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Physik und Technologie für Raumfahrtanwendungen / Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications (B.Sc.)

From satellites to the Mars mission: on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications, you’ll combine physics and electrical engineering for space exploration. Joint degree programme with Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen.

Foto: Vadim Sadovski/123rf.com

Overview

How do you develop technology that can withstand the extreme conditions of space? In the Bachelor's in Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications, you will explore this question by combining physics and electrical engineering. You will learn to analyse current challenges in the space sector and develop solutions and gain the qualifications needed for a fascinating, interdisciplinary career.

 

Applying for admission

 

Start of studies 

Winter semester


Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

6 semester


Workload

180 credit points (CP)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)


Language of instruction

German

Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

The high-technology sector of space travel with its extreme demands on materials and techniques requires an interdisciplinary approach involving mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and engineering in order to achieve the highest goals, such as a manned mission to Mars or the further development of the commercially used satellite network. Training specialists in space travel applications with a broad knowledge of the fundamental sciences is the goal of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree course Physics and Technology of Space Travel Applications and of the corresponding Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree course. Both degree courses are situated between physics and electrical engineering and are taught in conjunction with the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen.

As a student in this programme, you will gain

  1. advanced knowledge of content and methods through an interdisciplinary training in the two main subjects of physics and electrical engineering;
  2. specialised knowledge enabling you to independently identify current problems and find solutions in physico-engineering technologies in the field of space travel, e.g. on satellites;
  3. advanced theoretical and/or practical knowledge in elective subjects;
  4. additional skills enabling you to prepare for career opportunities in the interdisciplinary field of space travel

 

What skills and interests should I have?

You should have an interest in the natural sciences and technology, particularly physics and electrical engineering. You will use your knowledge and skills during your degree to develop and optimise new technologies in the space sector. The creativity required for this, and a willingness to think in an interdisciplinary way across subject boundaries, are essential for your degree in Physics and Technology for Space Applications.

You will acquire a basic understanding of mathematics, physics and electrical engineering during the first few semesters; however, a more in-depth knowledge of at least one of these three subjects, gained at school, will be very helpful.

There is a corresponding pre-course offer for all first-year students of this degree programme. Participation is highly recommended.

How is the programme structured?

Modules

1st semester                         2nd semester
Electrical Engineering I (8 CP) Electrical Engineering II (7 CP)
Informatics for Engineers I (5 CP) Informatics for Engineers II (5 CP)
Experimental Physics I (6 CP) Experimental Physics II (6 CP)
Experimental Physics I - practical training (3 CP) Experimental Physics II - practical training (3 CP)
Mathematical methods I (6 CP) Measuring Technology (5 CP)
Tutorial on Space Travel I (2 CP) Tutorial on Space Travel II (2 CP)

 

3rd semester 4th semester
Technical internship (4 CP) Control engineering (7CP)
Electronics (7 CP)

 

Theoretical Physics II: Electrodynamics and Thermodynamics (8 CP)
Transformations (6 CP)
  • Elective module II
  • Elective module III         (15 CP in total for elective modules II and III)
Theoretical Physics I: Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics (8 CP)
Elective module I (6 CP)  

 

5th semester 6th semester
Technology in Space (6 CP) External internship                     
Physics in Space (6 CP) Thesis Colloquium (3 CP)
Experimental Physics III for Physicists: Atomic- and Molecule Physics (6 CP) Bachelor Thesis (12 CP)
Elective module IV (5 CP)  
Study Project (7 CP)  

 

In the compulsory elective module area, you can choose modules from the subjects of physics, materials science, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, electrical and information technology, or mechanical engineering. A list of possible modules can be found in the module description Compulsory Elective III in Appendix 2 of the Specific Regulations for the degree programme, linked below.

Other courses from the fields of physics, materials science, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, electrical and information technology or mechanical engineering that could be offered as compulsory elective modules may be approved by the Examination Board. See the course catalogues of JLU and THM:

Course catalogue of JLU
Courses offered by the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen-University of Applied Sciences

 

Information on the composition of the degree programme can be found in the special regulations of JLU

Special Regulations (in German)

Career Options

Which options for further study does JLU offer?

The following consecutive Masters degree programmes are offered:

A Doctorate is possible with a Master's degree. 

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

A guarantee to find a job after graduating from university does not exist. The way to start working life depends on many factors- including you. But we can assure you, that a successfully completed degree in Physics and Technology for Space Travel Application offers you many possibilities.

Technologies that are shaped and influenced by physics are in high demand: the spectrum ranges from highly efficient solar panels for energy conversion over electric space flight engines to laser applications in communication systems. The satellite market grows because of a permanent increasing demand for communication and data exchange.

Industrial companies including Airbus, OHB and Thales as well as the space agencies ESA and DLR emphasize that qualified young professionals, especially in the area of key technologies for electric space prolusion, are missing, and not only in Germany. Therefore, the primary objective of Physics and Technology for Space Travel Application is to train experts.

 

Professional fields for physicists

Apart from the specialised areas in aerospace engineering, all fields of activity that hire physicists can offer you a perspective. This may include the industrial sector, research institutes, administration, the banking sector, consultation companies and patent systems, which all place great demands on analytic, systematic and synthetic competences:

  • Chemical industry,
  • Energy technology,
  • Mechanical engineering,
  • Environmental technology,
  • Management consulting,
  • Information technology etc.

Most physicists find an employment in the industrial sector, the service sector or at institutions of higher education including universities. Industrial physicists in large enterprises work mainly in research and development. Nevertheless, working in production, distribution or management is also a possible work field.

Until now, job opportunities in medium-size businesses developed insufficiently.

The areas of communication, information technology and the banking sector appreciate more and more, especially in the last few years, the competences of physicist as independently working “problem solvers”. The traditional wide professional field of a physicist shifts continuously on the basis of the development of science and technology.

Application and Enrolment

Requirements

A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.

  • From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
  • From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin).

Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.

Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency.

Application deadline

Winter semester 2026/27

Opening of application period

1 June 2026

Application deadline

  • for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
  • for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

👉 Apply now More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

 

Study programme flyer (published by Faculty 07)

 B.Sc Physik und Technologie für Raumfahrtanwendungen (PDF) 

 

Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 23 May 2017.

Is this course right for me?

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

  • creating a course schedule,
  • examination regulations and registration deadlines,
  • campus areas and leisure activities,
  • and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.

Start of studies

Contact

Subject Advisor

Justus Liebig University Giessen

Prof. Dr. Peter J. Klar
Institute of Experimental Physics I
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16
35392 Giessen

Phone: +49 641 99 33190
Email:

Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen

Prof. Dr. Jens Simon
Fachbereich Elektro- und Informationstechnik
Wiesenstrasse 14
35390 Giessen

Phone: +49 641 309 1939
Email: jens.simon

Central Study Advisor

Beate Pitzler

Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Advisory services and contact information

International Office

Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students

International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Contact persons and office hours