Earth System Physics
(English-language Bachelor)

Earth System Physics
(English-language Bachelor)

Obser­va­tion methods, inter­pre­ta­tion proce­dures and modeling — the English-language Bachelor’s degree course in Earth System Physics lays the founda­tions for the physical descrip­tion of the dynamic processes of the solid Earth, the oceans and the atmosphere. Here you can find out every­thing about the course content, the course struc­ture and career oppor­tu­ni­ties.

Colllage aus Lava und einer Welle
Kayak vor Eisberg
Computer-Grafik
Wolke über Ozean und kleines Boot
Earth System Physics 

The English-language Bachelor’s program Earth System Physics (BSc) is a study program offered by the disci­plines of Geophy­sics, Oceano­graphy and Meteo­ro­logy within the depart­ment of Earth System Sciences.
 This inter­di­sci­pli­nary program is the right fit for you if you are driven by the curio­sity to gain a holistic under­stan­ding of the physics of the Earth system and to under­stand how its key compon­ents function physi­cally. You will acquire the scien­tific founda­tions to inves­ti­gate and describe the dynamics of the solid Earth, oceans, and atmosphere using physical and mathe­ma­tical methods. Through this program, you will learn about important topics such as earth­quakes, climate change, and hurri­canes— areas of great public interest. You will gain skills in obser­va­tion methods, inter­pre­ta­tion proce­dures, and modeling techni­ques. The study program is closely linked to current research in the respec­tive disci­plines, offering you oppor­tu­ni­ties to engage in research projects early on, parti­ci­pate in measu­re­ment campaigns, and work with data evalua­tion and modeling.
The Bachelor’s program Earth System Physics (BSc) replaces the former German-language Bachelor’s program Geophysik/Ozeanographie (B.Sc.) starting in the Winter Semester 2025/26.

Your study

Under­stan­ding the dynamic processes of the Earth system requires a sound educa­tion in mathe­ma­tics and physics. These founda­tions are combined with an intro­duc­tion to Earth system sciences in the first three semes­ters. Begin­ning in the third semester, there is a steadily growing propor­tion of core elective courses, which enables students to choose modules within the Earth system sciences or to specia­lize in a field of their interest. A large fraction of additional free electives allows cross-disci­pli­nary educa­tion beyond Earth system physics. In the third year of study no compul­sory modules are scheduled. The 5th semester is ideally suited for a stay abroad. In the 6th semester students write a Bachelor’s thesis on a research topic of their choice. Embedded in a research group and under super­vi­sion they inves­ti­gate and document a current question in the field of Earth system physics.

 

On the Univer­sity of Hamburg
Hamburg is a leading hub for teaching and research in Earth System sciences. At the heart of this academic environ­ment is the Bachelor’s program Earth System Physics (BSc), which plays a central role in the Univer­sity of Hamburg’s research focus on “Climate, Earth, Environ­ment.” The program is taught prima­rily by faculty from the Depart­ment of Earth System Sciences, which offers a broad and inter­di­sci­pli­nary educa­tion spanning physical Earth sciences—such as geophy­sics, meteo­ro­logy, and oceanography—as well as geology, soil science, and geography. Thanks to a strong student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from close personal mentor­ship, ensuring high-quality educa­tion and consis­t­ently excel­lent satis­fac­tion ratings in teaching evalua­tions and alumni surveys.

What sets this program apart is its strong integra­tion with world-class research. Students have the oppor­tu­nity to engage with the Cluster of Excel­lence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS), a colla­bo­ra­tive network of 12 premier climate research insti­tu­tions in Hamburg. Teaching and research are conducted in close coope­ra­tion with key partners such as the Max Planck Insti­tute for Meteo­ro­logy (MPI‑M), Hereon, and the German Climate Compu­ting Center (DKRZ). This partner­ship provides access to top-tier exper­tise, fosters inter­di­sci­pli­nary learning, and opens doors to inter­na­tional academic and research networks—making Hamburg an outstan­ding place to begin your journey in Earth system sciences.

The follo­wing videos and blog posts give a brief insight into the worlds of geophy­sics, oceano­graphy and meteorology:
 
 
Further oppor­tu­ni­ties for finding out about studying at Univer­sität Hamburg
Career prospects

The program struc­ture offers a great deal of freedom and flexi­bi­lity in the selec­tion of courses, enabling either a disci­pli­nary focus on one subject area or a broad inter­di­sci­pli­nary educa­tion. Students can tailor their studies to their indivi­dual interests and career aspira­tions. The holistic view of the Earth system opens up excel­lent career prospects both in the field of academic research and in industry.
Most alumni continue their career in subse­quent Master’s programs at the Univer­sity of Hamburg (e.g. Atmospheric Science (MSc), Geophy­sics (MSc), Ocean and Climate Physics (MSc) or Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc)) or at other national and inter­na­tional univer­si­ties, often conti­nuing in a research or academic career after­wards. Alter­na­tively, a Bachelor’s and parti­cu­larly a Master’s degree in the field of Earth system physics equally quali­fies for a career in the private sector. Experts in Earth system physics are for example needed in geore­sources, renewable energies, data science, system adminis­tra­tion, large data proces­sing, consul­ting, and in public agencies or science communication.

Curri­culum of the Bachelor’s degree program Earth System Physics

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