Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration

A research-oriented master's program at Freie Universität Berlin integrating planetary geology, atmospheric science, and space mission technology — developed in close partnership with the DLR Institute of Planetary Research and the Museum für Naturkunde, with a strong emphasis on computational modelling and satellite-based remote sensing.

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The master's program in Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration at Freie Universität Berlin offers a rigorous, research-driven curriculum that bridges planetary geology, atmospheric physics, space mission technology, and computational earth sciences. The program is jointly shaped by three institutes within the Department of Earth Sciences — geological sciences, geographical sciences, and meteorology — and maintains active research collaborations with the DLR Institute of Planetary Research and the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. The curriculum is structured in three tiers. A synchronization area at the start of the program ensures all students share a common foundation in geological principles, computational modelling, and the physical-mathematical tools required for planetary science. This is followed by a mandatory core covering planet formation, planetary physics, atmospheric and climate dynamics, GIS and remote sensing methods, and supervised research seminars that place students in direct contact with active researchers from the outset. The elective specialization tier provides substantial flexibility, with modules spanning space mission design, planetary surface morphology, celestial mechanics, the outer solar system, magnetospheres, exoplanets, satellite meteorology, geophysical modelling of planets and moons, numerical methods, and laboratory analysis of planetary materials including meteorites. Field trips to planetary analogue sites are also offered. This breadth allows students to tailor the degree toward either observational/remote sensing tracks or theoretical/computational directions. An embedded professional experience component — including an eight-week internship — connects students to the broader research and industry landscape early in their studies. The program culminates in a master's thesis written in English during the fourth semester, defended through a presentation and oral examination. The thesis is typically embedded within one of the active research areas of the faculty or its partner institutions, offering genuine contributions to ongoing planetary science investigations.