Physics MSc

• A completed bachelor’s degree in physics
• Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The faculty will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that the candidate meets the relevant admission requirements.

The research-based master’s degree programme deepens and expands on the basic knowledge obtained in the physics bachelor’s programme in modern areas of experimental and theoretical physics. Furthermore, you can specialise in contemporary areas of physics in physics-related and interdisciplinary elective lectures according to your scientific interests. You can design this degree programme in such a way that when you are awarded the academic degree “Master of Science” (M. Sc.) in physics, you will be an expert in one of the following fields:

• Experimental solid-state physics
• Soft-matter physics
• Theoretical physics
• Applied physics

The Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, the Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, the Institute of Theoretical Physics and the external Institute for Surface Engineering offer a wide range of modules and research opportunities.

The master’s programme is completed with an independent research thesis – the master's thesis

The master’s programme is divided into two one-year phases. The expansion and advanced phase prepares students for the research phase. The course is taught in English.

In the expansion and advanced phase, the basic knowledge of experimental and theoretical physics acquired in the bachelor’s programme is extended and deepened. This phase is divided into three compulsory elective areas and the general elective area.

• In compulsory elective area 1 (10 credits), you have the opportunity to specialise in experimental solid-state physics or experimental soft-matter physics.
• In compulsory elective area 2 (10 credits), you can focus on either quantum mechanics or statistical physics.
• Compulsory elective area 3 and the elective area are for further specialisation. In these areas, the modules offered correspond to the main research of the physics institutes and the external Institute for Surface Engineering. The division into compulsory elective area 3 and the elective area of physics follows didactic principles.
  • The compulsory elective area 3 (5 credits) includes main seminars in which, in addition to being taught the specialist knowledge, the focus is on developing and improving important methodological skills: literature research, presentation techniques and academic writing.
  • Elective area 4 “physics elective area” includes modules from different areas of physics and different module forms. In this elective area, you can deepen your knowledge by choosing modules from non-physics subjects (amounting to 10 credits).

In the research phase, you will be introduced to working on questions relating to current international research in a selected special field. Several stages are necessary for this:

• Preparation of the topic, including the decision on the acceptance of the set topic
• Familiarisation with the required experimental, theoretical or computational methods (research seminars I and II)
• Phase of independent work on a physics-related problem using scientific methods and its documentation (comprises six months)

The research phase is completed with the submission and defence of the master’s thesis, which amounts to 30 credits.

The academic degree M.Sc. in Physics entitles you to embark on doctoral studies in the field of physics.

Traditional jobs for physicists are:

• Industrial research and development, e.g. in the fields of microelectronics, precision engineering, optics, medical technology, mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, computer science and scientific apparatus engineering
• State scientific research institutions and universities in research and teaching
• Quality assurance and management (e.g. setting and monitoring quality standards for production processes, products or services, preparing specification documents, assessing risk potential)
• Process and product development (e.g. designing new technical products, processes or services, developing concepts for further development, creating and testing prototypes)
• Environmental consulting and management (e.g. developing and implementing environmental protection concepts and technical procedures, planning environmentally compatible economic action)
• Data collection and analysis (e.g. creating analyses, models, simulations and forecasts, developing statistical and mathematical models, if required)
• Laboratory analysis (e.g. participating in developing new active substances, materials or analytical methods)

A valued professional quality of physicists is their ability to systematically analyse and innovatively develop complex processes in science, technology and business from a quantitative perspective. Thanks to these skills, physics graduates are also valued employees and managers in professional fields that are otherwise reserved exclusively for engineers or in more remote areas, such as management consulting, banking and insurance or politics.

A stay abroad is generally recommended. It must be organised by the students themselves.

• Study regulations (SO) and examination regulations (PO), curricula and module descriptions (in German)

Course start: winter semester and summer semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please make sure you note our further information on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the “International” page

Options in the winter semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

Further information can be found on our page “Applying for a higher semester of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the “International” page.