Studying in the BCGS
The BCGS offers three distinct two-year MSc programs at two locations. The MSc programs consist of a course phase and a research phase, each taking roughly one year. The MSc phase is followed by a PhD phase. We encourage PhD students to continue to broaden their scientific horizons by taking further advanced courses. For details please see MSc studies and PhD studies.
The two physics departments offer a series of advanced lecture courses. BCGS students can take courses at both universities.
BCGS events are in general open to all physics and astronomy MSc and PhD students from Bonn and Cologne.
Special teaching events
Research internships
You can spend some of the time during semester breaks on a lab rotation in a research group of your choice. This helps to choose an MSc project and can also be credited.
Participation in at least one research internship is recommended for all our MSc students and mandatory for stipend holders.
Intensive weeks
During the semester breaks, the BCGS runs topical courses of one week's duration, with lectures, guest speakers and laboratory sessions. These intensive weeks are an excellent opportunity to learn in depth about current research before committing to a topic for a thesis.
BCGS weekend
This event takes places every year in a castle near Bonn and is entirely organised and run by students. Students give lectures for students on their research, faculty members give talks on current scientific affairs, former BCGS students come by and talk about their lives in academia or industry after graduating.
Scientific integrity
Of course, all our members are committed to good scientific practice. Our scientific integrity course is designed to sharpen the focus on this in the daily lives of our doctoral stundents and provide a guide for implementation.
General information
Detailed information about the available courses, procedures and regulations can be found on the Bonn and Cologne physics department homepages.
Studying in Bonn
Detailed information about studying in Bonn can be found on the department homepage. This page also contains links to the examinations office and the regulations and procedures to follow.
Studying in Cologne
Detailed information about studying in Cologne can be found on the department homepage. This page also contains links to the examinations office and the regulations and procedures to follow.