Physics

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 313 / Year(s) Foreign:$ 313 / Year(s) Deadline: Jul 15, 2024
StudyQA ranking:2910 Duration:2 years

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The Master programme in Freiburg offers participants to consolidate their knowledge in advanced theoretical and experimental physics. Advanced quantum mechanics and the Master Laboratory are mandatory classes.

Advanced physics courses can be selected from a range of state-of-the-art topics in the main research areas of the department Atomic, Molecular and Optical Sciences, Condensed Matter and Applied Physics or Particles, Fields and Cosmos. In addition, students can select from a variety of elective courses in physics, or from course programmes of other faculties.

During their final one-year Master thesis, students specialize in a particular field by participating in a cutting-edge research project at the Institute of Physics or one of the associated research centers. Successful students are qualified for independent research in physics and will be prepared for a scientific career in research, academia, or industry. Furthermore, they are on the next step towards a PhD study, which generally is a prerequisite for leading positions in economy or industry, or for a later academic career.

The regular duration of the master programme is 4 semesters (2 years) and is devided into a scientific consolidation phase (first year) followed by a research phase (second year).

Whereas the research phase is given by the 6-month research traineeship and the master thesis, in the consolidation phase students can select their courses by own choice.

Consolidation Phase:

In the first year of their studies participants consolidate their knowledge in advanced theoretical and experimental physics. Advanced quantum mechanics and the Master Laboratory are mandatory classes. Advanced physics courses can be selected from a range of state-of-the-art topics in the main research areas of the department. Students can choose each semester among various term papers, where they learn to give oral presentations and prepare written hand-outs in English on a specific topic of modern research. In addition, students can select from a variety of elective courses in physics, from course programmes of other faculties, or from advanced English classes and classes in scientific writing.

Research Phase:

During their final one-year Research Traineeship and the Master thesis, students specialize in a particular field by participating in a cutting-edge research project at the Institute of Physics or one of the associated research centers, e.g. the Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), the Freiburg Institute for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Mechanics (IWM), the Kiepenheuer Institute for So-lar Physics (KIS), the Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modelling (FDM), the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), or with one of the co-opted members at the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Medicine, or the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK).

Admission requirements:

Admission is subject to the admissions regulations ("Zulassungsordnung" - legal text is in German - inofficial English translation). Official information about the master's programme including admission and examination regulations can be found on the information page in the "Student Portal".

Admission requirements are:

  • High school diploma (university entrance qualification)
  • A Bachelor's degree in physics that is officially recognised in Germany or an equivalent degree, satisfying the following conditions: 

- An equivalent of at least 32 ECTS credits in courses in theoretical physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics/statistical physics)

- An equivalent of at least 32 ECTS credits in courses in experimental physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, structure of matter)

- An equivalent of at least 24 ECTS credits in courses in mathematics (analysis, linear algebra)

- An equivalent of at least 18 ECTS credits in physics lab courses (beginners, advanced lab)

- A Bachelor's thesis in physics (equivalent of 10 ECTS credits) or equivalent. 

- Bachelor’s degrees from non-European countries need to be from 4-year programmes. You can apply if you have a 3-year degree AND either a graduate diploma or master’s degree (1 year).

  • Language proficiency: B2 in English.
  • Admission is not granted if the applicant has lost the "Prüfungsanspruch" (has ultimately failed) in a master's degree programme or an equivalent programme in physics 

The admission committee decides on equivalence of degrees and about exceptions from special conditions. Before the meeting of the admission committee, no reliable information about the success of an application.

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Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 3.55 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 3.55 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2025 StudyQA ranking: 4877