Master in Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere at University of Bologna
Two-year English-taught physics master at the University of Bologna covering the Earth's interior, the ocean and the atmosphere through data and models, run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy with open access.
Master
2 years
Bologna
English
University of Bologna
Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere is a two-year, 120 ECTS physics master's degree (class LM-17 R) taught entirely in English at the University of Bologna. It studies the Earth from its deep interior to the atmosphere through data and models. Access is open, and tuition follows family income.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree, or a foreign qualification that gives access to second-cycle study in the country where it was awarded, meeting the curricular requirements in the degree's admission notice.
- English proficiency at the level the admission notice sets; the whole degree is delivered in English.
- Open access: there is no fixed number of places, and your personal preparation is assessed as the notice describes.
- An application on Studenti Online within the window in the notice, then Universitaly pre-enrolment if you need a study visa.
- At enrolment, your translated degree certificate and transcript plus a Diploma Supplement, CIMEA statement, declaration of value or legalisation.
About the programme
Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-17 R, Physics, run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy (DIFA) on the University of Bologna's Bologna campus. It is worth 120 ECTS, is delivered entirely in English and has open access, so there is no cap on places. The degree website has announced the start of first-semester lectures for 2026/27.
The university presents it under the line "Physics of a Living Planet". It suits students who want to apply physics to the Earth system, from its interior to the ocean and the atmosphere.
What you will study
The degree's own summary is "From deep Earth to atmosphere, through Data and Models". The three parts of the Earth system in its name frame the training:
- The Earth's interior
- The ocean
- The atmosphere
Across all three, the emphasis falls on data and models, the two tools the university puts at the centre of the degree. The course units, their credits and teaching periods for each intake are published in the course structure diagram on the degree website, with the timetable and exam dates. Check the 2027/28 diagram before you apply, because units can change between intakes.
Career paths
The detailed professional profiles are set out in the prospects section of the degree website, so read them before you apply. As a physics laurea magistrale, the degree also gives access to PhD programmes in Italy and abroad. The university's Towards the job market service and its job placement portal support students and recent graduates with internships and job offers.
Fees and scholarships
The 2026/27 maximum for this degree is the standard €2,550 a year for second-cycle degrees, plus a fixed €157.04. How much you pay depends on family income; with an ISEE up to €27,000 only the fixed part is charged, which is zero euro tuition for eligible students. Non-OECD citizens, a group that includes countries like India, whose family income is only abroad can pick a reduced flat fee of €1,200 plus €157.04. ER.GO, the regional body, awards scholarships, and winners pay only €157.04.
How to apply from outside the EU
The degree's admission notice comes first: it lists the background required, the English level, the check of personal preparation and the windows. The 2027/28 notice is not yet published. You apply on Studenti Online; open access means no quota limits non-EU applicants.
Once admitted, file the Universitaly pre-enrolment. For the study visa the consulate needs the university's unconditional validation and proof of means of at least €10,179.85 (2026), and no validations happen during the August closure. In Bologna you enrol, pay the first instalment and apply for a residence permit within eight days.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the degree taught in English?
Yes. Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere is delivered entirely in English in Bologna. The English level and accepted proof are set in the admission notice for your intake.
What does the degree cover?
It applies physics to the Earth system, from the deep interior to the ocean and the atmosphere, with a focus on data and models. It belongs to class LM-17 R, Physics.
What bachelor's background do I need?
The admission notice sets the curricular requirements, such as minimum credits in specific subject areas. Check it to confirm that your bachelor's degree qualifies before you apply.
Is there a limit on places?
No. Access is open, so there is no fixed number of places. The curricular requirements and the check of personal preparation in the admission notice still apply.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27 the maximum is €2,550 a year plus a fixed €157.04. With a family ISEE up to €27,000 you pay only €157.04. Non-OECD citizens with family income only abroad can choose €1,200 plus €157.04.
Can I get a scholarship?
Eligible students can apply for the ER.GO regional scholarship. Winners pay only the fixed €157.04 a year. ER.GO, the Emilia-Romagna right-to-study body, decides the awards.
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