Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Bielefeld University

Bielefeld University is one of the few places in Germany offering accredited Master of Science studies in mathematical and theoretical physics. With a long tradition in interdisciplinary research, the faculties of physics and mathematics cooperate closely in this programme, each responsible for about 50% of the teaching. It is possible to combine several of the existing key research areas, including condensed matter theory, cosmology, dynamical systems, elementary particle physics, mathematical physics, numerics, probability theory, stochastic and harmonic analysis. Both faculties are part of the Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences.

The two-year Master's programme in mathematical and theoretical physics is conducted in English. During the first year, parallel courses in theoretical physics, mathematics and mathematical physics are offered. In the second year, the students specialise in one of these three fields and write their Master's theses. Our goal is to have each thesis supervised jointly by two faculty members, one from each faculty.

For all students:

• Proof-oriented competences in analysis and linear algebra (in terms of content of the first academic year of a Bachelor's course with mathematics as the main subject)
• Fundamental, content-based understanding of the physical relationships in four of the following areas of physics is required: mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics and quantum physics.
  In addition, a basic understanding of the theoretical concepts in at least one of these areas must be demonstrated. They are able to solve problems from these areas independently and present their solutions in an understandable way.

Profile A. With a specialisation in mathematics:

• Proof-oriented competences in measure and integration theory as well as in three other of the following areas of mathematics: geometry/topology, function theory, functional analysis, differential equations, numerics, stochastics or algebra

Profile B. With a specialisation in physics:

• Basic, substantive understanding of the theoretical concepts of quantum mechanics and statistical physics
  You will be able to apply these to problems in modern physics and solve problems independently. In these areas in particular, they learn to analyse axioms and their consequences. They also have in-depth competences in one area of theoretical physics and another mathematics module from the areas mentioned under A. (Measure and integration theory is recommended.)

Admission Track

Profile A (20 CP): If theoretical concepts in quantum mechanics are not demonstrated, they must be acquired in the Admission Track. If theoretical concepts in statistical physics are not demonstrated, they must be acquired in the Admission Track. Overall, the Admission Track comprises theoretical concepts in quantum mechanics (introduction and specialisation) and static physics as well as elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, astronomy & astrophysics and specialisation in classical mechanics and electrodynamics.

Profile B (20 CP): The Admission Track includes two mathematics modules from the above-mentioned areas of the Bachelor's degree or advanced Master's mathematics modules not considered for approval. If proof-oriented competences in measure and integration theory are not demonstrated, these must be acquired in the Admission Track.

Bielefeld University does not charge tuition fees, every student only has to pay a social fee. The social fee includes the contribution to the social ticket for free public transport in Germany for the whole semester.

The current semester contribution is approximately 333 EUR.

Costs for studying in Germany are relatively high due to the living expenses.

• Rent in a room in student halls of residence or a private student hall, in a room or flat comes to approx. 290 EUR per month.
• The expected costs for student health insurance and other medical fees are about 140 EUR per month.
• Depending on your lifestyle, you might spend about 150 EUR on food each month.
• Altogether, monthly costs for food, clothes, leisure activities, social fees, travel expenses, telephone bills, and the other mentioned expenses add up to approx. 992 EUR.

There are several ways of cutting expenses in Bielefeld. For example, it is possible to rent a room in a student residence for about 250 EUR, and a meal at the student canteen (Mensa) costs only about 3 EUR.

With your residence permit (stamp in your passport), you will receive a work permit for 120 work days per year. This allows you to work 120 full days (eight hours per day) or 240 half days (up to four hours per day). This condition must be noted expressly in the passport by the authorities.

Career planning is a step-by-step development and clarification process that requires individual strategies. Based on a strengths- and resource-oriented approach, we support you in developing your own career prospects.

Depending on your needs, our Career Service at Bielefeld University will accompany you throughout the entire process or in individual steps.

https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/themen/career-service

Please try to secure accommodation in Bielefeld as early as possible. In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Students residences are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations, and shared flats are very common.

Offers of accommodation can be found online by following the links below:

• Studierendenwerk Bielefeld (dormitories)
• WG-gesucht.de (private shared accommodation)

The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.