Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: MSc in Astrophysics (Bonn)

Academic degree (German or foreign) in University degree (German or non-German) in physics or a related disciplinea relevant course of study

English language proficiency (CEFR level B2)

English proficiency at the level B2 is mandatory.

This may be proven by a language test such as CAE, CPE, IELTS (min. score 5.0) or TOEFL iBT (min. 72 points).

If your bachelor course is entirely held in English, it is also sufficient to get an official form or certificate from your university stating the language of instruction was English.

For German applicants the high school diploma (Abiturzeugnis) is sufficient, if it proves 6 years of English classes.

Atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear and/or elementary particle physics (15 ECTS credits) | Lab courses (15 ECTS credits) | Quantum mechanics and statistical physics (15 ETCS credits) | Basic knowledge in astrophysics equivalent to the “Introduction to Astrophysics” course skill level (4 ECTS credits)

Finally, the Master course requires prior knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (including the axioms of quantum mechanics, the Schroedinger equation and its time-independent solution for the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom, the angular momentum algebra, and time-independent perturbation theory) and of thermodynamics and statistical physics (energy conservation, the principle of entropy, the canonical ensembles, introductory quantum statistics)

A B. Sc. degree (or equivalent) in Physics (or related fields) is required. In particular, we require applicants to have successfully completed the following coursework by the time the first M. Sc. semester in Physics or Astrophysics starts:

• Experimental physics:
• Courses in atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear, and/or particle physics, corresponding to at least 15 credit points in total.
• Theoretical physics:
• Courses in quantum mechanics and statistical physics, corresponding to at least 15 credit points in total.
• Lab courses:
• Lab courses corresponding to at least 15 credit points in total.

For the M. Sc. program in Astrophysics it is certainly helpful, but is not mandatory, having taken an introductory course in astronomy and/or astrophysics.

Please note:

• In case it is not evident from the transcript that these criteria are fulfilled (e. g. due to additional coursework), the applicant should address this in the application.
• The applicant has to prove that she or he has taken at least two lab courses performing experiments individually or in small groups and worked out written analyses of these experiments. Just watching someone else doing the experiment is not sufficient. For more details, see the FAQ question: 'What are the required lab documents?'

General remarks:

Our Master courses in Physics and Astrophysics are designed as "consecutive Master" courses, i. e. a solid foundation in physics is required. Applicants should have prior knowledge not only of classical mechanics (including Lagrange and Hamiltonian formulations) and electrodynamics (Maxwell equations and their solutions), but should also have taken introductory classes in atomic, molecular, solid state and nuclear/particle physics.

Furthermore, the Master courses require prior knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (including the axioms of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation and its time-independent solution for the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom, the angular momentum algebra and time-independent perturbation theory) and of thermodynamics and statistical physics (energy conservation, the principle of entropy, the canonical ensembles and introductory quantum statistics).