International Master of Science in Quantum Engineering

Program overview

This two-year, English-taught MSc programme combines advanced coursework with a research-oriented second year. In the first year you take lectures, seminars and laboratory courses designed to deepen and broaden knowledge beyond the bachelor level. The second year is devoted to a topical project embedded in a faculty research team and supervised by a professor or senior scientist, culminating in a Master’s thesis. The structure emphasizes hands-on lab experience and close mentorship to prepare students for research and industry roles in quantum technologies.

Research environment

The faculty comprises 15 chairs (about 25 professors) spanning condensed matter physics, particle and astrophysics, energy research, quantum and nano-optics, optoelectronics and imaging technologies, with experimental, theoretical and applied perspectives. The department has active international collaborations with leading institutions such as Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Riken, the Max Planck Society and NASA. A major institutional focus is topological and correlated solid-state physics, supported by multimillion-euro federal and European funding and a collaborative research centre.

Methods, applications and opportunities

The programme offers a “cradle-to-paper” research pipeline: in-house expertise in material synthesis, characterisation and spectroscopy is paired with theoretical modelling and application-driven development. Growth groups use molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD); samples undergo structural, optical, magnetic and quantum-transport measurements and are studied with techniques including ARPES, spin-polarised scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, electron and nuclear spin resonance, resonant X-ray spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Theoretical work employs ab‑initio, field-theoretical, many-body, Monte‑Carlo and holographic methods. Research topics also include precision tests of the Standard Model, particle physics, observational and theoretical astrophysics, AdS/CFT and connections to quantum information, as well as technology development in renewable energy harvesting, nano- and biophotonics, molecular electronics, quantum communication, spintronics and imaging across the spectral range from NMR to X‑rays.

Key facts & programme structure (concise)

• Duration: 2 years (MSc)
• Language of instruction: English
• Year 1: advanced lectures, seminars and laboratory courses to extend BSc knowledge
• Year 2: topical research project within a faculty research team, supervised by a professor or senior scientist, leading to a Master’s thesis
• Faculty size: 15 chairs, ~25 professors covering experimental, theoretical and applied physics
• Major research strengths: topological and correlated solid-state physics; particle physics; astrophysics; quantum optics; energy and device-related technologies
• Major collaborators: Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Riken, Max Planck Society, NASA
• Key experimental capabilities: MBE, PLD, clean-room facilities, spectroscopy labs, lithography, broad suite of spectroscopic and microscopy techniques
• Key theoretical tools: ab‑initio, field theory, many-body theory, Monte‑Carlo, holographic methods

Curriculum overview

This Master’s programme combines two complementary pillars: Advanced Experimental and Theoretical Physics, and Quantum Engineering Research, with a strong research focus culminating in a one-year Master’s project. In the first year students take intensive advanced laboratory courses and the Advanced Seminar in Quantum Engineering, alongside a minimum of three to four elective advanced courses that cover both theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum engineering. Most taught modules are assessed with graded examinations; laboratory courses are the exception.

In the third and fourth semesters the emphasis shifts to specialised research training within a chosen topic area. These semesters comprise two Master’s project modules that together form the Master’s thesis. Students are embedded in active research groups, contributing to ongoing projects while learning to design, execute and analyse independent theoretical and experimental investigations. The thesis must be presented and discussed in the working-group seminar, ensuring experience in scientific communication and critical discussion.

A small non-technical minor (up to 5 ECTS) can be selected to broaden skills or cover complementary interests; these minor modules are assessed pass/fail rather than with grades. Overall, the programme trains students to plan and perform independent research, critically interpret results, and communicate findings in written and oral scientific formats — essential competencies for careers in quantum science and technology or further doctoral study.

Key curriculum requirements and assessments

• First-year core: Advanced Laboratory Courses; Advanced Seminar in Quantum Engineering
• Electives: at least 3–4 advanced research courses in quantum engineering (theory and/or experiment)
• Assessment: graded exams for all modules except laboratory courses
• Research phase: two Master’s project modules in semesters 3–4 leading to the Master’s thesis
• Thesis: must be presented and discussed in the working-group seminar
• Non-Technical Minor: up to 5 ECTS, assessed pass/fail

Graduates are prepared for research and development roles in academia, public research institutes (including Max Planck and international partners) and high-tech industry sectors focused on quantum technologies. Typical areas of employment include quantum communication, spintronics, nano- and biophotonics, molecular electronics, quantum sensing/imaging, and renewable-energy-related technologies.

The strong lab training, one-year project experience, and broad theoretical foundations also provide a direct pathway to doctoral studies (PhD) and competitive positions in interdisciplinary R&D teams, instrumentation companies, and national laboratories working on advanced materials, spectroscopy, and quantum device engineering.