Solar System Physics
Master's in Solar System Physics (M.Sc.) at Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany — a research-oriented program covering planetary formation and geophysics, atmospheric and magnetospheric dynamics, heliosphere physics, and space plasma physics, with hands-on training in observational astronomy, experimental methods, and computational simulation. Elective modules extend into areas such as computational fluid dynamics, general relativity, dynamo theory, and extrasolar planetary systems, allowing students to tailor a specialisation within solar system and space science. One of few English-taught Solar System Physics master's programs in Europe.
Programme facts
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
|---|---|
| Language of instruction | English |
| Required English | C1 |
| Study mode | Full-Time |
| Start | Winter semester, summer semester |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 15.03, summer semester until 15.09 |
| Admission | Aptitude assessment: the university evaluates how well your previous education fits the programme |
Will I get in
Admission goes through an aptitude assessment: the university checks how well the subjects, credits and grades of your previous education fit the programme. There is no fixed cut-off — the assessment is comparative.
- ✓Those with a strong physics background who are drawn specifically to space science — planetary formation, the physics of the Sun and heliosphere, or the dynamics of planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres
- ✓Those who want a master's program that bridges rigorous theoretical physics with hands-on laboratory and computational work from the first semester
- ✓Those who are considering a research career — in academia, a space agency, or a planetary science institute — and want a program that leads naturally into doctoral study
Read moreShow less
- ✓Those who value direct contact with active research institutions: the program's collaboration with MPS, DLR, and ESA means research questions are current and real
- ✓Those who are comfortable working in English-only academic environments and want international exposure without relocating for an exchange semester
- ✓Those interested in the broader space industry — mission planning, spacecraft instrumentation, or project management — who want scientifically grounded preparation for that sector
- —Admission includes a mandatory interview conducted in English; academic achievement alone does not determine admission — candidates must also perform well in the spoken assessment
- —The research phase is substantial (60 out of 120 ECTS), which means the program functions more like an early-stage doctoral preparation than a coursework-heavy master's; applicants expecting a lecture-heavy curriculum should be aware of this emphasis
- —The program is taught exclusively in English, and no German language skills are required — however, daily life in Braunschweig will involve German-language contexts outside the university, which prospective students should factor into their preparation
Read moreShow less
- —The program has intake in both winter and summer semesters, with different application windows for EU and non-EU applicants; timing of the application relative to the completion of a bachelor's degree requires careful planning
- —Braunschweig is a mid-sized German city with moderate living costs compared to major metropolitan areas, but the city's research infrastructure is highly concentrated in aerospace and engineering institutions
How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.
Programme selection →About the programme
The Master's program in Solar System Physics at Technische Universität Braunschweig offers a rigorous, research-oriented curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers in space science and planetary research. The program is taught entirely in English and is structured around two major study phases: an intensive subject-specific deepening phase and a substantial research phase.
Read moreShow less
During the deepening phase, students build expertise across three interconnected compulsory areas: the physics of planetary bodies — covering planetary formation, internal structure, atmospheres, and magnetospheres; the solar system as a whole — including the Sun, heliosphere, and the evolution of planetary systems; and a hands-on laboratory component where students gain direct experience in observational astronomy, experimental solar system physics, and computational data analysis and simulation.
Beyond the compulsory core, students select elective modules from a rich catalog spanning computational fluid dynamics, space plasma physics, general relativity, planetary magnetism and dynamo theory, stellar astrophysics, extrasolar planetary systems, signal and data analysis, comets and trans-Neptunian objects, asteroids, solar system space missions, and astroparticle physics. This breadth allows students to tailor their program toward a specific research direction.
The research phase accounts for half the total credit load and encompasses scientific key qualifications, a structured literature research component, a dedicated research internship, and the master's thesis. The internship component is integrated into the curriculum and provides direct exposure to active research environments.
The program is embedded within a strong network of non-university research institutions. Students benefit from close ties with the Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung (MPS) in Göttingen, the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as industrial partners in the space sector. These partnerships shape both the elective curriculum and the internship and thesis opportunities available to students.
What you study
Phase 1 — Subject Deepening (Semesters 1–2, 60 ECTS)
Compulsory Core Modules (45 ECTS total across three areas):
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
Graduates are qualified for careers in the space industry and in planetary science research. The program's institutional ties with MPS, DLR, ESA, and aerospace industry partners create pathways into positions in space mission development, planetary data analysis, and spacecraft instrumentation. Graduates may also pursue doctoral research in physics, astrophysics, or planetary science at universities and research institutes. The combination of theoretical rigor, computational skills, and research experience is suited to roles in both public research agencies and private space sector companies.
Requirements and application
| Previous education | A bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related discipline is required. |
|---|---|
| Language | English C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 15.03, summer semester until 15.09 |
The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.
Check the requirementsHow to get into this programme
- 1Check your certificate and its recognitionDirect admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
- 2Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 3Application directly to the university until 15.03Send the documents well before the deadline — an incomplete application cannot be completed after it.
- 4Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.
How to apply
You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.
Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:
- ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
- ×a wrong set of documents
- ×the application submitted the wrong way
- ×errors or gaps in the application form
- ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late
An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.
StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.
Questions about this programme
What language level do I need?
When do I need to apply?
Don't postpone the application
The deadline is 15.03.2027 (152 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.