This two-year, English-language Master of Science is an international, research-focused programme run by the Kepler Center within the Physics Department at the University of Tübingen. The Kepler Center brings together faculty and researchers from three institutes — the Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, the Physical Institute, and the Institute for Theoretical Physics — to deliver an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges astronomy, astrophysics, and particle physics.
The programme integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to explore the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe and to investigate the behavior of elementary particles under extreme conditions. It aligns with the Kepler Center’s research priorities in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astroparticle Physics, and Particle Physics, and it is connected to a coordinated PhD pathway on “Particles, Fields and Messengers of the Universe,” offering a clear research trajectory for students aiming for doctoral studies.
Key facts & entry information
This two-year, consecutively structured MSc is organized in modules and balances classroom learning, hands-on laboratory work, and independent research. In the first academic year students complete 60 ECTS through lectures, seminars and practical lab components. During the first semester everyone takes the two core introductory modules — "Astronomy and Astrophysics" and "Particle Physics" — which combine lectures and exercises and are supported by a required seminar and laboratory work to build a common foundation across both fields. The second semester offers a range of elective modules, allowing you to broaden or specialize your knowledge in topics of interest.
The second year is research-focused. You will undertake scientific work on a chosen research topic within the thematic areas of the Kepler Center, developing research-oriented skills before writing your Master’s thesis. The research phase and thesis together account for 54 credit points: 24 CP are dedicated to acquiring research-oriented competencies and 30 CP are awarded for the Master’s thesis itself. By the end of the programme you will have a solid grounding in both astrophysics and particle physics, practical laboratory experience, presentation and seminar skills, and the ability to plan and carry out independent, research-level work culminating in a written thesis.
Key requirements and credit breakdown
Applicants must hold a completed undergraduate degree in physics or a closely related discipline and demonstrate adequate preparation for advanced study in astrophysics and particle physics. The degree must correspond to a German final grade of 2.5 or better. In addition to the degree and grade, you will need to supply evidence that you have the subject-specific knowledge required for the MSc programme.
“Proof of knowledge” should document your background in the areas most relevant to this field—particularly theoretical physics, experimental physics, and laboratory practicals. Typical ways to show this are official transcripts, course lists or syllabi, and records of completed laboratory courses or project work; these documents help the admissions committee assess whether your prior training matches the programme’s expectations.
If your undergraduate grading scale differs from the German system, prepare documentation that allows your grades to be converted or interpreted against the German 2.5 threshold (for example, official transcripts with grading information); contact the admissions office if you are unsure how to do this.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers in academia and research institutes and are well-placed to apply for doctoral programmes. The combination of theoretical training, experimental lab work and research-project experience also equips alumni for technical roles in observatories, instrumentation development, data analysis and other science and technology sectors where advanced physics and quantitative skills are required.
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