Physics
(Master of Science)

The Welfenschloss at night. © Prof. Morgner
© Prof. Morgner

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master)
Standard Course Duration
4 semesters
Part-time option

Part-time study is optional (not in the 3rd or 4th semester).

Course Start
Winter semester, Summer semester
Language of Instruction
German, English
Language Requirements

Instruction language: German
German HZB: none
International application: German B2
Instruction language: English
English B2
Find out more

Admission
Unrestricted admission
International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

Students are taught knowledge and skills in several subdisciplines of physics; they are also introduced to the independent production of scientific work. Students must have an adequate knowledge of German and/or English (Level B2 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Courses are usually held in English. Students can choose whether they wish to take their oral examinations and write their Master’s thesis in German or English.

The advanced specialisation stage enables students to acquire advanced knowledge in the areas of basic research represented at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics that are required for the independent production of scientific work in physics: solid state physics, quantum optics and gravitation. Radioecology and radiation protection is another potential topic. The study options are complemented and supplemented by an interdisciplinary compulsory elective subject.

Course Content

  • Gravitation physics
  • Quantum optics
  • Radioecology and radiation protection
  • Solid state physics
Course Structure

The Master’s degree programme is characterised by a specialisation stage and a research stage. During the specialisation stage, students take specialist content worth around 40 credit points. Students can choose from a wide range of courses, or also complete industrial training.

The research stage is mainly spent writing a Master’s thesis. Topics relevant to current research are tackled in the thesis. It makes sense to prepare the content of the Master’s thesis by choosing appropriate courses at the specialisation stage.

The Master’s degree programme is supplemented by an optional subject, enabling students to gain an insight into the tasks and working practices of another subject, and by courses in which they gain key transferable skills.

area/semester 1 2 3 4 CP
Advanced specialisation stage

 

2 out of 5 advanced specialisation modules (5 CP each):

  • Advanced Solid State Physics
  • Gravitation Physics
  • Quantum Optics
  • Quantum Field Theory
  • Radiation protection and radioecology
    10

Lectures and practical training from the Physics course catalogue

At least 27 CP

or

Lectures and practical training from the Physics course catalogue

At least 17 CP + Industrial training 10 CP

    27
Seminar
 
    3
Key Transferable Skills Courses from the portfolio offered by the Centre for Applied Linguistics and Special Languages, LUIS,  ZQS/Centre for Quality Enhancement in Teaching and Learning or the Faculty


 
4
Optional compulsory subject

Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Philosophy, Economics and Management. Other subjects are possible on request.

English-speaking students can replace the Optional compulsory subject with German language courses if they wish.

    16
Research stage     Practical Research Training / Projekt Planning (30CP) 60
Master’s Thesis Project 30 CP

 

Recommended Abilities

The main reason for studying physics ought to be a love of the subject. After the first lecture, students soon realise that physics at university level is a different matter to school physics: the degree programme involves logical thinking and a precise method of working. Other necessary skills are the perseverance and patience required to complete weekly problem sheets. In addition, creativity and capacity for teamwork are also very useful.

Career Opportunities

The consecutive Master’s degree programme is research-based and the requirement for embarking on a doctorate during subsequent professional and research activities. Physicists often work in publicly funded or industrial research laboratories. They are also highly sought-after employees in IT and management consultancy, for example. Physicists can be found wherever complex problems need to be tackled in a structured, flexible manner by creative problem-solvers.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: 

Application Deadlines

First-year students from Germany and the EU

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester

First-year students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required)

  • April 15th – May 31st of the year for the winter semester
  • October 15th – November 30th of the previous year for the summer semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students from Germany and the EU (application in a higher semester)

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students from non-EU countries (application in a higher semester)

  • April 15th – May 31st of the year for the winter semester
  • October 15th – November 30th of the previous year for the summer semester
     
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Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building