Master of Science in Meteorology and Climate Physics Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

The Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK) at KIT is one of the oldest and largest research institutions in atmospheric science in Germany.

Students benefit from the rich research environment at IMK in many ways. The whole breadth of atmospheric sciences from small-scale processes in clouds to long-term climate change is taught by leading experts in their field. The MSc programme includes lectures, exercise classes, numerical modelling, a field/laboratory practical and a one-week excursion. The programme concludes with one year of free research with students enjoying the freedom to choose a topic and supervisors from many different working groups.

Compulsory courses in atmospheric sciences can be combined with optional courses to give room for individual interests.

The atmospheric science research programme of KIT was recently reviewed as “outstanding” by a team of international experts and currently ranks among the top positions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai ranking.

Characteristic features of the MSc programme in Meteorology and Climate Physics at KIT:

• Comprehensive education in meteorology and climate physics
• Studying at one of the largest and renowned institutions for atmospheric research in Germany
• Study and work in small, well supervised groups
• Large percentage of practical experience (exercises, project work)
• Research-oriented teaching and high potential of active involvements in research projects
• For prospective doctoral candidates: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS)
• Campus close to the city of Karlsruhe, known for its warm and intercultural climate

The purpose of the Master's degree programme is to deepen and complement the scientific qualification the student has acquired in the Bachelor's degree programme. The first year consists of lectures, exercises and practicals (compulsory and elective) followed by an individual research project in year two.

The lectures, course work, computer and modelling classes in the winter semester are devoted to individual components of the climate system and to climate dynamics and change as well as to cloud physics, radiation, aerosols, chemistry and energetics of the atmosphere.

The summer semester module in “Experimental Meteorology” is composed of classes on individual measurement platforms, advanced practical courses and a one-week excursion to observatories and labs, whereas the module in “Applied Meteorology” focuses on numerical weather prediction, air pollution, meteorological hazards, energy meteorology and data analysis.

Additionally, during their first and second semesters, students acquire detailed skills in an elective from a wide range of other natural sciences as well as generic competences in transferable skills areas such as scientific writing, presentation, time management or languages (including a free German course).

During semester three, students individually develop a chosen topic from the rich research portfolio of the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK) into a full scientific concept.

With the completion of the Master’s thesis in semester four, the graduates demonstrate that they are capable of applying scientific knowledge and methods to independently solve complex research problems.

The degree programme in Meteorology comprises 120 credits corresponding to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and is divided into the subjects:

• Atmosphere and Climate Processes (24 ECTS)
• Applied and Experimental Meteorology (24 ECTS)
• Compulsory Elective Courses (8 ECTS)
• Transferable Skills (4 ECTS)
• Scientific Work (30 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)
• Additional Subjects (maximum 30 ECTS)

For details, see the diagram of the course organisation below.

A Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Meteorology and Climate Physics or a related discipline with adequate content in physics, mathematics and atmospheric science from a university or a university of applied sciences in Germany or a university abroad is needed. The programme must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. The admission requirements may also be fulfilled by a Bachelor's degree in other subjects, such as Physics, Mathematics, Geosciences, Oceanography or another natural science, and knowledge in relevant subjects conveyed by a Bachelor’s programme (e.g. as a subsidiary or supplementary subject) resulting in minimum achievements in the following areas:

• Meteorology and Climate Physics in the amount of least 24 ECTS credits
• Physics in the amount of at least 24 ECTS credits
• Mathematics in the amount of at least 12 ECTS credits

If the requirements are not fulfilled completely, a conditional admission may be possible (decided by the admission committee).

Approx. 200 EUR per semester

For information about financial support for international students, please see: https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/12591.php.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. From fundamental research to application, it excels in a broad range of disciplines such as in Natural Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Economics, and the Humanities and Social Sciences. It makes significant contributions to the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information.

With about 9,300 employees, including roundabout 6,000 scientists and lecturers, and 24,400 students, KIT is a big science institution holding a leading position in Europe. KIT offers research-based study programmes to prepare its students for responsible positions in society, industry, and science. Its innovation efforts build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural bases of life.

As “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT fully exploits its synergy potential resulting from combining tasks of national big research with those of a state university. To fulfil its three core tasks of research, higher education, and innovation, KIT is organised in five divisions: Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering; Informatics, Economics, and Society; Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Natural and Built Environment; Physics and Mathematics. These divisions link research, teaching and innovation to their respective institutes. The KIT departments are responsible for university education. Programme-oriented research is organised in Helmholtz Programmes, and each of them is assigned to one of the heads of division.