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
Detailed entry requirements
Physics of the Earth’s Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere is Bologna’s English LM-17 programme, code 6247. The 2026/27 call accepts the physics degree route or a committee-assessed alternative with 25 eligible credits and specific subsets. English B2 and adequate university-level physics/mathematics preparation are required. [1, 2]
Physics degree or suitable recognised equivalent
The current call requires L-30 Physics or a suitable recognised equivalent. The programme page also names former class 25 and old Physics/Astronomy degrees. Foreign equivalence is assessed from curricular contents, including university-level classical/modern physics, mathematical analysis, algebra and geometry. A geoscience degree title alone does not automatically satisfy the physics route. [1, 2]
Other degrees: 25-credit total with precise subsets
A specific examination board may recognise other degrees with at least 25 CFU in the call’s PHYS, GEOS-04, MATH, INFO-01/A or IINF-05/A sectors. At least 18 of the total must be in PHYS/GEOS-04, including at least 6 in PHYS-02/A, PHYS-03/A or PHYS-04/A. At most 6 computing credits in INFO-01/A/IINF-05/A may count. These subset/cap conditions matter: 25 general STEM credits are insufficient. [1, 2]
The eligible physics sectors are PHYS-01/A, /02/A, /03/A, /04/A, /05/A, /05/B, /06/A and /06/B; geophysics includes GEOS-04/A, /B and /C; mathematics includes MATH-01/A and /B, MATH-02/A and /B, MATH-03/A and /B, MATH-04/A, MATH-05/A and MATH-06/A. Foreign credits are mapped by actual content. Missing curricular requirements prevent enrolment; a future thesis topic does not substitute for them. [1]
Preparation evaluation and interview where needed
The committee assesses the transcript, CV, English proof and supporting documents, and may request an individual remote interview when the records do not establish preparation. There is no universal numerical GPA or degree-mark exemption threshold in the current call. Suitable curricular credits do not dispense with the preparation assessment. If judged unsuitable, the candidate cannot enrol or enter a later intake of the same notice. [1, 2]
Published interview topics
- Physics: particle/rigid-body mechanics, thermodynamics including gases/black-body concepts, electromagnetism/Maxwell equations, geometric/physical optics and basic fluid mechanics. [3]
- Mathematics: differential/integral calculus, trigonometry, vector/matrix algebra, gradient/divergence/curl and ordinary/partial differential equations. [3]
- Computing: working knowledge of a programming language, with Python/Matlab as examples. [3]
- Statistics/data analysis: means, variance/standard deviation, error propagation, data-analysis methods and linear regression. These are preparation topics for candidates invited to interview, not extra standalone certificates. [3]
English B2: certificates and academic alternatives
The webpage accepts listed international B2 certification; a first/second-cycle degree wholly taught in English with formal university evidence; a transcript with an explicitly B2 English examination; native-English status; an appropriate Italian-university CLA/recognised-body certificate stating issuer, level and exam date; or Bologna’s online Oxford test at B2. If an academic English examination does not state its level, the responsible teacher’s formal level declaration is required. OOPT may be taken only once in the stated sessions. [1, 2]
The currently linked certificate table includes Cambridge FCE/CAE, Trinity ISE II/III, IELTS B2 range 5.5-7.0, TOEFL iBT B2 range 72-94, PTE Academic from GSE 59 and the other named Oxford/LanguageCert/Gatehouse/Aptis routes. This is the table linked for this programme. Higher-level evidence is listed too, and we work from this programme’s accepted certificates and course decision. [4]
Mandatory application file and submission channel
The application is made in Studenti Online using SPID/CIE or the international-registration credentials. It must select the exact programme and include valid identity/passport evidence, the qualifying award or pending-degree examination record, the complete transcript and Diploma Supplement if available for foreign degrees, English evidence and CV. Foreign academic documents must be translated into Italian or English. Italian records need the appropriate Bologna-generated or other-Italian-university self-declaration. [1]
Only documents uploaded through the application are assessed. Missing or partially uploaded compulsory documents by the deadline prevent consideration; emailing documents to the office is not a substitute. We enter the requested degree/average and credit declarations accurately. Foreign qualification suitability and the academic curriculum are separate checks. [1]
Pending degree, three closed rounds and results
Applicants may apply before obtaining the first-cycle degree, with the final award required by 31 December 2026. This call does not publish the 120-credit or 80%-credit pending-degree threshold used by some other Bologna programmes. [1, 2]
Intake 1 ran 28 April-3 June 2026 and intake 2 ran 4 June-14 July, both open to EU/non-EU candidates. Intake 3, labelled EU-only, ran 15 July-30 September, with results by 9 October. All application rounds are closed as of 6 October, even though third-round results and final registration remain ahead. Interviews, if required, are notified by institutional email; outcomes appear in Studenti Online. [1, 2]
Final enrolment, foreign records and visa route
For already admitted candidates, ordinary registration ends 29 October 2026, with a late-fee period to 19 November. These registration dates do not admit new applications. After admission, we guide you through registration in Studenti Online: the identity photograph, the first instalment through PagoPA and identification/career activation. Applicants admitted pending graduation must obtain the degree by 31 December 2026 or registration is cancelled. [1]
Foreign records require the applicable translation and authenticity/value checks, document upload under the 2026/27 international matriculation call and presentation of originals to the relevant International Student Administration Office. Non-EU applicants abroad needing a visa must also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, study-visa and immigration steps. Academic clearance and a late registration date do not extend a closed visa selection. Transfers and simultaneous enrolments require the specified additional procedure; scholarships have their own applications and eligibility. [1]
Sources and verification
- University of Bologna, Physics of the Earth’s Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere admission notice 2026/27, programme 6247, sections 2-7; publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Bologna PoE, Programme enrolment requirements and procedures 2026/27; publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Bologna PoE, Interview Topics; undated standing document; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Bologna PoE, currently linked AICLU B2 English certificate table; undated table, attachment path identifies a 2023 revision; reviewed 6 October 2026.
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. We 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 we 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
This degree is in the standard band for second-cycle degrees. How much you pay depends on family income; with an ISEE up to €27,000 only the fixed part is charged, so this programme can be tuition-free 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. ER.GO, the regional body, awards scholarships, and winners pay only the fixed part.
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications go through Studenti Online for programme 6247. In 2026/27 the first two EU/non-EU rounds and the third EU-only round have closed, and the next call sets the new dates. A foreign award requires academic equivalence and later document validation; Universitaly and the visa procedure do not replace the degree/credit, English and preparation checks. [1, 2]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Bologna's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Studenti Online application and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
Can a non-physics graduate apply?
The committee may recognise another degree with the exact 25-credit route, including 18 physics/geophysics, the 6-credit specified-physics subset and the computing cap. [1, 2]
Can all 25 credits be mathematics or computing?
No. At least 18 must be physics/geophysics, including 6 in the named physics sectors; computing contributes at most 6. [1]
Is an admission interview always required?
The committee first reviews the file and can request a remote interview if further assessment is necessary. [1, 2]
Can an English-taught degree establish B2?
Yes, with formal university evidence that the entire first/second-cycle programme was English-taught, under this course’s stated alternatives. [2]
Can I apply before graduating?
Yes. If admitted, obtain the first-cycle degree by 31 December 2026 or registration is cancelled. [1]
Is November a new application deadline?
No. The latest application round closed 30 September. November concerns late final registration for admitted applicants. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere at Bologna?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bologna's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere?
A B.Sc. in Physics is assessed against the L-30 Physics route, from its classical and modern physics, mathematical analysis, algebra and geometry content. Other degrees, such as a B.Tech, need at least 25 credits in the listed sectors, with at least 18 in physics or geophysics. You also need B2 English, such as IELTS 5.5, then a file review and possibly a remote interview. [1, 2] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: a Studenti Online application, the preparation assessment and any interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: a Studenti Online application, the preparation assessment and any interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Physics of the Earth's Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: a Studenti Online application, the preparation assessment and any interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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