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.

News
NEW: Project ProMaster

ProMaster is a pilot study for a extensive, conceptional development of the Bachelor Physik and the Master of Physics. 

The "Physik Lernzentrum" opens its doors

This semester, the time has finally come: four days a week, experienced tutors are available in the foyer of the Wolfgang Paul Lecture Hall to help first- and second-semester students with exercises in "Experimentalphysik II" and "Theoretische Physik I" or with questions about the content of these lectures.

BCGS poster session 2024: Program now available!

19 April 2024, Bonn Wolfgang-Paul Lecture Hall, 13.15 - 16.30 h

Prospective students

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

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Bernadett Yehdou / Universität Bonn

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!

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Fynn Schubert

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© simon pickstone | University of Cologne

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.

Degree programs

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Tina Bantes / Universität Bonn

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Frank Homann/Universität Bonn

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).

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Schülerlabor/Uni Bonn

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Tina Bantes / Universität Bonn

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Volker Lannert / Universität Bonn

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Tina Bantes / Universität Bonn

Physics as a minor

Many degree programs, like medicine, biology or pharmacy, require participation in laboratory practicals and lectures in physics.

Application and enrollment information

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.

Study organization

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Schülerlabor/Uni Bonn

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.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© freepik

Study program structure, forms and FAQs

All study and examination-related information and regulations for the respective degree programs can be found here.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Frank Homann/Universität Bonn

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

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Bernadett Yehdou/Universität Bonn

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 student council.

Fachschaft Physik
© Lidia Bazenova

Contact

Study program manager

Avatar Schorn

Dr. Bernadette Schorn

2.012

Nußallee 114-16

53115 Bonn

Examination counseling Bachelor, Master

Avatar Kleuser

Silke Kleuser

2.011

Nußallee 14-16

53115 Bonn

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.

Read also

Ranking Bachelor's program in Physics

Ranking Master's program in Physics

Ranking Master's program in Astrophysics

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