ATMOSPHERIC AND NEAR SPACE SCIENCES (ENG)
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.
Language of instruction: English
Program duration and Degree awarded:
Structural Model 1(Applies to students enrolled before the 2026–2027 academic year)
- 4 semester, 120 credits
Degree awarded - Master of Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences (Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia);
Structural Model 2(Applies to students enrolled from the 2026–2027 academic year onwards):
- 4 semester, 120 credits (60+60).
- First Part - 2 semesters, 60 credits
After completing the first, at least 60 credit part Degree awarded - Master of Atmospheric Sciences
- Second Part - 2 semesters, 60 credits
After completing the second, at least 60 credit part Degree awarded - Master of Research in Atmospheric Sciences
In case of double degree, Offered to students who will participate in an exchange program implemented with the University of Clermont-Auvergne or with Johannes GutenbergUniversität, Mainz (In case of second structural model the Degree Master of Atmospheric Sciences is mandatory for participation) the following degree can also be awarded:
- Master Sciences de la Terre et des planètes, environnement (STPE) University Clermont Auvergne (Clermont-Ferrand, France);
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Meteorology (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany).
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 Director
- Associate Professor Goderdzi Didebulidze didebulidze@iliauni.edu.ge
- Associate Professor Maia Todua mayatodua@iliauni.edu.ge
Employment Opportunities
(Applies to students enrolled before the 2026–2027 academic year):
A graduate student of this program may be employed in academic field: universities and research institutes where studies are carried out on atmosphere, ionosphere, solar-terrestrial coupling, meteorology, climate and ecology, in Georgia and other countries. He/she could also find career in navigation services, national environment agency, monitoring and statistical studies, research centers of adjacent fields. He/she could also continue study on the doctorate level
(Applies to students enrolled from the 2026–2027 academic year):
Graduates of the first 60-credit part of the master’s program may be employed in navigation services, the National Environmental Agency.
Graduates of second 60-credit part of the master’s program may be employed in the academic field: A graduate student of this program may be employed in academic field: universities and research institutes where studies are carried out on atmosphere, ionosphere, solar-terrestrial coupling, meteorology, climate and ecology, in Georgia and other countries. He/she could also find career in navigation services, national environment agency, monitoring and statistical studies, research centers of adjacent fields. He/she could also continue study at the doctorate level.
Program admission requirements
See the attached document “Curriculum”
Contact information:
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine
Tbilisi, Q. Cholokashvili Ave. 3/5, H building, room N108
☏ (+995 32) 222 00 09 (139, 137, 338)
✉sciences_medicine@iliauni.edu.ge