Studying Physics and Astronomy in Bonn
Physics in Bonn enjoys an excellent reputation both in Germany and internationally. Bonn offers an impressive range of experimental and theoretical research topics. It should be emphasized that Bonn is one of the few universities in Germany where you can study for a Master's degree in Astrophysics. In addition, the Cluster of Excellence in Physics was established at the University of Bonn in 2019, from whose outstanding internationality not least the students benefit.
Another special feature of the Physics/Astronomy department is the networking of the Master's degree courses at the Universities of Cologne and Bonn. The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School (BCGS) offers mentoring and research internships, scholarships, travel funds and a dynamic research environment at the cutting edge of modern physics. The research areas of the two universities cover almost the entire spectrum of current physics: from astrophysics, biophysics and condensed matter research to particle physics, quantum optics and string theory.
Why choose Bonn as a place to study physics?
Watch this video to see personal statements by some of the people who have chosen to study in Bonn. Find out more about why you should study the Bachelor’s in Physics or the Master’s in Physics or Astrophysics (including as a teaching degree) here in Bonn. In the video, we also show you some good reasons why doing doctoral studies in physics, astrophysics or subject didactics here is particularly worthwhile.
Video Studium
Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube
Early study program
As part of the Fördern, Fordern, Forschen (FFF) program of the University of Bonn, high-school students can attend regular university courses. Click on the link below to find out which courses are suitable to start a physics or astronomy study program!
Programs for prospective students
At various events organized by the zdi-Schülerlabor Physikwerkstatt Rheinland and the University of Bonn, high-school students can get a taste of what it's like to study physics/astronomy.
The Bonn-Cologne-Graduate School (BCGS)
The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy is a cooperation between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne and is aimed at students who are interested in studying for a Master's or doctorate in Bonn.
In Bonn, you can also study physics for a teaching degree at Bachelor's and Master's level. A special feature is the Master's degree course in Astrophysics. The English-language Physics and Astrophysics degree courses offer a sound education as well as an exchange with international students and researchers.
Bachelor’s degree in Physics (B. Sc.)
The Bachelor's degree course teaches the fundamentals of experimental and theoretical physics and prepares students for the Master's degree courses in physics and astrophysics. Possible minor subjects are astronomy, chemistry, computer science, meteorology, business studies or philosophy. The Bachelor of Science in Physics is offered in German language.
Master of Science in Physics (M. Sc.)
The Master's degree is an advanced, research-oriented degree. The specializations of the Bonn degree course are based on the main areas of research in Bonn (hadron/particle physics, condensed matter/photonics).
Master of Science in Astrophysics (M. Sc.)
In the Master's degree course, students enjoy a comprehensive education in astrophysics with extensive options for individual specialization.
Becoming a physics teacher
The teacher training course is divided into a Bachelor's and a Master's degree course, in which educational science is studied alongside the two teaching subjects. The Bonn Centre for Teacher Training (BZL) organizes the teacher training courses at the University of Bonn in close cooperation with the individual subjects and is the first point of contact for all general questions regarding teacher training. The teacher training is offered in German language.
PhD studies
All information on registering for doctoral studies and the doctoral procedure can be found on the website of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Physics as a minor
Many degree programs, like medicine, biology or pharmacy, require participation in laboratory practicals and lectures in physics.
Bachelor’s degree in Physics (B. Sc.)
Admission to the Bachelor's degree course in Physics is not restricted. It is therefore not necessary to apply for a place on the course. Enrollment takes place directly via the Registrar's Office of the University of Bonn.
Master of Science in Physics/Astrophysics (M. Sc.)
While students who obtain their bachelor’s degree at the University of Bonn will be admitted automatically to the master’s degree program when they receive their bachelor’s certificate, external students will need to apply via the Bonn office of the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy.
Teaching degree
The teacher training course in physics itself is not subject to admission restrictions. However, there are admission restrictions for educational sciences and for the majority of other possible teaching subjects, which means that you must apply for the physics teacher training course via the university's application portal.
Courses and dates
At the University of Bonn and many other universities, the academic year is divided into two semesters. The winter semester begins in the fall, the summer semester in the spring. This page takes you to the courses offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Study program structure, forms and FAQs
All study and examination-related information and regulations for the respective degree programs can be found here.
Physics Library and CIP pools
The "Physics Library" is a joint library of the Physikalisches Institut (PI), the Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics (HISKP) and the Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) and is housed in the PI's institute library.
Two CIP pools are available to physics/astronomy students for exercises for computer-based lectures
Erasmus
Studying abroad either within or outside Europe
Would you like to study abroad for one or two semesters? We have cooperation agreements with 29 universities from 14 European countries for your stay abroad. In addition, the Physics/Astronomy department has agreements with a British, an American and an Israeli university.
Please register a year before you plan to go in order to allow for the best possible preparation.
Outgoing Students:
What opportunities does the Erasmus program offer?
Incoming Students:
Are you interested in spending one or two semesters at the University of Bonn?
Jean-Monnet-Modul
A seminar on European research in physics for students enrolled in the teacher training program
Student council
A first contact point to get in touch with other students is our Physics/Astronomy student council.
Counseling and support
The Physics/Astronomy Department and the University of Bonn offer counseling and support services for students on a wide range of topics.
Study program manager
Examination counseling Bachelor, Master
Further contacts
Further experts who can answer your questions about your degree program, as well as contact persons for specific topics, can be found under this link.