Physics Leipzig University

Knowledge of the physical world has been imparted to the students of Leipzig University since it was founded in 1409. In 1557, the first professorship of physics in Leipzig was created, and in 1871, one of the first chairs for geography in Germany was set up at Leipzig University. In the 20th century, the field of physics flourished in Leipzig with researchers such as Otto Wiener, Ludwig Boltzmann, Werner Heisenberg, and Gustav Hertz. Today, the subject of physics is offered in German and English. More than 1,700 students from about 40 countries are working towards the coveted degrees at the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences.

The MSc programme in physics deepens and widens the basic knowledge in modern areas of experimental and theoretical physics, always building on the knowledge obtained in a BSc course in physics. Furthermore, the students have the possibility to specialise in topical areas of physics, which also include subjects other than physics. Students can design their MSc course according to their own interests, such that at the time of graduation, they will be specialists in biophysics, quantum technologies, soft and active matter, theoretical condensed matter, black holes and cosmology, mathematical physics, or applied physics and materials. To this end, the Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, the Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, and the Institute of Theoretical Physics as well as the external Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification offer a wide variety of modules and research topics. Please refer to the programme website for further information on the Master's tracks:
https://www.physes.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/courses-of-study/master-physics-2-years

The MSc programme is research oriented and is concluded by an independent research project, the Master’s thesis. By teaching a broad variety of knowledge and methodical competences, it ideally prepares the graduates for an excellent start in the job market, which will present great challenges with its rapidly changing demands in the future.

The MSc degree in physics completes the students' university education and represents the level of a German "Diplom" degree. The academic degree qualifies students to apply for admission to doctoral work (PhD thesis research). Traditional work-related areas of physicists include microelectronics, construction of scientific and medical devices, fine mechanics, engineering, optics, chemical industry, informatics, and communication technology. Due to their familiarity with analytical research concepts and problem-solving strategies, physicists often take on jobs in other fields that are not directly related to physics.

MSc Physics (two years): The Master's course of study consists of two one-year periods. In the first phase, the education in experimental and theoretical physics is continued, followed by a research phase. Phase one is structured into four areas in which students choose between courses and seminars belonging to each area. Areas one, two and three focus on aspects within physics. The fourth area gives students the option to choose subjects not directly related to physics.

Area one is devoted to experimental physics and gives the student a choice between a course in Advanced Condensed Matter Physics and a course in Soft Matter Physics.

Area two is devoted to the advancement of the theoretical physics knowledge with a choice between advanced courses in Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics.

Areas three and four serve the further specialisation. In these areas, the module list reflects the research interests of the Physics Institutes as well as the external Institute for Surface Modification. The division into areas three and four is due to didactic reasons.

Area three contains a choice of various advanced seminars in experimental and theoretical physics. Besides transporting specific physics knowledge, the student learns soft skills, such as literature research, presentation techniques, scientific writing and scientific discussion in the advanced seminars.

Area four contains modules with various physical content and of various module forms. Within area four, the student may choose not only from the range of physics subjects, but – to a certain extent – also from general science subjects.

In the research phase, students conduct research work on a subject from the field of physics. This is done in a series of three steps. After deciding on a special topic, a preparatory phase follows, in which the student first studies the physics background, the experimental or computational methods, topical references to research papers and then develops a project outline. This half-year preparatory phase is structured into the research seminars I and II. The second half of the research phase is then devoted to the actual scientific work on the specified problem. The research phase is concluded with the submission and defence of the Master's thesis.

Comment: Applicants holding a degree equivalent to our four-year Bachelor's programme BSc IPSP (Honours), may consider to apply to our MSc IPSP (one year). The programme provides the option to specialise and deepen your knowledge in a field of current research by choosing courses amounting to 15 CP from our physics elective courses. As related to the description of the two-year version above, areas one through four are combined into an elective area of 15 CP points.

For more information please refer to our programme website.

There are possibilities to complete internships at the following institutions:

• Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering
• Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences 
• Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ 
• Helmholtz Centre Dresden Rossendorf (HZDR) Research Site Leipzig
• Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

GENERAL QUALIFICATION for the study programme is proven by a first professionally recognised degree qualification or a qualification from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education (German "Berufsakademie”). Further certificates have to be acknowledged by the responsible and officially recognised administration.

Our service for applicants holding an international degree provides a check for university admission to find out if you are qualified to study in Germany using your educational certificates. Information on important additional country-specific requirements is also given.

SUBJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in physics with 180 ECTS points
• sound knowledge of experimental physics and theoretical physics

312.30 EUR

About 900–1,000 EUR per month

There are limited work opportunities for students. The income from typical student jobs is capped at 603 EUR per month. Students might be employed for homework corrections, programming, specific laboratory work, or tutorials.

https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/guidance-and-services/career-service

Student halls of residence run by the "Studentenwerk Leipzig" (https://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de/en/housing/our-student-halls-residence), shared apartments, accommodation services, and estate agencies