This English-taught Master of Science applies the methods of physics to Earth and atmospheric systems, covering the core disciplines of geophysics and meteorology. The curriculum combines theoretical courses, practical fieldwork and research-focused training to give a physics-centered perspective on planetary processes and atmospheric phenomena. Students select one of two specialist tracks at the point of application to tailor their studies toward either solid-Earth and space-related topics or atmospheric science.
The programme is structured to balance compulsory core material with elective options, and includes a research-oriented second phase where students deepen their project and investigation skills. Teaching draws on offerings across departments and is augmented by modules available through a partner university in Bonn, giving access to a broad selection of complementary subjects.
This two-year Master’s programme is structured so that the first year focuses on taught courses and the second year concentrates on independent research. Core technical training occurs in the initial semesters, while the later semesters give you room to carry out a literature-based project and a full master’s thesis. If you begin in the summer semester, the order of the first two semesters is swapped to keep the same course content; the recommended study plan is flexible and can be adjusted.
Core modules anchor the curriculum: Prognostic Modelling and Inverse Modelling are flagship courses that provide hands-on experience with numerical simulation and methods for inferring system parameters from observations. The third semester emphasizes scientific literacy and research skills through a literature seminar, discussion of current research questions, and a supervised project. The programme culminates in a fourth-semester master’s thesis that develops your ability to design, execute and report an independent research study.
After completing this programme students will be able to: develop and run quantitative models of Earth–atmosphere processes; apply inverse methods to interpret observational data and estimate model parameters; critically evaluate current research literature; plan and implement a research project; and present scientific results in written and oral form—skills that are directly relevant for academic research or technical roles in environmental science, modelling and meteorology.
Program structure and requirements (concise)
You must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in a closely related subject and be able to document relevant coursework. Acceptable undergraduate degrees are geophysics, meteorology, or physics.
Your BSc program must include specific amounts of coursework in mathematics, physics, and a related earth/planetary/atmospheric field. “CP” refers to credit points and should be visible on your transcript or diploma supplement — make sure your record clearly shows the required credit totals.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for research careers (e.g. research institutes and PhD programmes) and technical or consultancy roles that require advanced skills in geophysical or atmospheric modelling, data analysis and field methods. Typical employers include meteorological services, environmental and geoscience consultancies, energy and resource companies, and academic or governmental research centres.
The combination of numerical modelling, inverse methods and project-based research also equips students for interdisciplinary roles in data-driven industries (e.g. climate services, remote sensing, and environmental risk assessment) or further academic training at the doctoral level.