Overview This accredited Master of Science programme is one of the few in Germany dedicated specifically to mathematical and theoretical physics. It builds on a long-standing, interdisciplinary tradition: the faculties of physics and mathematics jointly run the degree, each contributing roughly half of the teaching. The programme is delivered in English, making it accessible to international students looking for a research-oriented graduate education in theoretical and mathematical aspects of physics.
Research focus and study flexibility Students can tailor their studies by combining several of the department’s core research themes. Available areas include condensed matter theory, cosmology, dynamical systems, elementary particle physics, mathematical physics, numerical methods, probability theory, stochastic analysis and harmonic analysis. This flexibility lets you shape a study plan that bridges rigorous mathematical methods and theoretical physics applications.
Research training and international connections Both participating faculties belong to the Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences, providing a structured research environment and access to graduate-level resources and supervision. The programme also participates in international research training initiatives—most notably the International Research Training Group (IRTG) 2235 “Searching for the regular in the irregular: Analysis of singular and random systems,” co-hosted with Seoul National University—offering opportunities for collaboration and exchange with an international research network.
Key facts and features
Overview
This two-year Master’s curriculum is delivered in an English-speaking international track so that non-German-speaking students can fully participate. International and German students attend the same English-language courses, creating a mixed, research-oriented cohort. The programme combines rigorous coursework in physics and mathematics with focused research training.
Structure and key modules
In the first year students take parallel core modules across three strands: theoretical physics, pure mathematics, and mathematical physics — ensuring a strong foundation in both the conceptual and technical tools used in modern theory. In the second year students choose one of these three strands to specialise in and concentrate their remaining coursework and research on that area. The programme culminates in a Master’s thesis, which is intended to be supervised jointly by two faculty members (typically one from each relevant faculty), strengthening interdisciplinary guidance and mentoring.
Learning outcomes and opportunities
Graduates leave with advanced theoretical and mathematical skills applicable to cutting‑edge problems in physics and related fields, plus the ability to pursue independent research. The combination of broad first‑year training and second‑year specialisation develops both breadth and depth—preparing students for doctoral studies, academic research positions, or analytically demanding roles in industry. The dual‑supervision model supports interdisciplinary perspectives and close academic support during the thesis project.
Program requirements (curriculum-focused)
This interdisciplinary Master's program seeks applicants who hold a Bachelor’s degree in either physics or mathematics and who also have a strong background in the complementary subject. The admissions criteria focus on concrete coursework and credit totals to ensure applicants possess the necessary foundation in both theoretical and experimental aspects.
Specific credit requirements differ depending on the bachelor’s degree: mathematics graduates must have completed substantial core analysis and algebra coursework, while physics graduates must demonstrate broad coverage across theoretical and experimental physics plus laboratory training. Additionally, candidates must have completed further advanced study in theoretical physics, mathematics, or a combination of both. Applicants who do not exactly meet these rules may still be considered under certain conditions but will be required to complete compensatory coursework if provisionally admitted.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
1 March 2026
Graduates are well prepared for doctoral studies (PhD) and research careers in academia or research institutes, thanks to the programme’s strong theoretical and mathematical training and its integration with active research groups. The combination of rigorous mathematics, theoretical physics, and numerical methods also opens opportunities in industry and applied research — for example in data analysis, modelling, software development for scientific computing, quantitative finance, or technology sectors that require advanced analytical and computational skills.
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