Physics

The international Master's Programme in Physics offers research and education opportunities in the following fields of physics:
Experimental Physics

• Elementary Particle Physics
• Solid State Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Physics of Nano-Structures and Nano Optics
• Astro-Particle Physics
• Quantum Information Science

Theoretical Physics

• Elementary Particle Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Quantum Field Theory
• Quantum Information Science

Educational organisation

The Graduate Course in Physics is a two-year programme awarding the degree Master of Science (MSc). This degree is required for participation in a doctoral programme in physics at German universities.
The first year of the Master's programme consists of two semesters.
Winter semester (October - February):
One lecture with problem class on Experimental Physics (Solid State Physics and Physics of Nano-Structures)
One lecture with problem class and tutorial on Theoretical Physics (Advanced Quantum Mechanics) and an Advanced Laboratory Course with Seminar on Modern Physics

Summer semester: (April - July):
Two lectures with problem classes on Experimental Physics (Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Optics)
One lecture on Theoretical Physics (Advanced Statistical Physics)
Two courses on electives chosen from special topics of the fields (exemplary, not all courses are offered in a given semester):
Elementary Particle Physics, Astro-Particle Physics, Physical Crystallography, Physics of Nano-Structures, Quantum Optics, Laser Spectroscopy, Quantum Information Science, General Relativity, Quantum Field Theory, Standard Model of Particle Physics, Group Theory
In addition, seminars on the above topics are offered to improve students' skills in presenting scientific subjects.

The second year of the Master's Programme is devoted entirely to a research-oriented Master's thesis and accompanying seminars and research group meetings. Its topic can be chosen from the fields listed under the section "Description of Content".

Forms of assessment

Apart from examinations held for each individual course, two oral examinations have to be taken once all courses are successfully completed, one on Experimental Physics, the other on Theoretical Physics.

Course objectives

Comprehensive education in physics, enabling students to fulfil the expectations of a position in research, education, industry, administration, banking, and insurance. The education in the Master's programme in physics enables students to enrol in a doctoral programme in physics in order to obtain a doctoral degree (Dr rer nat equivalent to PhD).

Language requirements

TOEFL 550/215 or Cambridge Certificate or equivalent

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Physics or in a related subject with at least three years of study, or equivalent
• GRE Physics Test

Documents to be enclosed with the application as certified copies accompanied by an English translation:

• Curriculum vitae
• Record of university degree with transcript of all courses taken
• Two letters of reference from academic teachers

Enrolment fees

Approx. 250 EUR per semester for a public transport ticket (valid for six months in the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia), social services contribution and students' activities

Costs of living

The city of Siegen is one of the German cities with very moderate costs for accommodation, but it has excellent living conditions. Living expenses including accommodation and health insurance range from 650 to 750 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Siegen hosts a large number of mid-sized industrial companies in electrical and mechanical engineering, some larger examples being SMS Siemag AG and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller but very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, examples of these being PMDTechnolgies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university.
As a result, employment chances in part-time student jobs during semester breaks and as full-time employees after completion of studies are excellent.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of grants and scholarships or teaching assistantships may be available from the department by application only.
http://www.sff.uni-siegen.de/antraege/

Arrival support

Personal support after arrival is provided by the staff of the Department International Student Affairs, a tutor, or an experienced programme member.

Services and support for international students

All international students are supported by the Department International Student Affairs, a tutor, and experienced members of the individual programmes.

Accommodation

German universities usually do not have campus systems like the universities in some other countries where students can find accommodation directly on university property. Therefore, students must find rooms on their own. Rooms in private accommodation cost 280 EUR on average. Rooms in student residences cost between 220 and 400 EUR. Direct support for finding suitable accommodation is offered by the Department International Student Affairs.

Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found at:
http://www.uni-siegen.de/start/studium/studentisches_leben/wohnen.html.en?lang=en

Our International Office (http://www.uni-siegen.de/isa) will also provide you with further information about private accommodation.