicants apply on the applymscenglish portal. For 2026/27 applications opened on 28 November 2025 and the portal set 20 September 2026 as the non-EU closing date, although the department advises non-EU students to apply as early as possible to leave time for documents. A committee reviews your CV and qualifications and may hold an online pre-assessment test and a videoconference interview.

Admitted non-EU students then pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa.

How ApplyAZ helps

If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.