Master of Science in Meteorology

This Master of Science programme deepens understanding of atmospheric physics and the practical use of its methods. In the first semester, all students take two mandatory courses that provide a common foundation. After that you choose from a broad range of electives that either concentrate your studies in one of two specialisations — "Weather Predictability and Data Assimilation" or "Radiation, Atmosphere and Climate" — or give you a broader overview across meteorological topics. The first specialisation emphasises applying theoretical hydrodynamics to improve weather forecasting, while the second focuses on atmospheric radiation, its microscale interactions with larger-scale motion, and implications for future climate.

Teaching and research are closely linked to the Meteorological Institute Munich and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich, giving you access to current research themes and applied projects. Students work with internationally recognised researchers and benefit from LMU’s long academic tradition (over 550 years), high national and international standing, and strong research profile that includes Nobel laureates, Leibniz Prize winners, ERC grant holders and Humboldt professorships.

The programme is embedded in Munich’s dense research ecosystem — including nearby institutions such as the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Max Planck and Fraunhofer institutes — plus a vibrant industrial and start-up scene. This environment supports state-of-the-art research opportunities and prepares graduates for international careers in academia, government agencies, research institutions, and industry.

Program structure and key facts

• Degree awarded: Master of Science (MSc) in Meteorology
• Language of instruction: English
• Two mandatory foundation courses in the first semester for all students
• Two specialisation tracks: "Weather Predictability and Data Assimilation" and "Radiation, Atmosphere and Climate"
• Large selection of elective courses tied to research areas at the Meteorological Institute Munich and DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics (Oberpfaffenhofen)
• Strong opportunities for research collaboration with internationally recognised faculty and Munich’s wider research and industry network
• Prepares graduates for international careers in research, forecasting, climate science and related fields

The MSc curriculum is delivered over four semesters. In the first two semesters you complete required meteorology courses alongside elective classes drawn from the faculty’s different research areas, allowing you to build a broad foundation while beginning to tailor your studies. The final two semesters are devoted to a one‑year Master’s project, providing sustained focus on an in‑depth research question or applied problem.

Key components and learning outcomes:

• Core compulsory courses in meteorology establish advanced theoretical and methodological foundations in the discipline.
• Elective modules from the faculty’s research areas let you specialise according to your interests and align coursework with ongoing research themes.
• The one‑year Master’s project (third and fourth semesters) consolidates coursework learning by developing your ability to design and carry out an extended research or application‑focused study, sharpen analytical and problem‑solving skills, and demonstrate independent scientific work.

What this means for you as an international student:

• You will progress from taught, structured learning to independent research within a single, coherent programme.
• Electives linked to active faculty research create opportunities to engage with current scientific questions and potential supervisors early on.
• The programme emphasizes both subject mastery and research competence, equipping you for advanced professional roles or further academic study.

Program requirements (curriculum structure)

• Total duration: 4 semesters
• Semesters 1–2: compulsory meteorology courses + elective courses from the faculty’s research areas
• Semesters 3–4: one‑year Master’s project (extended research/project work)

Graduates are prepared for international careers in meteorology and atmospheric sciences, including roles in weather forecasting centres, climate and atmospheric research institutes, aerospace organisations, and environmental agencies. The programme’s emphasis on data assimilation, numerical modelling and radiation physics also qualifies alumni for positions in applied research, numerical weather prediction, climate modelling, and scientific software development.

Additional career paths include research and development in public-sector meteorological services, private weather and climate consulting firms, and interdisciplinary roles in energy, aviation, and remote sensing companies. The strong research links and project experience support transitions to PhD programmes and research careers at universities and research institutions.