International Master's Programme in Physics

Overview

This English-taught Master's programme is designed so you can build on the Department of Physics’ core strengths. Research at the department centers on soft matter physics, solid-state & nanophysics, quantum optics & quantum information, plasma physics, and medical physics/biophysics. The curriculum gives you both theoretical foundations and hands-on experimental experience, and it culminates in an independent research project carried out within one of the department’s research groups.

Structure and learning experience

You select two of the department’s main research areas as your focus, and each chosen area includes both an experimental module and a theoretical module to ensure balanced training. The programme finishes with a master’s thesis performed in a research group at the Department of Physics, allowing you to apply your coursework to a substantive research problem.

Course variety

In addition to the five main research tracks, the programme regularly offers modules in related fields—examples include laser physics, astrophysics, computational physics, and advanced quantum mechanics—so you can broaden or deepen your expertise beyond the chosen focus areas.

Program requirements (concise)

• Instruction language: English
• Choose two focus areas from: soft matter physics; solid-state physics & nanophysics; quantum optics & quantum information; plasma physics; medical physics/biophysics
• For each chosen focus area complete both an experimental module and a theoretical module
• Complete a master’s thesis conducted within one of the Department of Physics’ research groups
• Optionally take additional modules such as laser physics, astrophysics, computational physics, or advanced quantum mechanics (regularly offered)

Curriculum overview

The programme is structured to move from taught courses in the first year to hands‑on, research‑oriented work in the second year. In year one you follow lecture courses accompanied by exercise sessions to build a solid theoretical and mathematical foundation. You will select two specialised focus areas (each represented by two modules) drawn from the department’s main research themes, and complement these with four elective physics modules chosen from other research topics such as laser physics, computational physics, astrophysics, advanced quantum mechanics, and similar subjects. International students commonly take general electives like German language classes to aid integration and daily life.

In year two the emphasis shifts to seminars, laboratory and computational practicals, and sustained research activity. The first half of the second year combines further elective physics modules with a specialisation module that provides concentrated, practical training in the methods and tools required for cutting‑edge research, developing detailed, state‑of‑the‑art knowledge in your chosen area. The final half of the programme is devoted to an independently conducted but supervised master’s thesis—experimental or theoretical—focussed on the chosen specialisation and intended to reach international research standards. Throughout the programme students benefit from close contact with faculty and a favourable teacher–student ratio, supporting guided yet independent development as researchers.

Program requirements (curriculum components)

• Year 1: lectures with exercise classes
• Choose two focus areas (two modules per focus area) from the department’s main research topics
• Four elective physics modules from the remaining research topics (examples: laser physics, computational physics, astrophysics, advanced quantum mechanics, etc.)
• General elective modules (typically German language courses for international students)
• Year 2: seminars, practical courses, and research work
• First half of Year 2: additional elective physics modules + specialisation module emphasizing practical research methods and tools to achieve state‑of‑the‑art knowledge
• Second half of Year 2: guided but independent master’s thesis (experimental or theoretical) in the chosen specialisation

Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia (including progression to PhD programmes) and for roles in research & development across industry sectors that rely on applied physics—such as photonics and optics, nanotechnology, medical physics and biotechnology, plasma applications, and computational modelling. The combination of theoretical and experimental training also suits positions in instrumentation, technical consulting, and advanced engineering roles.

The programme's emphasis on independent thesis work and specialised methods provides a strong foundation for employers and doctoral programmes seeking candidates with hands-on laboratory or theoretical modelling experience and the ability to carry out autonomous research projects.