Postgraduate Programme in Environmental Physics – Atmosphere, Ocean, Ice, Land, Climate – PEP University of Bremen

Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research

Medium of instruction: English

The focus of the Environmental Physics programme at the University of Bremen lies on earth system sciences. Students learn to understand the complex relationships between atmosphere, hydrosphere (ocean), cryosphere (ice region), solid earth (land) and climate. Special emphasis is placed on gaining experience in the application of experimental methods relevant for environmental physics at an advanced level, numerical data analysis using supercomputers and data interpretation via sophisticated models.

Two of the leading research institutes in the field of environmental research in Germany – the Institute of Environmental Physics (IUP) of the University of Bremen and the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven (AWI) – are jointly undertaking the further development, organisation and teaching of the study programme.

The Master's programme provides the physical, mathematical and chemical principles that are used in current research undertaken by the participating research institutes. Students gain the skills and problem-solving capabilities for subsequent use in experimental design and project development of relevance for a subsequent career in research or in the industry.

15 July for the following winter semester

In the first academic year (first and second semesters), students attend lectures dealing with the basics in Environmental Sciences (including lab work). In the second academic year, students attend advanced courses in Environmental Physics, work on a project and start their research in Environmental Physics for the Master's thesis.
The curriculum comprises compulsory modules as well as a variety of elective modules from which students can choose.

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Study abroad units (via the Erasmus programme) are not required, but possible (not recommended in the first and second semesters).

Lab work is integrated into the programme.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 425 EUR, including a semester ticket for the public transport system in Bremen and beyond for six months. The fee has to be paid each semester.

Germany is not particularly expensive compared to other European countries. On average, international students have to spend around 950 to 1,000 EUR per month. This sum comprises the expenses for rent, travel expenses, expenditures for food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, Internet, radio and TV licence fees, and recreational activities.

• Academic admission requirements include a first BSc / university degree (from a programme of three to four years in duration with 180 CP or equivalent) in Physics or Mathematics or another appropriately related field of studies which includes a substantial portion of advanced physics and mathematics. (In these cases, a GRE subject test might be required by the admission board.)
• The degree must include at least 90 CP in Physics.
• English language skills at a level of C1 (see language requirements)
• Letter of motivation (maximum of one page) stating reasons why you have chosen to apply for the MSc Environmental Physics programme

English language skills at a level of C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (e.g. TOEFL test result with a minimum score of 95 iBT, IELTS test result of at least Bd. 7.0, etc.)

15 July for the following winter semester

The University of Bremen takes part in the government's funding programme "Deutschlandstipendium". Upon successful application, excellent students are granted a scholarship of 300 EUR/month for the duration of one year.

https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/deutschlandstipendiat.html

In the first semester, the programme is very challenging and working is not advised.
Afterwards, well-qualified students may find a job as a student assistant in one of the working groups at the institutes. Access is limited and by no means guaranteed, and the salary is not sufficient to cover living expenses. Furthermore, students may look for a job outside of the university.

The "Studentenwerk", the local organisation that manages the student dormitories, offers modern accommodation facilities (single rooms, shared flats, etc.). The rooms have modern furnishings and either a kitchenette or an electric stove, depending on the unit, but they all have a fridge, sink and bathroom. There is no need for you to bring your own furniture. The residences are located near the university, most of them within walking distance. Rents for one-room apartments vary depending on the size and type of room and are currently around 300/340 EUR to 380/400 EUR, so they are usually well below market prices.

For further information and application, see: https://www.stw-bremen.de/en/accommodation/.

However, the "Studentenwerk" offers only a limited number of rooms and the waiting lists are long. For this reason, many students look for and find a room or flat on the private market (prices are slightly higher).

Arrival support: After admission, we provide you with further information on how to proceed.
Academic Mentor: From the very beginning, you will be assigned to an academic mentor with whom you may discuss everything regarding your studies and, if you wish so, your future career.