Physics - Master of Science (MSc)

The goals of physics are to gain a deep understanding of the universe at its most fundamental levels and to extend such knowledge to more complicated systems ranging from the subatomic to the cosmological scale.Physics can then be considered the basis for all natural sciences and the bearing structure of any modern technological development. This is well reflected in our master programme in Physics which prepares graduates for careers in research and teaching at the university level or research in industrial laboratories.

Key data

Type of programme

Master of Science (MSc)

Type of study
  • full-time
Study curriculum

Information on the study curriculum

Application

Information for applicants

Start of programme
  • each winter and summer semester
Language of instruction
  • English
Admission
  • no restriction
ECTS credit points

120

Standard period of study (semester)

4

More about the course

Students enrolling in the two year Master's programme will broaden their previous background in general physics and will be supported in carrying on their first independent research project in one of our exciting specialisation areas such as biophysics and soft matter, condensed matter and nanoscience, econophysics, quantum information and quantum technologies. Students have so the opportunity to experience forefront scientific research in an academic international environment.

Graduates from the Master degree programme in Physics:

  • have a deep knowledge of methods and techniques relevant for the chosen specialization area of physics
  • are ready to work in a cutting-edge international research environment
  • have learned to plan, set up and conduct a research project
  • know how to model a physical system both numerically and analitically
  • have developed key skills such as the ability to work in a team and communication skills.

Study

  • Scope of the program: Scientific principles, experimental research, analytical methods and applications in the field of physics
  • Emphasis on lab work: Students get trained in conducting scientific experiments, recording and analyzing experimental data. Lab courses deal with modern techniques in physics and state-of-the-art experiments close to current academic research.
  • Independent research project: For completion of the program students work independently on an experimental master´s thesis project in an area/institute of their choice.

 

Educational requirements to be met by future students:

  • Solid undergraduate education in mathematics and physics.
  • Students will attend demanding intensive courses that summarize the basics and lead to advanced topics fast.
  • Willingness to actively participate in classes, labs and seminars.
  • Social skills to live and study in a multicultural, scientifically and personally stimulating environment.

Please check here.

How to Apply

Start of application period

1st April of each year for winter semester

15th October of each year for summer semester
End of application period

15th May of each year for winter semester

15th November of each year for summer semester
Start of the programme

1st October of each year for winter semester

1st April of each year for summer semester

This is how you apply:

Step 1: Registration in the campus portal of Ulm University
You register online via "My personal campus portal" (link available here during the application phase).
After self-registration, you will receive an e-mail with the activation code and a request to confirm your personal account in the campus portal of Ulm University.

Step 2: Application in the campus portal of Ulm University
You submit your application via "My personal campus portal" and upload the required documents.

 

For further information on the entry requirements and the necessary application documents, please consult the page of the admission department  for the Physics Master: here. 

If you need assistance to complete the form, please read the file: "How to complete the subject-specific Form"

It is very important that the form is filled correctly with information on the grading system at your university as well as information on the courses you attended. If the application form is not filled properly, your application may be rejected.

Note: 

if you have a Bachelor's thesis, a final project report or you already published some scientific articles, please upload evidence about this together with the subject-specific form. 

Graduates of the Ulm University with a BSc degree in Physics or Wirtschaftsphysik, should use the application form "Antrag auf Studiengangwechsel / Umschreibung vom Bachelor in den Master" and bring it to the Studiensekretariat. For more information please read here.

Admission

Detailed information on the entry requirements and the necessary application documents are reported at the page of the admission department  for the Physics Master: here. 

For legally binding information please check the MSc Physics admissions statute 2023.

 

Most foreign students have to apply for a student visa at the German Embassy in their home country. German Immigration Law does not allow to change the Immigration status whilst in Germany; do not enter with a tourist visa!

As soon as you know about your admission make an appoinment at the nearest embassy or consulate. Go there immediately after receiving the admission letter. Be aware that the visa procedure will take several weeks (up to 3 months). The embassy will inform you about the details of your visa application. Usually you have to present the following at the Embassy:

  1. our letter of admission (Zulassung)
  2. our Information for the Embassy
  3. a proof of your financial means (700 Euro/month at the least). Be prepared to show a bank statement covering the full expenses of the first year
  4. in addition to the above the respective embassy may require you to submit additional material - check with your nearest German embassy

The excellent frequently asked questions pool at the DAAD website is a good resource (select from drop-down menu at the top of the page).

Services and assistance

Together with the admission letter you will receive detailed information on services we provide. We will assist you in finding housing, i.e. we will make reservations in the students' dormitories.
Upon arrival a senior student will meet and assist you during your first hours on foreign terrain. You will soon meet your new classmates and become familiar with your new surroundings.

Professional Prospects

A wide range of careers are open to physicists given their scientific and analytic training:

  • Research and development positions in government-funded labs and private research industries
  • Scientific and technological areas: material science, computer programming, automotive and aerospace research, manufacturing and technology-based areas, healthcare sector
  • Specialized applications such development and test of new products and processes
  • Patent searches and writing
  • Sales and Marketing positions: identification of potential customers and information about new products technical aspects

  • PhD in Germany and all over the world
  • Teaching
  • Research

Campus life

The International Office and Studierendenwerk Ulm provide a broad range of advising and assistance services for international students, from housing service, canteen, tandem programmes and so on. Please have a look at the links below for more information on the services provided.

Fees The government has introduced tuition fees for students from outside the European Union starting their study in Baden-Württemberg from winter semester 2017/18. This means that non-EU students starting in 2017 or later need to pay 1,500 Euro per semester.
Living Expenses
  1. Administrative fee: ~ 160 € each semester
  2. Health insurance: ~ 80 € each month
  3. Rent: approximally 300 € each month
  4. Public transportation (semester ticket): ~ 120 € each semester
  5. General cost of living (depending on the lifestyle): 400 € each month
For a more detailed overview, please consult this page.
Financial Assistance Ulm University does not provide scholarships for incoming students. Please check the DAAD Website.
Proof of financial resources Many German embassies require students to prove that they dispose of a specific amount of money (approx. 8000 €) on a German bank account before a visa will be issued. Please inquire at the German embassy in your country for specific requirements.
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