Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere University of Cologne
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 January 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Courses are held in English. The Master's thesis must be written in English or, after approval by the examination committee, in German.
Programme description
The Master's programme in Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere addresses the application of physics to the system of Earth and to the system of the atmosphere, i.e. the classical topics of geophysics and meteorology. The course of study comes with two areas of specialisation, namely "Geophysics" and "Meteorology", to be chosen by the prospective student at the time of the application.
The compulsory modules in the "Geophysics" area of specialisation are:
- Geophysics of the solar system
- Advanced geophysical field course
- Space physics
- Direct current and electromagnetic exploration methods
In the "Meteorology" area of specialisation four out of the following five modules have to be chosen:
- Clouds and precipitation
- Atmospheric dynamics and modelling
- Radiation
- Atmospheric boundary layer
- Physical climatology
Modules common to both area of specialisation are "Prognostic Modelling" and "Inverse Modelling" and the modules of the research oriented second part of the course of study.
The four elective modules may be chosen from a large set of modules from mathematics, physics, geophysics, meteorology and more, both from the university of Cologne and our partner university in Bonn.
Programme structure
The duration of the programme is two years. The first year is course-oriented and the second year is research-oriented.
Courses of the first semester:
- Prognostic modelling
- Three compulsive modules
- One elective module
Courses of the second semester:
- Inverse modelling
- Two compulsive modules
- Two elective modules
Courses of the third semester:
- One elective module
- Literature seminar and Current Research Questions
- Project Work
Courses of the fourth semester:
- Master's thesis
If the beginning of the study is in the summer semester, the courses of the first and second semester are swapped.
Deviations from the recommended study plan are possible.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
In cooperation with
University of Bonn
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- Specialist literature in other languages
Integrated internships
During the project work and the subsequent preparation of the Master's thesis in the second year of the course, the students become temporary members of a research group. This fosters the initial research experience and embeds the students into an international research environment.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
15 July 2027
|
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
15 January 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Bachelor of Science in geophysics and/or meteorology and/or physics containing at least 18 CP (credit points) in mathematics, 18 CP in physics, and 6 CP in earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, planetary physics, or astrophysics
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 72 / 120
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 6.5 / 9
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: B2 First
|
How to apply?
uni-assist
You can apply via uni-assist, the application processing service for international students.
Click hereCosts and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Approx. 305 EUR per semester. The fee includes a "Deutschlandsemesterticket".
Cost of living
Approx. 968 EUR per month
Part-time employment
Students may apply for student jobs, which are frequently offered by the institute.
Special promotion / funding of the programme
- ERASMUS+
Living & services
Support for international students
- Specialist counselling