Physics (German-French Double Degree)

The Physics (German-French Double Degree) program at Saarland University offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental physics principles while also experiencing rigorous cross-cultural academic exchange. This innovative program is designed to be completed over a specified period, typically encompassing three to four years, during which students simultaneously pursue degrees from both Saarland University in Germany and a partner institution in France. The curriculum combines core physics disciplines such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and condensed matter physics, with advanced courses tailored to contemporary scientific challenges and research methodology.

Throughout the program, students benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, engaging in laboratory work, theoretical coursework, and computational physics to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They are encouraged to participate in research projects early on, often collaborating with faculty members who are recognized experts in their fields. The dual degree structure requires students to meet the academic standards of both universities, which includes coursework, examinations, and thesis work that meets the high-quality benchmarks of the European higher education area.

The program also emphasizes intercultural competence and language skills, particularly in German and French, preparing graduates to work effectively in international scientific and professional environments. Students have the opportunity to spend semesters abroad at partner institutions in France, gaining valuable intercultural experience and a global perspective on scientific research and application. Additionally, the program leverages Saarland University’s strong connections with industry, media, and research institutions, offering students internships and networking opportunities that facilitate seamless integration into the job market after graduation.

Graduates of the Physics (German-French Double Degree) program are well-equipped for careers in academia, research institutions, high-tech industries, engineering, and data science. They possess a unique combination of technical expertise, linguistic skills, and international experience, making them highly competitive candidates for scientific positions worldwide. This program exemplifies the commitment of Saarland University to fostering international cooperation, scientific excellence, and innovative education in physics, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to advancements in science and technology.

Educational organisation

Students in the SaarLorLux MSc programme (SLLS-M) can structure the course to suit their personal needs. Students can choose to start studying in Nancy, Saarbrücken, or Luxemburg. The content of the programme is based on the physics curricula offered by the three universities.

Studying at Nancy:
Students choosing this option spend the first year at Nancy studying Physique: Physiques et Matériaux (physics: the physics of matter - P&M) and the research topic Physique et Chimie de la Matière Condensée (the physics and chemistry of condensed matter - PCMC). In the second year, they carry out a project on which their final-year MSc thesis is based. The second year begins with an introductory lab project, which is followed by an introduction to scientific methodology and research skills and then the Master's thesis itself.

Studying at Saarbrücken:
Students taking this option spend the first year at Saarland University where they take the same modules as the students on the local MSc programme. The second year can be spent at the Université de Luxembourg or the Université de Lorraine. At Nancy students can choose between the following courses: Physique et Chimie de la Matière Condensée (the physics and chemistry of condensed matter - PCMC); Plasmas (plasma physics), Optique (optics); Opto-Electronique et Micro-Nanosystème (optoelectronics and micro- and nanosystems - POEM); and Science de la Fusion (nuclear physics). Students can also elect to follow the traditional study programme or to place more emphasis on the Master's thesis project, which involves extending their period of study in Nancy.

Studying at Luxembourg:
Students choosing this option spend the first year at Luxembourg studying Physique: Condensed Matter Physics. For more about the programme, see: http://wwwde.uni.lu/formations/fstc/master_in_condensed_matter_physics_academique.

For further information, please visit: http://ci.physik.uni-saarland.de/index.php?id=103&L=1.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students on the programme spend the first year studying in Nancy or Saarbrücken, relocating to the other partner university for their second year of study. Students also have the choice to study at the Université du Luxembourg.

Forms of assessment

Exams, credit points, project work, thesis

Course objectives

The course aims:

• to provide students with an advanced understanding of physics in their chosen fields of specialisation
• to give students deeper insight into important issues in contemporary research
• to prepare students for doctoral research work
• to provide students with the skills needed to work internationally in an academic or industrial environment

Language requirements

Applicants must have German, English and French skills. However, no formal demands are made and to some extent language skills can be acquired during the first year of the course.

Academic requirements

In addition to a German higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or an equivalent higher education entrance qualification from the student's home country, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree (BSc) or equivalent in physics or another relevant discipline. Ideally, applicants will have completed the SaarLorLux Bachelor's programme in physics, but this is not a mandatory requirement.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 200 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in the Saarbrücken area

Costs of living

About 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (incl. accommodation)

Job opportunities

Students may be able to work for the department doing laboratory work or supervising BSc/MSc students during lab courses or seminars.

Funding opportunities within the university

Students receive mobility aid from the Deutsch-Französische Hochschule DFH (German-French University). They can also apply for support from the national scholarship programme, "Deutschlandstipendium".

Arrival support

The International Office can help incoming students with a number of issues that need to be dealt with on arrival: finding suitable accommodation, registering with the university and with the local authorities. The International Office also organises social and recreational events and intercultural training sessions.

Services and support for international students

Saarland University offers a special support and guidance service for our international students and visiting scholars. As well as welcoming new foreign students to the university, we organise excursions and cultural events where students and scholars from abroad can meet German students and colleagues. We also provide support in dealing with official and administrative matters. To encourage interaction between German and international students, the international office also runs a successful peer mentoring programme called "you and me".

Accommodation

Rooms and apartments are relatively easy to find and are affordable. For more information, please visit. For more information, please visit: http://www.studentenwerk-saarland.de/en/Wohnen.