Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)

Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points

Language of instruction: English

Limited capacity:
First semester: no
Higher semester: no
Application possible for:
First semester: winter and summer term
Higher semester: winter and summer term
Application deadline:
German and EU nationals
First semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Higher semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Non-EU nationals
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term

Program structure

The English master's program is divided into the following subjects and moduls:

1

Atmosphere and Climate Processes
Components of the Climate System (12 CP), Atmospheric Processes (12 CP)

Electives
Elective 1 (4 CP)
Elective 2 (4 CP)

Transferable skills
Interdisciplinary qualifications (4 CP)

2

Applied and Experimental Meteorology
Experimental Meteorology (14 CP),
Applied Meteoroloy (10 CP)

3

Scientific work
Specialization Phase: Scientific Concept Development (30 CP)

4

Master’s thesis
Master’s thesis (30 CP)

The Master program in Meteorology deepens and extends the essential scientific qualifications obtained in the Bachelor program in a research-oriented way. Consolidation occurs in the areas of Theoretical Meteorology and Numerical Weather Prediction, Climatology, Remote Sensing and Data Analysis as well as in Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosols, while extensions take place in the area of Applied Meteorology. A comprehensive practical course familiarizes the graduates with methods of modern atmospheric measurements in the laboratory and field. With the completion of the Master thesis, the graduates have demonstrated that they are capable of applying scientific knowledge and methods to independently solve complex research problems. In addition, they acquired detailed skills in an elective from a wide range of other natural sciences.

The graduates possess practical skills to use concepts of theoretical meteorology to, respectively, describe and solve concrete meteorological or climatological problems. On the basis of the obtained knowledge they competently classify facts and thematic areas. They exhibit extensive knowledge in programming, have experience with numerical models and are capable of using modern measurement techniques. Applying statistical methods to observational data they are able to conclude relationships, to estimate uncertainty, to formulate hypotheses, and to derive and validate predictions.

The graduates are proficient in the adequate written account of scientific results and in didactically appealing presentation techniques. They are able to reflect their actions and related scientific and societal ramifications, and to recognise and evaluate ethical aspects.

Excerpt from the diploma supplement of the study program

With a master's degree in Meteorology and Climate Physics, a wide range of career opportunities present itself for you. These include:

  • research and doctoral studies with a focus on an academic career or
  • employment in one of the following fields:
    • public weather services such as the German Weather Service (DWD) or private weather companies
    • the insurance sector, assessing risks due to weather hazards
    • the energy sector, providing reliable forecasts and predicting critical situations
    • climate services which provide information resources and platforms for decision-makers to adapt and prepare for climate change

Characteristic features of Meteorology and Climate Physics M.Sc. at KIT

  • comprehensive training in Meteorology and Climate Physics

  • studies at one of the largest and most renowned institutions for atmospheric research in Germany

  • small, well supervised study groups

  • high practical component through exercises and project work

  • research-oriented teaching with high potential for active participation in research projects

  • for prospective doctoral students: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS)

What KIT has to offer

  • central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  • 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  • wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  • numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  • study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  • excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  • comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  • extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  • internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  • modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  • Lernraum app
  • diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  • stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Admission requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Meteorology and Climate Physics are based on the current admission regulations:

  • bachelor's degree
    a passed bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree in a degree program with essentially the same content at a university, university of applied sciences or vocational academy or at a foreign university, whereby the course must have been completed with a minimum of 180 credit points according to ECTS, alternatively with a standard period of study of at least three years in the subject of Meteorology or a related subject area (e.g. Physics, Mathematics, Geosciences).
  • minimum achievement and minimum knowledge in the following areas:
    • Meteorology and Climate Physics amounting to at least 24 credit points
    • Physics amounting to at least 24 credit points
    • Mathematics amounting to at least 12 credit points
    If you are missing up to 30 credit points, you may be admitted on condition that you make up the missing credits by the end of the 2nd semester at the latest. Any condition will be set by the admissions commission and you will be informed of this when you are admitted.
  • Proof of entitlement to an examination
    Proof that you have not definitively failed an examination required by the examination regulations in the master's degree program in Meteorology or a related degree program with essentially the same content and that you are still entitled to take the examination

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Meteorology and Climate Physics, you need very good knowledge of English, which must correspond to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof of sufficient English language skills

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

  • your Abitur certificate, if you have taken English for at least five years up to graduation and your final or average grade of the last two years of English lessons is at least equivalent to the German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least 5 points.

Alternatively, you can prove your English language skills by taking one of the following internationally recognized tests

  • Cambridge Certificate: FCE, CAE or CPE,
  • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS); with a score of at least 6.0 points and no part of the test lower than 5.0 points,
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); with a result of at least 72 points and at least the following scores in the individual sections: reading (18), listening (17), speaking (20), writing (17),
  • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) with at least the following scores in the individual sections: listening (400), reading (385)

In addition, certificates other than those listed above may be accepted on request in individual cases. In particular, the following may be considered

  • a degree certificate from an English-language degree program
  • a higher education entrance qualification from institutions with English as the language of instruction
  • a bachelor's thesis written in English
  • completion of the bachelor's degree program in Meteorology and Climate Physics at KIT

The decision is made by the admissions commission.

Please note:
Language certificates are extremely important application documents that can prevent your enrollment if you do not submit them on time. Therefore, check early on in the application process whether you have the necessary language certificates for your degree program and, if necessary, plan to take one of the language tests mentioned above. The deadline by which you must submit language certificates corresponds to the enrollment deadline stated in your admission offer. In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of this deadline. The extension can be granted until the start of the lecture period at the latest.

Application for the 1st semester

Application for a higher semester

Carmen Reck
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)

+49 721 608 - 44930Carmen Reck does-not-exist.kit edu

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Studierendenservice

 

+49 721 608 - 82222

 

Contacts for students

Contacts for applicants

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe

 

Business hours

International Students Office
First point of contact for international applicants

+49 721 608 - 44911

Contact form

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Previous studies and exmination regulations Meteorology M.Sc.
Titel Stand Download
04.09.2020, veröffentlicht 04.09.2020

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06.08.2015, veröffentlicht 06.08.2015

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10.09.2008

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18.12.2013, veröffentlicht 20.12.2013

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20.05.2022, veröffentlicht 20.05.2022

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21.04.2011, veröffentlicht 18.05.2011

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21.07.2017, veröffentlicht 21.07.2017

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26.02.2025, veröffentlicht 27.02.2025

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28.03.2014, veröffentlicht 28.03.2014

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28.03.2022, veröffentlicht 28.03.2022

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30.03.2023, veröffentlicht 30.03.2023

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Lectures will not take place:
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  • on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg