International Master of Science in Physics

Overview The International two-year MSc programme is structured to deepen and broaden the scientific knowledge students bring from BSc-level studies. The first year centres on advanced lectures, seminars and laboratory courses that build core theoretical and experimental competence. In the second year you join a faculty research team to carry out a topical project under the supervision of a professor or senior scientist, culminating in an independent Master’s thesis.

Research environment and topics The faculty comprises 15 chairs with a total of about 25 professors, spanning condensed matter physics, particle and astrophysics, energy research, quantum- and nano-optics, optoelectronics and imaging technologies. Teaching and research combine experimental, theoretical and applied approaches. The programme benefits from international collaborations with leading groups at institutions such as Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Riken, the Max Planck Society and NASA. A major research emphasis is on topological and correlated solid-state physics, supported by substantial federal and European funding and a collaborative research centre.

Facilities, methods and application areas Students have access to a full “cradle-to-paper” research environment: material synthesis (including molecular beam epitaxy and pulsed laser deposition), structural/optical/magnetic/quantum-transport characterisation, and a wide range of spectroscopy methods — e.g. angle-resolved photoemission (ARPES), spin-polarised scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, electron and nuclear spin resonance, resonant X-ray spectroscopy — plus electron microscopy. Theoretical work uses ab-initio, field-theoretical and many-body approaches, Monte Carlo and holographic methods. Research also addresses particle physics (precision tests of the Standard Model and searches for new physics), theoretical and observational astrophysics (high-energy astronomy, cosmic particle accelerators, dark matter), AdS/CFT and its links to quantum information/quantum gravity, and applied areas such as renewable energy technologies, nano- and biophotonics, molecular electronics, quantum communication, spintronics and imaging across the spectrum from radio waves (NMR) to X-rays. Clean rooms, lithography, spectroscopy labs and epitaxial growth equipment for inorganic and organic semiconductor heterostructures are routinely used by students.

Typical application expectations (confirm exact details on the programme website)

• Completed Bachelor’s degree in physics or a closely related discipline (BSc or equivalent).
• Ability and motivation to undertake a research project and write a Master’s thesis.
• Programme language: English — proof of sufficient English proficiency as required by the admissions office.
• Applicants should consult the official programme page for precise documentation, application deadlines and any additional entry requirements (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV).

Program structure and key modules The curriculum is split between two principal tracks—Experimental Physics and Theoretical Physics—with a strong research focus culminating in a one-year Master's project. In the first year (semesters 1–2) students take Advanced Laboratory Courses and the Advanced Seminar Physics, together with at least three to four elective courses chosen from theoretical or experimental physics. Except for the laboratory courses, all taught modules are assessed with graded examinations. In semesters 3 and 4 you move into intensive, specialised research training through two Master's project modules that together form the one-year Master's thesis.

Learning outcomes and research experience Throughout the programme you are embedded in active research groups and contribute to ongoing projects, gaining hands-on experience in both experimental techniques and theoretical analysis. You will learn how to design and carry out independent research, analyse and interpret results, and write up a coherent Master’s thesis. The thesis work is presented and critically discussed in the working-group seminar, giving practice in scientific communication and defence of results. The programme also allows selection of up to 5 ECTS from a "Non-Physical Minor" area to broaden your profile; these minor modules are assessed pass/fail rather than graded.

Core requirements (concise)

• Advanced Laboratory Courses (lab modules; assessed pass/fail, not graded)
• Advanced Seminar Physics
• At least 3–4 elective courses in Theoretical or Experimental Physics (graded)
• All taught modules except laboratory courses have graded examinations
• Two Master's project modules (semesters 3–4) that lead into the one-year Master's thesis
• Active participation in ongoing research projects and working-group activities
• Presentation and discussion of the thesis within the working-group seminar
• Optional Non-Physical Minor modules (up to 5 ECTS; pass/fail only)

Graduates are well prepared for doctoral studies (PhD) and research careers in academia and international research institutes. The programme’s strong laboratory and theoretical training also equips students for R&D positions in industry sectors such as semiconductors and nanoelectronics, photonics and imaging, renewable energy technologies, quantum communications and spintronics, as well as for roles in data analysis and instrumentation.

Because of the programme’s emphasis on hands-on projects, collaboration and scientific communication, alumni are competitive candidates for technical and research roles in national and international labs, technology companies, and start‑ups that translate advanced materials and quantum technologies into applications.