Astrophysics

The research-oriented Master's degree programme in Astrophysics conveys comprehensive knowledge about the structure and evolution of the universe and its constituents. You will gain a profound understanding of the many complex physical processes that provide the foundation to explain cosmic phenomena. You will also develop a methodological toolkit that enables you to explore and analyse these phenomena. Subject-specific competences in the programme include the discipline's core fields (stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology) and a variety of more specialised topics (for example: galaxy clusters and large-scale structures, interstellar and intergalactic gas, stellar winds, solar physics, cosmic magnetic fields, planetary science, astroparticle physics, gravitational waves, astronomical instrumentation and observation methods, computer simulations, and others).

Educational organisation

First year: course work including lectures, seminars and lab courses; second year: research phase and completion of Master's thesis

Available modules (first year): Astrophysics I, Astrophysics II, Higher Physics, Methods of Modern Astrophysics, Topics in Advanced Astrophysics, Supplementary Topics

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams

Course objectives

As a graduate of the Master's degree programme in Astrophysics, you will be able to independently plan and conduct research projects in the field of astrophysics. You will be able to identify subject-specific problems, find appropriate methods to address them, and present the results of your work in an appropriate form.

Career prospects for our graduates include scientific institutions, universities, high-tech and information technology, knowledge transfer, and the media. Your analytical training and solid English skills will qualify you for numerous, internationally oriented professions.

Language requirements

English C1 level of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in physics or other science field with at least 60 credit points in physics and mathematics, including six credit points in the field of astrophysics

Enrolment fees

Up to 277 EUR; the fee includes a so-called "Semester-Ticket" for public transport.

Costs of living

Approx. 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g., in restaurants, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the university or in the numerous non-university research institutions located in Potsdam. Furthermore, lots of tourist attractions (castles and museums) in town offer jobs for international students. More job opportunities for students of the University of Potsdam are offered by the "Studentenwerk Potsdam" (see http://www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de/jobvermittlung.html).
As the German capital Berlin is located just around the corner, students can also find jobs there.

Arrival support

Potsdam is conveniently located near the Berlin airports and international train stations. You can reach Potsdam easily via the local train service (S-Bahn and Regionalbahn).
The winter semester at the University of Potsdam starts on 1 October and the summer semester starts on 1 April. Detailed information about your exact arrival day, meeting point, and how to reach your meeting point is provided by the programme coordinators.

The University of Potsdam provides numerous preparatory programmes that start prior to or at the beginning of the semester. More information on specific courses for international students can be found online: http://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/zessko/the-introductory-study-phase/index-eng.html. Preparatory courses cover study techniques or the German language, including a preparation course for the DSH test. The preparatory courses aim to support international students right from the start and thus facilitate a successful study experience.

Moreover, international students can participate in the Buddy Programme. This programme offers a support network in which students from the university assist our newly arrived international students. The support network especially offers support at the start of the programme, but the support often continues until the end of the semester. The international and German students involved in the programme exchange language and cultural skills and thus quickly get to know many fellow students and the new academic environment.

Services and support for international students

The International Office provides advice to international students on all administrative issues as well as on legal and financial questions. All programmes have coordinators who should be contacted with any questions regarding the study programme, application, and details of the specific programme.

The University of Potsdam offers various programmes and courses to support international students (Buddy Programme, Tandem Programme, preparatory courses). The Buddy Programme offers a support network in which students of the university assist newly arrived students before and upon their arrival in Potsdam and at the university.

Accommodation

Depending on the programme, accommodation is either arranged in advance or the International Office will help you find suitable accommodation. Student accommodation is managed by the Studentenwerk Potsdam. On their website (see below), the available rooms can be viewed and further information about the application process can be found.
See: http://www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de/en/wohnen.html