This English-taught Master of Science programme trains you for international careers in advanced research and research-driven industries. Over two years you will deepen your knowledge across multiple areas of physics, strengthen both theoretical and experimental skills, and sharpen your understanding of scientific methods. The course is research-oriented and consecutive, so you will take part in ongoing research projects and receive individual guidance from instructors and professors as you prepare for higher-level scientific work.
You will join an active, diverse scientific community with access to well-equipped laboratories and modern experimental facilities. The department pursues fundamental research in areas such as biophysics, quantum physics, ultrafast physics, nanophysics and surface science, regularly publishing in leading journals. Collaborative research centres and international consortia give students the chance to work in large interdisciplinary teams and build a strong global network of physicists.
The programme also supports new students through a mentoring scheme and offers international opportunities: students can opt for a French–German double degree in Physics in cooperation with the Institute Polytechnique de Paris. Graduates earn 120 credit points over four semesters and are eligible to continue into doctoral programmes.
Key facts and requirements
Program structure
The Master's degree is arranged in two distinct phases. During the first (study) year, you deepen and broaden your understanding of physics and adjacent disciplines through coursework that is closely tied to the department’s active research. Some modules are compulsory while others are elective, allowing you to tailor the program to your interests and career goals. Teaching and course content are linked to the research topics and methods pursued by the department’s working groups, so you will engage with up-to-date scientific questions and techniques.
In the second (research) year you join a research group within the department and focus on becoming an expert in a specific field of physics. You gain hands-on experience with research facilities, acquire advanced methodological skills, and produce a Master’s thesis under the supervision of a professor who acts as your research adviser. This phase emphasizes independent research, practical laboratory or computational competence, and preparation for either doctoral study or physics-related careers in industry and research institutions.
Key modules and learning outcomes
The programme ensures a strong foundation in modern experimental and theoretical physics while offering depth in specialised areas. Core mandatory teaching includes an advanced laboratory course and a module on scientific presentation skills, promoting both experimental proficiency and effective scientific communication. Students choose advanced theoretical or topical modules (see requirements below) to build expertise in quantum theory, statistical mechanics, field and many-body theory, or advanced subfields such as solid-state, atomic/molecular, and biophysics. Elective courses cover a wide range of specialised topics—examples include condensed-matter theory, nanophysics, optics and spectroscopy, astrophysics, quantum information, computational physics and sustainability-related physics—enabling you to shape a coherent study profile.
Typical learning outcomes include:
Module and assessment requirements (concise)
You must hold an undergraduate degree in physics (or a closely related program) from a German or international university. The selection accepts degrees that are comparable in content and level to a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Admission requires that your prior qualification be judged equivalent to the Bachelor's degree in physics awarded by Freie Universität Berlin. If you are uncertain whether your diploma meets this equivalency, contact the admissions office well before the application deadline to check your documents and any additional evidence they may request.
Winter Semester (International)
4 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
4 December 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 August 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for careers in advanced research, research-intensive industries, and technology development, both in academic and non-academic settings. The programme emphasises experimental and theoretical expertise, methodological skills and scientific communication, equipping students to pursue doctoral studies or technical roles in sectors such as optics and photonics, nanotechnology, materials science, quantum technologies, and energy research.
Because the curriculum is closely linked to active research groups and offers access to international networks and exchange opportunities, alumni are well positioned for international research collaborations, PhD programmes, and specialist roles in R&D departments of industry or public research institutes.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena — Jena
University of Göttingen — Göttingen
Technical University of Munich — München
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Mainz