Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere University of Bonn

Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere – University of Cologne

Geophysics for Natural Risks and Resources – University of Padova

Courses are held in English or may be arranged to be held in German.

The overarching objective of the Master's degree programme is to convey to students advanced knowledge and skills that will enable them to practice the profession of meteorologist or geophysicist.

In the area of meteorology, this means building on existing knowledge from the Bachelor’s degree programme in the broadest sense in order to develop the ability to mathematically and natural scientifically observe, analyse and predict environmental variations that occur in the atmosphere or in connection with it.

In the area of geophysics, such knowledge and skills primarily include the ability to mathematically and natural scientifically observe and analyse physical occurrences and phenomena that take place inside the earth (e.g. earthquakes). In the area of applied geophysics, the central skill conveyed to students is the ability to develop and deploy geophysical measurement procedures for the exploration, evaluation and use of georesources (e.g. mineral deposits and water).

The degree programme puts particular emphasis on enabling students to independently solve constantly changing problems, respond flexibly to new challenges and develop innovative ideas. Students gain comprehensive specialised knowledge of diverse phenomena in the earth and its atmosphere while mastering the methods used to forecast future developments of processes. Graduates of this degree programme have the ability to conduct and refine methods and procedures used to observe and—especially in meteorology—forecast the weather and climate.

https://www.ifgeo.uni-bonn.de/studiere-pea

• 15 September for following winter semester (October to March)
• 15 March for following summer semester (April to September)

The Master's programme is extended over 24 months and is structured into mandatory modules and compulsory elective modules, including teaching units with a duration of one semester. An exam, either written or oral, completes each module. Credit points (CP) are the basis of evaluation. By the end of the second semester, the students are required to choose a specialisation out of the options meteorology or geophysics.

The curriculum of the programme is structured as follows: The first year offers mandatory and elective advanced modules covering the knowledge that will be required for the specialisation in the scientific programme phase during the second year of study. Lectures and exercises cover the topics Climate Dynamics, Atmospheric Physics and Geodynamics and Hydrogeophysics. Furthermore, the cooperation with the Master's programme at the University of Cologne allows for choosing further modules from the Cologne curriculum. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge on research topics in their specialisation and train to be able to do self-sufficient research. These topics and skills prepare for the Master's thesis during the last study semester.

The Master's programme will be successfully completed once 120 CP have been obtained. Of these 120 CP, students will obtain 60 CP from advanced modules, 30 CP from the special skills and research topics, and 30 CP from the Master's thesis.

Study plan: https://www.ifgeo.uni-bonn.de/de/studium/mug/dokumente_mug/po_pea/studienverlaufsplan_msc.pdf

The best students with the specialisation in geophysics may apply for the double degree programme in cooperation with the University of Padua. The second year or the third study semester is then completed in Padova, Italy with a second degree – "Laurea Magistrale" – in the Master's programme Geophysics for Natural Risks and Resources.

The student counselling service advises on individual options: studiere-mug@uni-bonn.de.

Erasmus+ exchange is possible with several partner universities.

Selected students may gain a double degree from University of Bonn and University of Padova, Italy.

No tuition fees

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 340 EUR per semester. Among other things, it includes a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.

University degree (German or non-German) in a relevant discipline with specific modules: 60 ECTS meteorology/geophysics knowledge and mathematics and physics knowledge; of which at least 10 ECTS must be covered by mathematics knowledge, 10 ECTS by physics knowledge and 20 ECTS by meteorology or geophysics knowledge.

English language proficiency (CEFR level B2)

English language proficiency CEFR level B2 with an official certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

• 15 September for following winter semester (October to March)
• 15 March for following summer semester (April to September)

No

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days (www.uni-bonn.de/welcomedays) before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities, and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days. The Study Buddy Programme (www.uni-bonn.de/study-buddy) matches newly-arrived international students (Mentees) with a University of Bonn student (Buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The "buddies" give tips, advice and assistance that make it easier for their mentees to become familiar with the university and get settled in Bonn.