Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz > Faculty 08 > Physics > Studying Physics > Earth System Sciences – Master of Science
You can apply for from June 1, 2026 to September 1, 2026.
This course program is an example for how your program of study might look if you choose the core area “Environmental Science”. You can adapt your program of study to your individual needs and move some modules around to best suit your personal and professional schedule. Our student advisory service is always on hand to help if you have any questions or special needs. We will do our best to ensure you can study without a hitch.
To apply for the master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or meteorology (specializing in environmental sciences), geosciences (specializing in paleoclimate, solid earth science, and quantitative earth system science), or geophysics (quantitative earth system science), or a similar bachelor’s degree from Germany or abroad.
The course is taught entirely in English, so you must also provide proof of English language skills. Normally, the German Abitur certificate is sufficient for this, provided that English was taken continuously up to the end of the penultimate year (year 11 for G8 Abitur, otherwise year 12) and completed with a grade of “adequate” (4) or better.
The program provides you with scientific depth and methodological expertise in Earth system sciences—from the analysis of climate archives and geophysical modeling to the quantitative processing of complex environmental data. You will work in an interdisciplinary, research-oriented manner using modern tools to systematically investigate scientific questions relating to climate and Earth system change.
The Master’s program in Earth System Sciences – Solid Earth, Climate, and Environment opens up a wide range of career opportunities in science, environmental consulting, politics, and industry. Graduates work in research institutes, environmental agencies, climate offices, energy companies, and international organizations, among other places. Your ability to analyze and model complex Earth systems is in demand in areas such as climate change impact assessment, risk assessment, sustainability strategies, and environmental technology. Thanks to the interdisciplinary training and focus on data analysis and modeling, you will be particularly well equipped for innovative, future-oriented tasks—whether in public administration, the private sector, or international cooperation. Since the master’s program is taught primarily in English, you will not only acquire technical skills, but also excellent language and intercultural skills—ideal for starting your career. The degree also opens the way for you to pursue a doctorate and an academic career.
Apply for the winter semester by September 1 and by March 1 to start in the summer semester. All further information on enrollment and the application process can be found on the central JGU web pages.
Do you still have questions or comments but don’t know where to turn? Then just write to us, we’ll be happy to help: physics@uni-mainz.de
