Exoplanet Science

What is the Exoplanet Science in Astrophysics specialization?

Exoplanets are planets found beyond our Solar System, orbiting other stars. Since the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1995, exoplanet science has become one of the fastest growing subdisciplines of astronomy and astrophysics.

The Faculty of Physics at LMU Munich, supported by the Munich Center for Geoastronomy, offers an Exoplanet Science specialization within the four-semester Master of Science in Astrophysics. As part of this initiative, you will receive a comprehensive education that combines solid astrophysics training with specialized training in exoplanet science, planetary science, and the geosciences. This interdisciplinary approach will provide you with a unified and specialized understanding of the tools, techniques, and methods necessary to address questions in both astrophysics and exoplanet science.

Outcome: You graduate with an LMU MSc degree in Astrophysics plus an official Exoplanet Science specialization certificate noted by the Examination Office.

Who is it for? Motivated MSc Astrophysics students who want to receive interdisciplinary training in exoplanet science and its cutting-edge frontiers beyond the classical astrophysics curriculum – to tackle complex problems in the field and excel in a variety of settings

At a glance

Degree: MSc Astrophysics with an Exoplanet Science specialization certificate)
Standard duration: 4 semesters
Application requirements: Same as for MSc Astrophysics
Language: English
Start: Winter or Summer semester (course availability varies by term)
Location: LMU Munich, Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Geosciences
Supported by: Munich Center for Geoastronomy (MCGA)

How to earn the Exoplanet Science specialization certificate

Students have to select all the mandatory modules of the Master Astrophysics program (P1, P2, P3).
In the area of the elective modules WP1 to WP35, students have to select the following modules focused on the Exoplanet specialization (30 ECTS):
- 9 ECTS: Exoplanetary Atmospheres
- 18 ECTS: Three mandatory modules of 6 ECTS each in geo- and planetary sciences (offered by the faculty of Geosciences, including combined lecture courses with the Faculty of Physics)
- 3 ECTS: Geoscience of Exoplanets for Astrophysicists Seminars (organized by the
  Munich Center for Geoastronomy, LMU)
The Research Project Modules (WP 36/37 and WP 38/39) as well as the final Master Thesis (WP 40/41 - 30 ECTS) in the area of Exoplanet Science (your supervisor confirms eligibility when you register your thesis)

Note: The requirements for the specialization are in addition to the mandatory requirements of the Master of Astrophysics curriculum. If you fulfill both sets of requirements by the end of your studies, you will get the MSc Astrophysics degree with a specialization certificate in Exoplanet Science. If not, you can obtain the regular MSc Astrophysics degree certificate.

Detailed information about the Master of Astrophysics curriculum and regulations can be found here under ‘Curriculum details’ and ‘Links & Downloads’. The Examination Office issues the certificate once all requirements are met.

Why choose LMU for Exoplanet Science in Astrophysics?

This specialization reflects the growing need for an interdisciplinary approach to exoplanet science – a field that demands expertise beyond traditional astrophysics. We are committed to the interdisciplinary training of the next generation of students who develop critical and creative problem-solving skills, to drive future discoveries and innovations.

Core training in Astrophysics + deep dive in Exoplanet Science and related fields: courses span astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, geosciences, data science (including AI), and even philosophy of science
Interdisciplinary exploration: students develop skills and train as creative problem-solvers by combining knowledge from related fields. This prepares them to tackle complex problems in the field of exoplanet research.
Cross-faculty expertise and collaborative learning: with expert instructors across multiple faculties universities/institutes. Invited guest lectures enhance the curriculum and scientific training, and open up collaboration opportunities for students.
Research-ready skillset: gain a holistic overview of related knowledge in earth sciences, planetary sciences and exoplanetary sciences - from basic principles, tools and techniques to the potential for habitability in exoplanets. Our curriculum also allows for soft skills training in scientific reasoning and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Excel beyond academia: This specialization delivers a broad, yet focused education. It prepares students to navigate complexities and advance the frontiers of planetary sciences and exoplanet research, while equipping them to forge diverse and successful careers paths both within and beyond academia.

Study path (typical sequence)

Semester 1–2: Compulsory Master of Astrophysics modules (24 ECTS) + 1 elective lecture in Modern Physics (6 ECTS):
- P1 Lecture: Introduction to Advanced Astrophysics 9 ECTS
- P2 Lab Course: Astrophysical Basic Lab 9 ECTS
- P3 Lecture: Basic Research Methods and Tools 6 ECTS
- WP1–14 Elective Physics Lecture (choose one from the list “Physics Lecture” in the LSF) 6 ECTS
Semester 1-2: Exoplanet Science Specialization modules (30 ECTS total): Mandatory modules, 30 ECTS from WP15–35:
- WP 18/22 Exoplanetary Atmospheres (offered every Summer Semester from 2027 onwards) 9 ECTS
- WP15–35 3 modules (of 6 ECTS each) in geo- and planetary sciences (offered by the Faculty of Geosciences only in the Winter Semester*) 18 ECTS
- WP 15 Geoscience of Exoplanets for Astrophysicists Seminar (offered every Semester) 3 ECTS

Semester 3-4: Research Project Modules (24 ECTS) + 1 elective lecture (6 ECTS):
- WP15–35 Elective Lecture: in Machine learning from the "AI in Physics" curriculum or from the Faculty of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Studies* 6 ECTS
- WP 36/37 Research Project Module: Scientific Working Methods 12 ECTS
- WP 38/39 Research Project Module: Scientific Project Planning 12 ECTS
Semester 4: Master’s thesis in the area of Exoplanet Science (30 ECTS):
- WP 40/41 Final Module: Master’s Thesis 30 ECTS

* individual courses to be announced

Tip: Please plan your course registrations early – some courses have application windows or moodle sign-ups, and some maybe offered only in a specific semester.

Where this can take you

Research & PhD: in Exoplanet Science or a related field to conduct academic research at universities, research institutions, or observatories, or at laboratories and government agencies nationally and internationally.

Industry & labs: focused on space technology, planetary sciences, education and outreach etc.

Contact

Kindly go through the provided information on this page, as well as detailed information on the MSc Astrophysics page (including Examination and study regulations under Links & Downloads, and Curriculum details) + the Applying to a Master's program pageat the Faculty of Physics.

For any remaining questions about the specialization and course planning, please contact Prof. Dr. Kevin Heng.