Physics

The consecutive, research-oriented Master's course builds upon the Bachelor's course in Physics. The prescribed period of study is two years (120 credit points). Entry into the course is possible at the beginning of each winter semester or summer semester.
As a compulsory component of the study programme, the advanced fundamentals of modern experimental and theoretical physics are taught. Within this part, the following modules are to be completed:

• Physics laboratory practical course for Master's students
• Seminar "Selected Topics in Physics"

In addition, students must choose one or two of the following modules:

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
• Advanced Statistical Physics
• Quantum Field Theory and Many-Body Physics

If only one of the above modules is chosen, one of the following modules must also be selected:

• Advanced Solid State Physics
• Advanced Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Advanced Biophysics

As an elective part of the studies, students can choose further modules from the above list, from the schedule of modules listed below (not all modules are offered in every year), or from modules offered by other departments:

• Theoretical Solid-State Physics
• Advanced Theoretical Biophysics
• Nanophysics
• Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Nonlinear Optics
• Spectroscopy with Synchrotron Radiation
• Photobiophysics and Photosynthesis
• Semiconductor Physics
• General Relativity
• History of Physics
• Advanced Topics in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Special Topics in Magnetism
• Special Topics in Molecular Physics
• Special Topics in Molecular Biophysics
• Advanced Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Modern Methods in Theoretical Physics
• Modern Methods in Experimental Physics

Educational organisation

The Master's course in Physics consists of a graduate coursework phase (two semesters) and a research phase (two semesters). The coursework phase serves to deepen and broaden students' knowledge of physics and - depending on the elective courses chosen - of related disciplines, and it leads up to the level of current topical research. The second year of the course is designed to be a continuous research phase in which students learn to work independently in a specialised field of physics and to gain access to new areas. This includes carrying out research and presenting it in the form of a Master's thesis. In the first half-year of the research phase, the two compulsory modules "Professional Specialisation" and "Methodological Skills and Project Planning" are to be completed. This is followed by the six-month Master's project. The research phase is accompanied by a seminar.

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional

Internships

No additional internship is necessary. In the research phase, which takes place in the second year of the programme, students join one of the research groups of the department where they specialise within a current research field of modern physics. In these research groups, they learn the corresponding methodology, and they write their Master's thesis in this field. During the entire research phase, every student is assigned to a professor in the department, who serves as his or her research adviser.

Forms of assessment

Module exams are written exams, oral exams, or homework. Seminar presentations, reports on practical courses, and writing, presentation, and defence of the Master's thesis are further forms of assessment.

Course objectives

The Master's course in Physics is intended to impart to students a deeper level of professional knowledge and an understanding of the scientific methods of physics, and - depending on the choice of elective courses - of related subjects. The goals of the course are the deepening and specialisation of students' physics knowledge and capabilities, as well as the development of the ability to perform independent research work. In particular, course participants should acquire the ability to deal successfully with problems from a variety of scientific and technical areas as generalists in natural science. The Master's degree facilitates entry into doctoral programmes, especially in the natural sciences and technological areas.

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not acquired their qualifying degree at an educational institution where English is the language of instruction will need to present certification of their proficiency in English at or above level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). Verification of language proficiency can be provided by generally-recognised language tests (for example TOEFL internet-based: min. 70 points, IELTS: min. 5.5 points).

Academic requirements

Professionally-qualifying German or equivalent non-German degree at university level in Physics, corresponding to the Bachelor of Science in Physics at the Freie Universität Berlin

Enrolment fees

An enrolment fee of approx. 300 EUR per semester entitles students to use all public transport in the Berlin area.

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

A limited number of part-time job opportunities (40 or 60 hours per month) for students is available at the Department of Physics.

Arrival support

Counselling and information service are offered by the university.

Services and support for international students

The International Students Office of the University's Department of International Affairs provides a number of advisory and social activities for international students.

Accommodation

The Studentenwerk Berlin (http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international) can be of assistance in finding accommodation in a student residence (rent approx. 270 EUR per month).