This English-taught Master’s programme gives you a rigorous grounding in core physics while emphasizing advanced, hands-on research. Teaching takes place on a modern science campus with a favorable teacher-to-student ratio, so you can expect close interaction with faculty and substantial supervision in both coursework and research projects. The programme balances experimental training in state-of-the-art laboratories with opportunities to work at the theoretical frontier.
Research options are broad and focused largely within condensed matter physics, including quantum phenomena in reduced-dimensional systems and applications in nanoscience and novel materials. Theoretical groups in the department lead a national research unit investigating the emergence of thermodynamics in non-equilibrium systems, using statistical physics for complex classical and quantum problems. Experimental techniques available to students include ultrafast optics, x-ray and photoelectron spectroscopies, magnetometry, spin resonance, ultra-high-resolution scanning probe microscopy, and electronic transport measurements.
You will gain practical experience on modern infrastructure that is being continually expanded—new high-performance computer clusters and up-to-date nanoelectronics and microelectronics fabrication facilities give students first-hand exposure to contemporary research and industrial-style work environments. For international students, the programme’s English instruction and research-oriented setup support engagement with global scientific questions and career paths in academia or technology sectors.
Requirements (as stated or implied in the original description)
This two-year master's is a fully modular, English-taught program totaling 120 credit points (CP). Students design an individual study plan split across four terms. The first year (terms 1–2) covers 60 CP with a strong focus on an in-depth Physics major and a complementary minor; the second year (terms 3–4) focuses on professional specialization, an extended research project and the master’s thesis, also adding up to 60 CP.
The Physics major consists of eight to nine modules (42 CP) drawn from a pool of about 40 available modules. Core options include subjects such as Applied Solid State Physics, Biophysics, Surface Science, Condensed Matter Theory and Ultrafast Physics. The major also contains advanced laboratory coursework (12 CP), ensuring hands-on experimental training alongside theory. The minor (18 CP) comprises two to three modules taken in a different discipline — choices include Systems Science (Mathematics), Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Languages, Mathematics and Philosophy of Science — to provide interdisciplinary breadth.
In the final year students complete a 12 CP professional specialization to build vocational or technical skills, a 15 CP research project to develop independent experimental or theoretical research capability, and a 33 CP master’s thesis with an accompanying colloquium that demonstrates the ability to conduct, document and present original research. Graduates will leave with advanced laboratory and analytical skills, specialized theoretical and computational knowledge in their chosen subfield, interdisciplinary perspectives, and experience in scientific communication and project work that prepare them for doctoral studies or careers in research and industry.
Requirements (concise)
This Master’s programme in Physics is open to applicants with a relevant Bachelor’s-level qualification in physics (or a closely related degree with a clear physics specialization). Degrees from German universities or from universities in Bologna-signatory countries are accepted directly; degrees from other countries are assessed for equivalence using the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) procedures. The selection committee makes the final decision on whether a completed degree is in a suitable subject area.
Candidates must not have irreversibly failed a Master’s (or comparable) examination in a related subject without the right to retake it, nor already hold a Master’s (or comparable) degree in a related subject. Applicants who are missing only a small portion of the required physics coursework or who have not yet finished their Bachelor’s may still be admitted under specific conditions (see below). Note the application deadlines: 31 March for the winter semester and 30 September for the summer semester.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia (PhD programmes) and for R&D positions in industry sectors such as nano‑ and microelectronics, materials science, photonics, instrumentation and applied spectroscopy. The combination of experimental techniques, theoretical training and computational skills also suits roles in data analysis, high‑tech engineering and technology development.
The programme’s strong lab training and research project components build transferable skills—project management, scientific communication and independent problem solving—valued in both public research institutions and private industry. Those aiming for academia will be well positioned to apply for doctoral programmes nationally and internationally.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena — Jena
University of Göttingen — Göttingen
Technical University of Munich — München
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Mainz