Master of Science (M.Sc.) Physics
The research-oriented, English-taught Master’s program in Physics provides specialized training in several subfields of modern physics at the highest international level. From the very first year, students can tailor their studies by choosing elective modules that allow them to either deepen their knowledge in a specific subfield of physics or gain insights into various subfields through a broader range of courses.
The spectrum ranges from Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics to Condensed Matter and Applied Physics, as well as Particles, Fields and Cosmos.
The first year of study is followed by a research phase in the second year. During a six-month research internship and the subsequent Master’s thesis, students are directly involved in current research projects and are guided towards independent scientific work. Successful completion of the Master’s program qualifies graduates for careers in science and research as well as for management positions in industry.
Facts and figures:
- Degree: Master-of-Science Physics
- Standard duration of study: 2 years / 4 semesters
- Language of instruction: English
- Start of studies:
summer semester (April) or winter semester (October) - Application: online
- Application periods:
15.09. – 15.01. for summer semester
01.03. – 15.07. for winter semester - Requirements: Admission requirements according to the admission regulations, usually a Bachelor’s degree in Physics
The Master’s program is divided into two one-year sections: a sin-depth study phase and the subsequent research phase.
The study phase serves to develop the advanced knowledge necessary for independent, productive work in physics. Through specialized training in several subfields of physics, offered by the scientific profile of the physics department, graduates can prepare themselves specifically for certain research areas.
The following modules are accompished in the first year:
Study phase (1.–2. semester):
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics (mandatory)
- Advanced Experimental und Theoretical Physics (elective lectures)
- Term Paper (seminar)
- Masterlabor (physics lab course)
- Elective Subjects (elective lectures)
Students can choose elective lectures and seminars according to their individual interests, allowing them to specialize in specific subfields of physics. These lectures and seminars are offered each semester by the lecturers of the various research areas and thus reflect the research profile of the Physics Institute.
The Elective Subject module allows students to register for other suitable courses in physics, but can also be used freely, for example to gain insight into an advanced topic in another subject.
Research phase (3.–4. semester):
The research phase serves to teach independent scientific work. This phase is divided into the 6-month Research Traineeship (research internship), in which students are scientifically trained in the topic of the final thesis, and the 6-month Master’s thesis, which is written as an independent scientific work in one of the research groups at the Physics Institute or at the associated institutes and research facilities.
The standard duration of the Master’s program in Physics is 4 semesters and is divided into two one-year sections: the study phase (2 semesters) and the subsequent research phase (2 semesters).
For students starting in the winter semester, the following sample study plan is recommended. For students starting in the summer semester, the content of the first two semesters is reversed.
(*) The Master Lab takes place during the lecture-free period, after the 1st semester (Feb-Apr)
In the Master’s program in Physics, students can choose their elective modules to specialize in a specific research area. Such specialization is optional and not mandatory.
The following optional specializations are possible:
- specialization in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
- specialization in Condensed Matter Physics
- specialization in Particle Physics
Any specialization achieved will be indicated accordingly on the graduation certificate.
Application procedure
Within this application period please register and log in to the online application portal. Fill the required information and upload the requested documents. To finalize your application, you have to print the Confirmation Form, sign it and upload a scan to the portal.
The following documents have to be uploaded:
- your undergraduate diploma (including translated copy in German or English).
If you have not yet completed your undergraduate studies, a certified transcript of marks is sufficient. - your transcript of marks/Transcript of Records (including translated copy in German or English)
- proof of English proficiency (B2-level), e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate
- “Motivation Letter” in which you state the motivation for your application (max. one A4-page)
- APS certificate (for applicants from China, Vietnam and India only)
Application deadlines
Online-Application for the summer semester are possible from 15.09. to 15.01.
Online-Application for the winter semester are possible from 01.03. to 15.07.
Admission requirements:
To be admitted to the Master’s program in Physics, you must meet the admission requirements. The admission regulations (Zulassungsordung) are legally binding in this regard.
- General university entrance qualification or recognized university entrance qualification.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Physics recognized in Germany or an equivalent degree that meets the following conditions:
- Courses in Theoretical Physics (Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Physics, Thermodynamics/Statistical Physics) – minimum 32 ECTS credits
- Courses in Experimental Physics (Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Structure of Matter) – minimum 32 ECTS credits
- Courses in Mathematics (Calculus, Linear Algebra) – minimum 32 ECTS credits
- Physics lab courses (beginner and advanced) – minimum 18 ECTS credits
- Bachelor thesis in physics – minimum 10 ECTS credits
- The degree does not need to be completed at the time of application, but must be completed at the time of enrollment.
- Language proficiency: B2 in English
The admissions committee decides on the equivalence of other degrees as well as on exceptions to individual conditions.
The descriptions of the modules can be found in the current module handbook:
The legal framework is regulated in the examination regulations:
Forms and Applications – M.Sc. Physics
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Application Research Traineeship
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Certificate Research Traineeship
Certificate of successful completion of the Research Traineeship
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Application for admission to Master Thesis
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Declaration Master Thesis
The signed declaration must be submitted together with the master’s thesis.
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Registration for the Master’s Colloquium
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Niederschrift Masterkolloquium
Template for recording the presentation of the master’s thesis
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Form Specialization
Choice of optional specialization (if desired)
Forms and Applications – general
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Application for withdrawal from examination due to illness
Form (template for the doctor) and information on withdrawing from an exam due to illness
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Application for recognition of study and examination achievements
Form for the recognition of academic achievements and examination results obtained at another university or in another course of study
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Guidlines for external thesis
Guidelines for registering theses (Bachelor’s/Master’s theses) at external institutes or institutions
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Laufzettel / Route Card
must be submitted when collecting the graduation documents
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Form for stays abroad
must be submitted when collecting the graduation documents
