Solar System Physics (Master)

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 you for the global job and science market and for cooperating with international colleagues. You will have the chance to acquire in-depth specialist knowledge in the field of solar system physics, including for example 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 their ability to independently investigate a subject-specific issue by applying scientific work methods.

Programme structure:

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.

International experience and language skills are highly sought after on the job market. All large companies today have global operations, and when it comes to research projects, international teams are the norm. With English as the programme’s language of instruction, graduates with a degree in Solar System Physics are well prepared to work and conduct research anywhere in the world.

Thanks to our international university partnerships, students have a broad range of options for studying abroad:

• Europe: e.g. Scandinavia and Southern and Eastern Europe

• North America: USA and Canada

• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico

• Asia: India, China, Japan and Korea.

Studying abroad [in German only]

As a Solar System Physics graduate, you will be a specialist at the highest international level, with in-depth knowledge of space and astrophysical methods as well as insights into application areas and related cutting-edge research. You will be qualified – content-wise, strategically, and practically – to work and conduct research independently.

Your interdisciplinary knowledge and skills will enable you to perform project management tasks such as planning large-scale projects in the fields of solar system physics and fundamental physics research. You will be able to convey scientific findings at various levels of abstraction and complexity, both nationally and internationally.

Thanks to the English-language focus, graduates are ideally poised to conduct research and complete a doctoral thesis in Germany or abroad. Reputable jobs in the space industry, in space management and at research institutions are available to specialists who have completed this unique study programme.