StudyQA — Master: Physics — Leibniz University Hannover

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The Master of Science in Physics is awarded after the completion of a research-oriented study programme, which introduces students to the frontier of research in physics. The main goal of this programme is to develop the ability to work efficiently and independently at the forefront of research and technology development in the academic world and the business sector. This requires both an introduction to the general practice of scientific work and a professional specialisation in a field of physics.
Students are taught knowledge and skills in several areas of physics and are trained in independent scientific work. In particular, they acquire in-depth knowledge in three basic research areas (solid state physics, quantum optics, and gravitational physics) and carry out a research project in one of these areas.
Six experimental groups and four theory oriented groups work in quantum optics, covering a broad spectrum of topics, including: atom optics and quantum sensors, ultra-cold quantum gases, optomechanics, quantum dynamics in external light fields, ultrafast laser optics, quantum metrology, applied laser physics, trapped-ion quantum engineering, and optical clocks.
Four experimental groups and three theoretical groups work in solid-state physics. The research topics include low-dimensional solids (graphene, atomic wires, thin films), nanostructures (quantum dots), solar energy, strongly correlated electrons, exactly solvable quantum systems, and quantum transport.
Several experimental and theoretical groups conduct research related to gravitational
physics at our faculty and at the associated Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics
(Albert Einstein Institute). The research topics include laser interferometry and gravitational wave astronomy on ground, and in space, quantum control, string theory, general relativity, cosmology.
Additional research fields for Master's theses are radioecology and quantum information theory.
In addition, a Master's research project can be carried out in several collaborating
research centres such as the Laser Zentrum Hannover e. V.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme is divided in a one-year specialisation phase and a one-year research phase. In the first year students acquire the basic knowledge and skills which are necessary for independent research work in physics as well as advanced knowledge in the three major research fields of our faculty: solid state physics, quantum optics, and gravitation physics. The study programme is rounded off by an elective course from another scientific field (e.g. mathematics, chemistry, electrical engineering, philosophy, computer science, etc.).
The central element of the research phase (second year) is the Master's thesis. This is based on an independent research project on a current issue of modern physics. It is intended to last for six months and is preceded by a preparatory research training of six months.
The study programme is divided into modules. To earn the Master's degree, students must complete all required modules. Each module covers a thematic subject area. It can therefore include more than one course and extend over more than one semester. To each module credit points are assigned, according to the expected workload. To earn credits for a module, students must complete various coursework (homework, labs, seminars) and pass an examination. Coursework may be repeated several times and does not have an impact on the final grade. Some credit points can also be earned by doing an industry internship.
The official examination regulations list the required modules, the coursework, the forms of examinations, and the possible elective courses.

Forms of assessment

Besides the writing of a Master's thesis, the forms of assessment are oral and written examinations as well as oral presentations (seminars). The final grade is calculated as a weighted average of the exam grades and the Master's thesis grade.

Course objectives

Successful graduates of the Master's programme will be able to design appropriate and possible meaningful experiments and then interpret the observations and measurement results on the basis of comprehensive and broad applicable knowledge. Characteristic skills of physicists in the theoretical field are the abstract and mathematical analysis of observed physical properties as well as the development of numerical models and numerical methods on different levels of abstraction.
Moreover, students will acquire interdisciplinary key competences like the precise representation and presentation of structured problem solving, efficient project management, and collaboration in international teams.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English or German skills.
English language requirement: TOEFL iBT (87), IELTS (6.0), Cambridge Certificate, FCE Grade A, or equivalent
German language requirement: TestDAF (4 x TDN 4), DSH2, or equivalent
Students who do not fulfil the German language requirements must take basic German language courses as part of their coursework.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Physics

Enrolment fees

Students have to pay approx. 370 EUR as administrative fee incl. semester ticket (free public transport for six months in Hannover and on regional trains within Lower Saxony).

Costs of living

Expenses per month:
Rent, additional costs: 282 EUR
Food: 148 EUR
Health (health insurance, medicine, consultations): 60 EUR
Clothing: 49 EUR
Telephone, internet, etc.: 43 EUR
Other (cultural events, sports, leisure activities): 81 EUR
Total costs of living: 663 EUR
Administrative/semester fee: 84 EUR
Other study costs: 45 EUR
Total study costs: 129 EUR
Total costs: 792 EUR
Please see: http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/lebenshaltungskosten.html?&L=1

Job opportunities

There are many opportunities to work as a student assistant (Hiwi) or outside of the University:
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/jobben_hannover.html?&L=1

Arrival support

The International Office offers a variety of services and support for international students.
It helps students in finding suitable accommodation, offers a pick-up service from the airport or railway station, provides newly arrived students with a "study buddy" and helps them deal with administrative issues. Moreover, it organises an orientation week at the beginning of each semester.
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/