E.G. TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72 IELTS Academic: 6.5 Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
About this programme
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.
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. PDF Download
Course details verified 09 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source
Intakes & deadlines
Winter semester
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Summer semester
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Entry requirements
English
E.G. TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72 IELTS Academic: 6.5 Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
Prerequisites
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
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The main intake is Winter semester. Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact deadline for your profile, free.
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 English: E.G. TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72 IELTS Academic: 6.5 Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First.
The programme runs about 24 months full-time.
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