Master of Science in Physics

Program overview

This two-year Master of Science in Physics is designed to give you a comprehensive education across the full spectrum of modern physics. The curriculum spans theoretical topics—with a particular emphasis on quantum mechanics—through solid-state physics, and includes extensive advanced laboratory work alongside a broad range of contemporary lectures. The programme aims to equip you with the core knowledge expected of a contemporary physicist.

You will follow an advanced course of lectures and research that can be tailored to your individual interests and preferred areas of specialisation. Teaching and supervision focus on bringing you up to date with current research in the department’s fields, while offering intensive tutoring when needed and fostering increasing independence and responsibility. The programme also emphasizes making your work visible through presentations and scientific writing, so you develop professional communication skills in addition to technical expertise.

For full details about modules, elective options and research areas, please consult the programme’s Course Details on the official programme webpage.

Key facts and programme requirements

• Duration: two-year advanced MSc programme
• Language of instruction: English
• Core academic focus: theoretical physics (especially quantum mechanics), solid-state physics, and advanced experimental laboratory training
• Structure: combination of specialised lectures and hands-on research experience, with the ability to personalise the course of study
• Support: targeted tutoring and supervisory guidance to develop independence and responsibility
• Skills development: emphasis on presentation and scientific writing to increase visibility of your work and professional readiness

Curriculum overview

In the first year of the two-year programme you follow advanced lectures and seminars across a broad choice of physics topics. Core emphases include experimental and theoretical solid-state physics, theoretical and computational methods in particle physics, and high-performance computing, but other specialised topics are offered as well. Courses are designed to be interactive, encouraging discussion and active participation. You are expected to take four lectures from the approved list (together making up roughly half of your workload) and select additional lectures or short-notice seminars to complete your programme. Complementary skills courses — for example on presentation technique, computer science tools or laboratory electronics — are also available.

During the second year you join a research group and work closely with supervisors and colleagues on current scientific problems, culminating in an independent Master’s thesis. Daily involvement in the group’s research and activities provides intensive guidance and rapid development of practical research skills. Many students go on to PhD projects (paid positions, typically three to four years) after graduation; if you plan to continue toward a doctorate, informing staff early helps align thesis work and funding opportunities.

Key modules (examples)

• Experimental solid-state physics
• Theoretical solid-state physics
• Theoretical and computational methods in particle physics
• High-performance computing
• Seminars on current topics and specialised short courses
• Skills courses: presentations, computer science, lab electronics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme you will have:

• Deepened theoretical and experimental understanding in chosen subfields of physics
• Gained practical experience in computational and high-performance computing methods
• Developed independent research skills through close supervision and completion of a Master’s thesis
• Improved transferable skills such as scientific communication, programming, and lab techniques
• Positioned yourself to apply for PhD positions or research roles, with the option to discuss longer-term collaboration early with potential supervisors

Program requirements and structure (concise)

• Two-year Master’s programme: Year 1 = coursework and seminars; Year 2 = research group placement and Master’s thesis
• Take four advanced lectures from the core list (≈50% of workload)
• Choose additional lectures/seminars (from the core list or other offerings) to fulfil credit requirements
• Opportunity to take skills courses (presentations, CS tools, lab electronics)
• Second-year research placement concludes with Master’s thesis
• PhD continuation possible (paid positions, typically 3–4 years); notify staff early if you intend to pursue this route

Graduates are well prepared for research careers in academia and national or international research institutes, often continuing directly into paid PhD positions available through university research groups. The programme’s strong emphasis on experimental skills, computational methods and scientific communication also equips students for R&D roles in industry sectors such as materials science, nanotechnology, electronics, and computational modelling.

Beyond research and industry R&D, alumni may pursue careers in data science, software development for scientific applications, technical consulting, or science communication and education — leveraging the programme’s combination of theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory experience, and transferable skills.