Physics

The Master's programme in Physics at the Georg-August University Göttingen is a research-oriented course of study that qualifies for demanding tasks in research and development and prepares for a PhD in Physics.
Our faculty is characterised by a broad and internationally renowned research spectrum. Students are involved in research at an early stage in their studies.
The main research areas of the faculty are also reflected in the major fields of study. Every Master's student has to choose one of them. They include the following:

• Astrophysics and Geophysics
• Biophysics and Physics of Complex Systems
• Solid State and Materials Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics

Educational organisation

The Master's programme in Physics consists of a graduate coursework phase (first year) and a research phase (second year).
In the first two semesters, students take courses of the chosen study focus, first an introduction lecture, and then take advanced lectures and at attend least two seminars. In order to get more practice, there is a compulsory lab course including four experiments. In addition, students have the choice between another "four-experiments lab" or a lab course, where they have the chance to work in a research group or do an internship in an external research institution or company (credits can be recognised in the Master's programme). Subsidiary subjects allow to deepen additional mathematical and natural sciences knowledge as well as take a language course to prepare for a semester abroad.
The second year is dedicated to the compilation of the Master's thesis, including preceding methodical courses, like the main research lab course. This means that the students work intensively in a particular experiment or a research question. Alternately, students participating in the module of research networking work towards participating in a conference. The thesis research project is carried out at one of our ten institutes or at another institution of the Göttingen Research Campus (e.g. at Max Planck Institutes). Students will be full integrated in the research activity of the chosen research group.

Please visit our website to get further information such as the study plan. In addition, detailed information of the offered modules can be found in our digital module catalogue.

Study abroad unit(s)

Study abroad is possible in every semester of the Master's programme, even during the course of writing the Master's thesis, but there is no mandatory semester abroad.

Forms of assessment

• Lectures: written or oral exams or papers
• Lab courses: records, reports
• Seminars: seminar talks, contribution to discussion

Course objectives

With a Master's degree in Physics from the Georg-August University of Göttingen, students will be excellently prepared for a position in research, industry, administration or finance. It also enables to enrol in a doctoral programme in Physics, Mathematics or Natural Sciences.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their German and English skills. Exception: Applicants whose native language is English or who have excellent English skills do not need to provide proof of their German skills.

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide one of the following as proof of their English skills:

• Cambridge First Certificate English (FCE): B
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): C
• IELTS Academic: 5
• TOEFL iBT (Internet-based): 61
• TOEFL PBT (paper-based): at least 500
• UNIcert: II
• equivalent proof (CEF): B2
• one year study visit in a country in which English is the official language
• an overall average grade of at least 8 points in the German grading system in English within the last two school years before receiving the university entrance qualification.

Applicants whose native language is not German and who have not received their Bachelor's degree from a German university must provide proof of their German skills: DSH II or TestDaF 4.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree in physics or in a related subject with at least three years of study and at least 180 credits:
  • including at least 126 credits in the field of physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology or computer sciences,
  • including at least 63 credits in the field of physics,
  • including at least 12 credits in the field of theoretical physics (quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics)

Documents to be enclosed with the application as certified copies accompanied by an English translation (in addition to the language certificates mentioned above):

• Diploma and Transcript of Records
• Curriculum vitae
• when indicated: special study or subject-related skills (only EU applicants)
• GRE Physics Test (only non-EU applicants)

Only online-applications via our website are accepted.

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
See: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available in the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from the Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an introduction week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
See:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g., enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance, and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g., international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre, and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.
See: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/48483.html

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.
See: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/364086.html