This two-year, English-taught international Master of Science places strong emphasis on research and attracts highly motivated students from around the world. The programme is offered in close cooperation between the university’s physics department and a leading Max Planck research institute, providing access to cutting-edge facilities and top-level supervision. Its competitive nature reflects the high academic standards and the research intensity of the curriculum.
Teaching and research cover a broad spectrum of contemporary physics topics, including solid-state physics, atom and quantum optics, photonics, soft matter, strongly correlated many-body systems, physical modelling, and numerical simulation. Students benefit from an environment where theoretical, experimental and computational approaches are all strongly represented, allowing you to tailor your studies toward your scientific interests.
A major feature of the programme is a one-year research project during which students join and become fully integrated into a research group at either the Department of Physics or the Max Planck Institute. This hands-on research experience is designed to prepare graduates for research careers in academia or industry and to build close working relationships with established scientists.
Key facts and requirements
Curriculum structure and focus The MSc program runs over four semesters and is organized in two phases. The first year (semesters 1–2) is classroom- and lab-based, combining lectures, seminars and an advanced laboratory course to build a broad and deep physics foundation. The second year (semesters 3–4) is devoted to an intensive, one-year research project culminating in the Master’s thesis, giving you the time and independence to carry out original research.
Core modules and what you will gain Core (compulsory) modules include Advanced Experimental Physics, Advanced Quantum Theory, Advanced Condensed Matter Physics, an Advanced Physics Laboratory, and both Seminar in Physics and Advanced Seminar in Physics, plus the one-year Research Project/Master’s thesis. Together these courses develop rigorous theoretical understanding, hands-on experimental and measurement skills, and scientific communication and presentation abilities. The laboratory and seminar components emphasize practical techniques, data analysis, and the ability to discuss and critique current research.
Electives and specialization opportunities A broad set of semi-compulsory lectures lets you tailor the degree toward specific research areas. Options cover atomic and optical physics, statistical and soft-matter physics, quantum field theory and quantum information, quantum materials and technologies, semiconductor and solid-state topics, simulation methods and spectroscopy, and topological many-body theory. By selecting these electives you can acquire specialized knowledge and methodological skills (e.g., numerical simulation, spectroscopy techniques, or quantum information concepts) that prepare you for doctoral studies or technical roles in industry and research labs.
Requirements (modules)
Compulsory modules:
Semi-compulsory (elective) lecture choices include:
This master's programme expects applicants to hold an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree in Physics (or an equivalent qualification). Your undergraduate degree should be comparable to a German BSc in Physics and achieved with an above‑average grade to meet the standard entry requirement.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline may be considered only if their undergraduate record includes a substantial amount of physics coursework completed with excellent results. In particular, strong performance in mechanics, electrodynamics and quantum mechanics is mandatory. The admissions committee will review your transcript to determine whether your prior studies are academically equivalent.
If you are unsure whether your degree or coursework meets these standards, contact the admissions office before applying so they can advise on eligibility and any additional documentation that may help the evaluation.
Winter Semester (International)
15 February 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 February 2027
Graduates are well prepared for research careers in academia and research institutes, including PhD positions at universities and elite research centres such as the Max Planck Society. The programme’s one-year research project and close integration with research groups provide direct research experience and strong references for doctoral programmes.
Outside academia, alumni are competitive for R&D and specialist roles in industries related to photonics, semiconductors, quantum technologies, materials science and simulation/modelling. The combination of advanced experimental and theoretical training, laboratory skills and numerical simulation makes graduates attractive for applied research, development engineering, and technical specialist positions in both startups and established companies.
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