Physical Oceanography

The "Institut für Meereskunde" at Universität Hamburg offers a Master's degree (MSc) in Physical Oceanography. The research-oriented, four-semester course is directed at students with a BSc degree in physical oceanography, meteorology, geophysics, physics or equivalent and provides profound knowledge on the physics of the ocean and its role in the climate system. Students will be educated and prepared for their future research in physical oceanographic or other climate sciences. Furthermore, students are trained to be able to autonomously implement and broaden scientific findings, methods, and skills.

Educational organisation

The MSc degree course in Oceanography is divided into two semesters of one year each, which comprise a technical deepening phase and a research phase. During the technical deepening phase, oceanographic expertise in theoretical and regional oceanography will be developed, methods and skills are trained in practical lab courses and exercises.
The research phase is meant to deepen autonomous scientific working and to provide
ground for the following Master's thesis work. The work load amounts to an average
of 30 credit points per semester (about 20 contact hours of courses).

Overview on the specific courses are given at:
https://www.ifm.uni-hamburg.de/en/education/master/overviewmaster.html

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examinations, projects

Language requirements

TOEFL test

Academic requirements

University degree certificate in oceanography, physics, mathematics, meteorology or equivalent (Bachelor of Science)

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Students who enrol in a full-time programme will generally have only limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

Students and researchers can find information on how to get started in Hamburg on the website of the PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs (http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta_e.html) and on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center (http://english.welcome.hamburg.de).
During the International Welcome Week organised by PIASTA, you will be able to get in touch with all the important institutions and contacts which are particularly useful for international students: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/veranstaltungen/international-welcome-week_e.html

Services and support for international students

The Universität Hamburg CampusCenter is the first port of call for all current and prospective students and offers information, services, and counselling. The PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs offers support and advice for German and international students, as well as cultural events and workshops.
For more information, refer to: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta and https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter.html
The welcome service of the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs is the first contact address for international visiting researchers and others: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/wissenschaft/service-international_e.html

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please refer to: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf