Atmospheric and Near-Space Sciences (Master’s Program)

ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY

The program aims to prepare a new generation of researchers who will be able to apply relevant methods, databases, and software for observational and/or theoretical research on Earth’s atmosphere and near space in research and practical activities. They will work with contemporary equipment, including that used in international global research networks for ongoing climate change and space weather development research. Program graduates will be competitive both in the job market and at subsequent educational levels.

Degree awarded: Master of Science in Atmospheric Sciences

In case of a double degree award, the following degrees are also possible:

  • Master of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environmental Sciences (Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France)
  • Master of Science in Meteorology (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany)

Language of instruction: English

Program duration: 120 ECTS credits, 4 semesters

Why Should You Choose the Master's Program in Atmospheric and Near-Space Sciences at Ilia State University?

Highly Qualified Academic Staff

The program implementation involves highly qualified academic staff who are also leading scientists in atmospheric-ionospheric and near-space sciences with high citation indices and extensive research and practical experience.

Integration of Practical Skills and Theoretical Knowledge

Students acquire comprehensive theoretical and experimental knowledge covering planetary atmosphere structures in the solar system and the processes within them. The curriculum includes essential approaches and principles for Earth-based research utilizing contemporary satellite networks and global collaborations. Depending on the research objectives and selected methods, program graduates will be able to use and optimize global circulation models of Earth's atmosphere. They will also effectively conduct relevant theoretical and/or observational research in atmospheric sciences by selecting and using appropriate contemporary methods, approaches, and theoretical models.

Diverse Educational Program Developed According to International Standards

The involvement of the INMAS (International Master in Atmospheric Sciences) consortium in the program development and evaluation process ensured the educational program was developed according to international standards.

Opportunity to Participate in Research Projects

The academic staff involved in the program represents leading research institutes and centers in Georgia; they also have connections with universities and research centers in Europe and the USA (University of Göttingen, University of Leuven, University of Graz, Ohio University, as well as the German Aerospace Center (DLR), International Centre for Theoretical Physics Trieste), which allows students to participate in scientific projects and conduct research in highly productive research teams. Professors involved in program implementation are members of SCOSTEP (Scientific Committee for Solar-Terrestrial Physics). Program staff considers experience gained at research and academic institutions in Europe and the USA.

International Partnership and Double Degree Opportunity

Students will have the opportunity to participate in practical and research programs at European universities, thereby gaining competitive advantages in the international market. In 2022, Ilia State University signed a tripartite agreement with the following universities: Université Clermont Auvergne (France) and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz (Germany). The tripartite agreement regulates student exchange mechanisms and the possibility of awarding a second degree upon completion of the exchange track.


Program Directors

Associate Professor Goderdzi Didebulidze

Associate Professor Maia Todua


Employment Opportunities

Program graduates can be employed in:

  • Academic sphere: universities and research institutes where atmospheric, ionospheric, solar-terrestrial connections, meteorology, climate and ecology research is conducted, both in Georgia and other countries;
  • Navigation services, National Environmental Agency, monitoring and statistical research, and research centers in adjacent fields.

Program graduates can continue their studies at the doctoral level.

Applicants for the program must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic qualification in one of the following fields:

  • Physics
  • Astronomy
  • Mathematics
  • Earth Sciences
  • Computer Science

Admission to the master’s program is conducted in three stages:

  1. Based on the general master’s examination results
  2. Demonstration of English language proficiency at the B2 level
  3. Based on internal university examination

Program admission requirements include English language proficiency at the CEFR B2 level or higher. Upon demonstrating English language competency, applicants are entitled to take the oral examination. The oral examination evaluation process emphasizes the applicant’s motivation, communication skills, and foundational disciplinary knowledge required for program completion.

Students must accumulate 120 credits:

  1. Program mandatory courses — 72 credits
  2. Program elective courses — 18 credits
  3. Master’s thesis — 30 credits

In case of participation in exchange programs with international partners:

  • In the first academic year, the student completes studies at the home university and accumulates 60 credits
  • The student completes the 3rd and 4th semesters at the host university and accumulates 60 credits according to that university’s program, of which 30 credits are devoted to the master’s thesis

The standard master’s program study period is 4 semesters (2 years) – 30 ECTS credits per semester and 120 ECTS credits total. Student participation in a two-semester exchange program from one university to another (= 1 academic year) is considered equivalent to two full semesters, i.e., 60 ECTS. Additional credits can be obtained at a third university. However, the requirement is a minimum of 60 ECTS equivalent at the “home” and one “host” university for awarding corresponding qualifications at both universities.

Partner Organizations

  • Evgeni Kharadze Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory
  • National Environmental Agency
  • LEPL Institute of Micro and Nanoelectronics

International Partnerships

  • Université Clermont Auvergne
  • Johannes Gutenberg-Universität

Scientific Institutes and Centers

  • Ilia State University Space Research Center

Research Resources

  • University Library

Research Activities and Conferences

Program Academic Staff

  • Staff involved in the program see program catalog
  • For their research interests see