Solar System Physics (SSP) Technische Universität Braunschweig

STUDY SSP AND EXPLORE THE INFINITE VASTNESS OF SPACE

Exploring the solar system has always been one of mankind’s most fascinating endeavours, and it continues to pose great challenges. Scientists today study celestial bodies with the aid of modern ground- and space-based telescopes and use probes that venture deep into space. To successfully collect data about our solar system, these space missions rely on countless, highly sophisticated technologies.

To further the continuous advancement of these technologies and the invention of new ones, an in-depth understanding of the physics of our solar system is required. The Master’s programme in Solar System Physics prepares students for this challenge.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT TU BRAUNSCHWEIG?

TU Braunschweig’s Master’s programme in Solar System Physics is the only one of its kind in Germany. It offers you the chance to study the physics of our solar system and to qualify for a future career in the aerospace industry or in exploring planetary bodies. The programme perfectly complements the focus on Space Physics and Technology in TU Braunschweig’s Physics Department.

STRUCTURE OF THE SSP MASTER’S PROGRAMME

The two-year, consecutive Master’s programme in Solar System Physics has a strong focus on research and is a full-time, attendance-based programme. With English as the language of instruction, this programme is an ideal way to prepare yourself for the global job and science market and for networking with international colleagues.

You will have the chance to acquire in-depth specialist knowledge in the field of solar system physics, including, for example, the formation and evolution of planetary systems, the sun and its heliosphere, planetary surfaces, and the internal structure and processes of planets as well as the atmospheres and magnetospheres of planetary bodies.

Step by step, you will become familiar with innovative work methods in research and science and practice hands-on, problem-solving techniques. With a final thesis completed over the course of eight months, students will demonstrate the ability to independently investigate a subject-specific issue by applying scientific work methods.

First year: In-depth specialisation

• Deepening and practical application of knowledge acquired during the Bachelor’s programme

  • Physics and evolution of the solar system and its planetary bodies
  • Hands-on training (laboratory, simulations and data analysis)

Transition to the second year of studies

• Acquisition of a broader knowledge base and instrumental skills in a multidisciplinary context 

• Special courses module

  • Specialisation in sub-sections of solar system physics
  • Expansion of interdisciplinary knowledge in areas chosen by the student

• Scientific Key Qualifications module

  • Scientific programming
  • Scientific communication

Second year: Research phase

• Literature Research module: Systems thinking and other communication skills
• Research Internship module: Practical scientific and/or research work 
• Master’s Thesis module: Completion of largely independent research projects

For detailed information about the contents of this study programme, please see the programme-specific part of the university’s examination regulations.

The Research Internship module is supervised by the institutes involved in the degree programme and prepares students for the Master's thesis.

You can apply for the Master’s programme in Solar System Physics if you have a Bachelor’s degree in physics or a closely related field.

In order to enrol at TU Braunschweig or to re-register for the coming semester, you have to pay your semester contribution (currently approx. 440 EUR).

The semester contribution covers, for example, your semester ticket for public transport.

By German standards, Braunschweig is not an expensive place to study. Nevertheless, you need a minimum of about 1,000 EUR per month to be able to study here successfully.

More information about financing your studies can be found here.

During their studies, students usually have the opportunity to work as student assistants.

TU Braunschweig has a scholarship programme for excellent students ("Deutschlandstipendium"). The stipend rate is 300 EUR per month.

Information on funding can be found here.

The International Career Service at TU Braunschweig guides international students on their journey from the university to the German job market. It offers workshops, advisory sessions, company visits and more. Find out more at:
https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/international-career-service/students

The Student Services OstNiedersachsen ("Studierendenwerk") offer several dormitories:
https://www.stw-on.de/en/braunschweig/housing/.

More information about finding housing is available here: https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/freshmen-hub/important-informations/housing-search.

275 years of experience in teaching and research

A very warm welcome! We are happy that you are interested in studying in Braunschweig. TU Braunschweig is a university with a long tradition of excellent research and teaching. We are part of the TU9 network, the alliance of the leading Universities of Technology in Germany.

TU Braunschweig has about 15,000 students and about 3,200 of them are international students. Six departments and 120 institutes offer 94 degree programmes and excellent facilities for interdisciplinary research work in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

TU Braunschweig is situated in one of Europe's most research-intensive regions. The large number of major companies and leading national research institutes in the Braunschweig region create an enormous scientific potential. Students benefit greatly from the many active partnerships between university and industry. 

Get to know more.

Braunschweig is a lively student city situated in northern Germany. With a population of around 250,000 it is big enough to feel cosmopolitan and yet small enough not to be overwhelming. Founded in the Middle Ages, the city bears the imprint of every era, from the medieval castle and the Gothic cathedral to modern shopping streets and leisure facilities. It's also a city where a young cultural and pub scene meets serene courtyards hosting cozy cafés and leafy residential quarters.

Our campus is centrally located right in the middle of it all – with its lecture halls, student union, cafeteria and the botanical garden just around the corner.

www.braunschweig.de