Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

Bielefeld University is one of the few places in Germany offering accredited Master of Science studies in mathematical and theoretical physics. With a long tradition in interdisciplinary research, the faculties of physics and mathematics cooperate closely in this programme, each responsible for about 50% of the teaching. It is possible to combine several of the existing key research areas, including condensed matter theory, cosmology, dynamical systems, elementary particle physics, mathematical physics, numerics, probability theory, stochastic and harmonic analysis. Both faculties are part of the Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences. The faculties currently host the international DAAD research network "From Extreme Matter to Financial Markets" which has nodes in Beijing, Brookhaven, Princeton, Warwick, and Wuhan as well as the collaborative research centre CRC701 "Spectral Structures and Topological Methods in Mathematics".

Educational organisation

The two-year Master's course in mathematical and theoretical physics has an English-speaking international track that enables non-German-speaking students to pursue these studies. International and German students jointly follow all courses offered in English. During the first year, parallel courses in theoretical physics, mathematics and mathematical physics are offered. In the second year, the students specialise in one of these three fields and write a Master's thesis. Our goal is to have each thesis supervised jointly by two faculty members, one from each faculty.

Forms of assessment

Oral exam, formative assessment

Course objectives

The course offers an interdisciplinary research-oriented Master's programme in mathematical and theoretical physics. The students will acquire profound knowledge, enabling them to gain an overview of current mathematical and physics problems. They will specialise in one of the research areas, thus being given the chance to work at the forefront of current international research. They will be enabled to solve complex physical and mathematical problems and to evaluate recent developments in mathematical and theoretical physics.

Language requirements

For admission, a qualifying BSc degree awarded at an English-speaking or German-speaking university is required. Otherwise, a language proficiency test is required in English, e.g. TOEFL (iBT) with at least 87 points (level B2), or in German, e.g. TestDaF level (TDN) 3 or DSH at least level 1 (DSH 1).

Academic requirements

This interdisciplinary Master's programme is open to students with a Bachelor's degree in physics or in mathematics, with a strong record in the complementary field. In mathematics we require at least 32 credits (ECTS) in analysis, linear algebra, and measure and integration theory. At least 48 credits in total are required in physics, consisting of theoretical physics (mechanics, electrodynamics, special relativity and quantum mechanics), experimental physics (mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics and atomic physics) and physics laboratories. Further advanced studies of at least 20 credit points in theoretical physics, mathematics or both are also required. Under certain criteria conditional admission may be granted for other applicants, with compensatory studies required.

Enrolment fees

Currently approx. 270 EUR per semester, including a ticket for public transport in the city of Bielefeld and the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Costs of living

The following monthly costs can be expected: the rent in a student hall of residence, in private halls, rooms, or flats amounts to about 300 EUR per month; health insurance is about 80 EUR per month; and a meal in the students' canteen (Mensa) costs less than 3 EUR. According to lifestyle, about 150 EUR per month can be expected to be spent on food. So the cost of living amounts to approx. 670 EUR monthly, i.e. some 8,000 EUR per year.

Job opportunities

Basically, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a course.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university; however, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university society "Westfälisch-Lippische Universitätsgesellschaft" awards some part-cost grants for excellent international Master's students.

Arrival support

Personal mentoring programmes as well as several welcome services are offered by the International Office. Additionally, the International Office organises introduction days for all international students and provides individual counselling.
http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/International/Students/brother-sister/mentees.html

Services and support for international students

In addition to many services and facilities available to all students, the International Office offers a wide range of special services helping you to adjust to your new surroundings and provides you with continuing support that will enhance your learning.
At the beginning of each semester a leisure day programme with a variety of activities is published to which all international students are invited: day excursions, weekend trips, journeys taking several days and evening meetings.
The PunktUm project offers interdisciplinary assistance for the acquirement of basic academic skills to international students. Project offers are composed of individual counselling, workshops and courses on the following contents: academic writing, oral study achievements and scientific language for subject related and interdisciplinary use. Bielefeld University's "brother-sister-programme" is a personal tutoring programme for all foreign freshmen and participants of the German language courses. Students of all semesters and fields of study support people new to Bielefeld during their first semester in dealing with organisational difficulties and in other new situations.
In 1985, the Society for the Support for International Students was founded with the purpose to support international students and scholars/scientists of the Bielefeld academies and encourage contacts and relationships to the people of the region.

Accommodation

In Bielefeld, there are 17 halls of residence run by the public "Studentenwerk" and private organisations. Additionally, single apartments as well as rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.