This English-taught Master's builds on the knowledge gained in a three-year Bachelor's degree in physics (or an equivalent qualification) and provides advanced training across selected areas of modern physics. The programme lets you specialise in topics that match your interests and culminates in a one-year research phase designed to develop the ability to carry out independent scientific work. Graduates of the course are prepared to continue with doctoral studies.
The curriculum mirrors the active research at FAU and is centred on several core fields: astrophysics and astroparticle physics, condensed matter physics, optical sciences, physics in the life sciences, quantum technologies, and theoretical physics. You can shape your study programme flexibly to fit your academic and career goals, while still meeting mandatory minimum coursework requirements in both theoretical and experimental physics.
The final research year is usually carried out within internationally recognised research groups and collaborations, including the associated Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (http://www.mpl.mpg.de). This research placement provides hands-on laboratory and project experience and strong links to international research networks, which is valuable if you plan to pursue a PhD or a research-oriented career.
The programme begins with a focused first year of advanced coursework, laboratory work and seminars. You must choose one advanced theoretical course (10 ECTS) from quantum mechanics or solid state physics, and one advanced experimental course (10 ECTS) from options such as lasers, atomic physics & quantum optics, particle & astroparticle physics, or solid state physics. Seminars on theoretical and experimental topics run each semester; one seminar (5 ECTS) is mandatory. Practical training and project work (10 ECTS) are provided through traditional lab courses, physics-in-medicine experiments, or hands‑on computational physics methods. The remainder of the first year (25 ECTS) is made up of electives — advanced physics topics or related subjects like chemistry, engineering or mathematics — allowing a highly flexible, individually tailored study plan (with a minimum of 5 ECTS in a physics course).
The entire second year is devoted to an independent research project. During the first half of the year you consolidate specialised knowledge and plan the experimental or theoretical work; during the second half you execute the research, write the Master’s thesis and present the results in a public colloquium. This structure emphasises autonomous research skills, scientific communication and the ability to translate coursework into a sustained investigation.
Students may specialise in astrophysics & astroparticle physics, condensed matter physics, optical sciences, physics in life sciences, quantum technologies, or theoretical physics. To receive formal recognition in one of these fields, you must complete at least 30 ECTS of coursework in that specific area in addition to the research phase. Overall the curriculum balances deep theoretical understanding, hands‑on experimental and computational skills, seminar presentation experience, and independent research — preparing you for doctoral studies or research-related careers in academia and industry.
Requirements (key modules and credits)
You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in physics or an equivalent qualification. Your application should give a clear picture of your prior study and motivation for the MSc: provide a detailed course list with grades and workload information, a current CV, and a letter explaining your reasons for applying.
All academic records must be official documents issued by your institution. If your documents are not in English or German, submit them together with certified translations (translations are usually prepared by the issuing university or a government agency, unless the original documents are already in English). Transcripts should bear the issuing school’s stamp or embossed seal and the signature of an authorised official. Candidates who meet the formal requirements may be invited to an interview, which can take place in person, by phone or online.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
The Master's degree explicitly qualifies graduates to pursue a PhD and is designed to prepare students for independent research, particularly through its dedicated one-year research phase conducted within internationally recognised groups. Graduates are therefore well positioned for academic careers, including doctoral studies and research positions at universities and research institutes.
Beyond academia, the programme's specialisations and strong experimental/theoretical training open career paths in industry and R&D sectors such as optical and photonics industries, quantum technologies, condensed matter/semiconductor companies, medical physics and biophysics applications, astroparticle instrumentation, and data-intensive roles. Typical roles include research scientist, R&D engineer, application specialist, and technical consultant, often benefiting from FAU's collaborations and networks.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena — Jena
University of Göttingen — Göttingen
Technical University of Munich — München
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Mainz