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The Master's programme in Mathematical Physics represents a unique combination of Mathematics and Physics, made possible by the coordination of two strong research institutes
Interaction between the fields of general relativity and differential geometry and between quantum mechanics and functional analysis during the first half of the early twentieth century has led us, today, into a new golden age of Mathematical Physics. The programme investigates the intersection of Mathematics and Physics on the basis of noncommutative geometry, string theory, quantisation theory, operator algebras, quantum groups, critical phenomena, conformal field theory, integrable systems, Lie theory, algebraic geometry, applied analysis and other topics. The UvA works closely with the VU University Amsterdam in most Master's tracks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. As a result of this cooperation, students benefit from the combined expertise of two universities as well as their existing networks and collaborative projects such as those in the particle accelerator laboratory of the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN in Geneva, the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef) and the FOM-Institutes for Plasma Physics Rijnhuizen and for Atomic and Molecular Physics (Amolf).
This programme is designed for students with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Physics. Applicants should have an interest in the profound interplay between mathematics and theoretical physics, specifically in areas like quantum theory (quantum field theory, string theory) and its impact on modern mathematics (e.g. knot theory, low dimensional topology, moduli spaces).
The programme's first year curriculum consists of two core courses in theoretical physics, both of which have a strong mathematical component, and two mathematics courses with links to theoretical physics. Students also participate in several elective courses which should include at least one physics course and one mathematics course. The first year concludes with the student's active participation in seminars and/or projects.
Research training takes the form of a project carried out mainly in the second year. The project consists of a seminar presentation and the Master's thesis. Communication and presentation training is also a core requirement for students enrolled in this Master's programme.
Profiles
The Master's programme in Mathematical Physics is a research-oriented programme in which students are required to choose a specialist profile. Each profile includes theoretical core courses, a research project resulting in a Master's thesis (Major), literature thesis and colloquium, plus elective courses and training.
Professional specialization within the Masters programme
In general, Masters students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Masters programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research. In that case you will follow the programme of your chosen scientific discipline during the first year of your Masters, and the programme of the specialization during the second year.
You will graduate as a Master of Science.
There are three professional specializations available:
- Science Communication
- Teaching
- Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.
A note to readers who dont speak Dutch: Only the specialization Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship is described in English, because the other two specializations are only taught in Dutch.
Degree requirements
A Master of Science in Mathematical Physics is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.
Scholarships / Grants:
The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website
Accreditation
Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands