Physics

The Master's programme provides a comprehensive scientific education in advanced physics, together with a specialisation in a particular field during a final, one-year Master's thesis, in which students participate in a cutting-edge research project.
In the first year, participants consolidate their knowledge in advanced theoretical and experimental physics courses covering state-of-the-art topics in the institute's core areas "Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences", "Condensed Matter and Applied Physics", and "Particles, Fields and Cosmos". In addition, students can select from a variety of elective courses.
The programme runs over four semesters, i.e. two years, including a final, one-year thesis, which is accomplished either directly at the Physics Institute or at one of the affiliated research institutes, e.g. the Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the Kiepenheuer Institute for Solar Physics (KIS), and the Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modeling (FDM).

Educational organisation

The Master's course in physics consists of a graduate coursework phase (first year, two semesters) followed by a research phase (second year, two semesters).
In the coursework phase (first year), students intensify their knowledge by taking advanced physics lectures. In addition to the compulsory lecture course in "Advanced Quantum Mechanics", students extend their knowledge in various specialised fields in "Advanced Theory" and "Advanced Experiment" lectures, as well as in elective studies offered by the institute and the university. Furthermore, they advance their presentation skills in a seminar (term paper). The first year serves as an orientation phase before the required specialisation in the final Master's thesis.
In the research phase (second year), students prepare for their Master's thesis by completing a Research Traineeship, usually accomplished in the research group in which the Master's thesis work will be performed. The Master's thesis is the first step towards acquiring the ability to pursue independent research and represents the final step towards the Master's degree.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams are performed. Students have to participate actively in practical courses, hold presentations in seminars and write their Master's thesis.

Course objectives

Successful students are qualified for independent research in physics and will be prepared for a scientific career in research, academia, or industry. Furthermore, they have taken a step towards studying for a PhD, which is a prerequisite for leading positions in economy or industry, or for a subsequent university career.

Language requirements

Applicants must have a working knowledge of English and are required to provide appropriate evidence of their language skills. An adequate certification of English language skills is for example a school leaving certificate from a German-speaking Gymnasium ("Abitur"). Applicants who do not hold an "Abitur" are required to have a B2 (CEFR) certificate or equivalent for the English language. Native speakers of English are not required to provide proof of language proficiency in their mother tongue.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree in physics or equivalent is required. The admission committee decides on the equivalence of the degree.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at the University of Freiburg for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de/wohnen-en).