Physics
Master of Science

Applicants must have completed studies at the bachelor s level, which must include courses in

- mechanics,

- electrodynamics,

- quantum mechanics/atomic physics,

- thermodynamics/statistical mechanics,

- optics, nuclear/particle or solid state physics,

- mathematical methods in physics, specifically vector calculus, complex calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, as well as laboratory courses and a thesis. The final grade must be equivalent to 3.0 in the German system or better.

The main subjects of the master s programme reflect the research fields of physics at HHU:

- biophysics,

- solid state/nanophysics,

- plasma physics,

- quantum optics/quantum information,

- soft matter.

Students choose two of these five disciplines as focus I and focus II. Each focus includes one experimentally and one theoretically oriented module, in which concepts and methods are taught which prepare students for research activities in that field. In the master's thesis, a scientific problem from one of the two focus subjects is explored.
The curriculum also includes compulsory elective courses in physics. These are lectures, seminars and practical courses which build on the basic knowledge from the bachelor's programme and expand or deepen physical concepts or  highlight a variety of applications. The elective catalogue includes e. g. modules on surface physics, quantum gases, Monte Carlo simulations in physics, or astronomy, as well as journal clubs on various topics in which scientific articles are presented and discussed.
In addition, optional courses can be chosen from the entire range offered by the university. Students can fill this  elective area  with modules from physics or the natural sciences as well as general studies (e. g. language or interdisciplinary skills).

The course programme is spread across four semesters. In the first year of study, the focus is on teaching. Students take modules from the two selected specializations (see above) and compulsory elective physics modules; in addition, courses from other disciplines can be taken in the elective area.
The second year of study is dedicated to research. Students are integrated into a research group and receive personal supervision. The third semester is primarily devoted to preparation for the master's thesis, with the "Specialization" module and additional elective physics modules. The research project itself then dominates the fourth semester, including the presentation (in the final seminar) and, ideally, publication of the results.

Physicists are in high demand on the job market due to their analytical and problem-solving skills, physicists are in great demand on the job market, employment opportunities are diverse. The master's programme at HHU is primarily aimed at research activities, either in universities or  public institutions (including doctoral studies) or in research and development departments in companies from a wide range of industries. Physics graduates may also work, for example, as management consultants, software developers, data scientists, financial analysts, pattent attorneys or journalists.