Master of Physics in Earth & Climate Physics

University of Copenhagen
Physics in Earth & Climate Physics
Masters
Physical Science & Math
Public University
Denmark

Earth and Climate Physics is one of six specialisations in the English-taught MSc in Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. It covers the physical processes that formed the Earth, ice and climate research, climate system models, Earth observation data and the structure of Earth and other planets, and it is linked to the green transition. Two recommended tracks, Climate Dynamics and Geophysical Data and Simulations, are optional. The two-year programme runs in nine-week blocks of 15 ECTS.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Copenhagen
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year	130000
Application Fee	750
Currency	dkk
Intake Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	Unless you apply with a bachelor's degree which provide legal right of admission, you must document that you fulfil the language requirements. English language requirement When you apply for admission to a master's degree programme, you must document your English language proficiency, which means you must have passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (MyBest scores are not accepted): Minimum 83 with at least 20 in each subscore, IELTS Academic, IELTS Online (One Skill Retake are not accepted): 6.5 with at least 6 in each subscore, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE/CP1),Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE/CP2): 180 (C1-level), Danish language requirement If you apply for admission to a master's degree programme taught in Danish, you must have acquired Danish language skills prior to admission equivalent to level A Danish at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example the study test (studieprøven).

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree In Physics, Geophysics, Meteorology, Climate Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field with strong physics content

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	The page says geophysicists may work in the private or public sector, for example on environmental problems, energy production or engineering, and the specialisation also leads to research, teaching and communications. Students often gain international experience through deep-drilling projects in Greenland and Antarctica, satellite work or Mars missions. A PhD is a common next step. General physics careers in data science, IT and finance also remain open to graduates of this specialisation.
Program entry requirement	To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed, or expect to complete, a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal. Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. Bachelor with legal right of admission With a Bachelor's degree in Physics (fysik) from University of Copenhagen you are granted legal right of admission and guaranteed a place on the Master’s programme in Physics if you apply in time to begin within 3 years of the completion of your Bachelor’s degree. Bachelor programmes that fulfil the academic requirements You meet all academic requirements if you hold one of the degrees listed below. Learn about when and how to apply. Note, however, that you still need to document that you meet the programme's language requirements. From the University of Copenhagen Physics (fysik) (note, that if you apply in time to begin within 3 years of the completion of your Bachelor’s degree, you have legal right of admission to the Master's programme) Natural Science and IT (naturvidenskab og IT) with a specialisation in Physics
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditation	The University of Copenhagen holds a positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (decision of February 2025, valid until 2031), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the Master's in Earth and Climate Physics at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed, or expect to complete, a qualifying bachelor's degree in Physics, Geophysics, Meteorology, Climate Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field with strong physics content. Additionally, you must document your English language proficiency unless you have a bachelor's degree that provides legal right of admission.

What is the duration and structure of the Earth and Climate Physics master's programme?

The Earth and Climate Physics master's programme at the University of Copenhagen lasts for two years and is structured in nine-week blocks with a total of 15 ECTS each. The first year includes Earth and Climate Physics and restricted electives, while the second year focuses on the master's thesis, which can be either 45 or 60 ECTS.

What are the language requirements for applying to the master's programme?

Applicants must document their English language proficiency by having passed English at upper-secondary school level. If documentation cannot be provided, applicants can take an approved language test, such as TOEFL (minimum score of 83) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5). For programmes taught in Danish, applicants must have equivalent Danish language skills as well.

What is the application process for the Master's in Earth and Climate Physics?

The application process involves submitting several documents, including a completed university application form, academic transcripts, a passport, an ID photo, a CV, a Letter of Motivation or Statement of Purpose, proof of language proficiency, and proof of financial support. Additional documents may also be required depending on the university.

Are there scholarships available for the Master's programme in Earth and Climate Physics?

Yes, there are scholarships available for international students. You can find more information about available scholarships at the following link: Danish Government Scholarship.