Master's: Advanced Quantum Physics RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

Discover the modern science of matter and energy on atomic and subatomic scales at one of the leading German research departments. Gain theoretical understanding and experimental expertise in state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. Work with leading researchers from all over the world and learn from award-winning teachers.

Knowledge & competences gained:

• Theoretical foundations and experimental techniques of nonlinear and quantum optics
• Physics and experimental tools of ultracold quantum gases, quantum sensing, and quantum computing
• Key elements of quantum technology
• Theoretical tools in advanced quantum mechanics
• Many-body quantum phenomena and their theoretical description
• Basic elements of quantum information processing

Six reasons for Advanced Quantum Physics

Qualify for research and development: No matter whether you aim to work in academia, business, or industry, our Master’s programme will provide you with everything you need for your career. Our alumni excel in leading positions in fields ranging from optical technologies and the semiconductor industry to top-level consulting and finance.

Explore the quantum world: Are you fascinated by the surprising and counterintuitive phenomena of quantum physics? Our Master’s programme will allow you to explore the full breadth and depth of such quantum effects, both in theory and in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

Learn the science that will drive tomorrow’s technology: Quantum technology is constantly advancing technologies in communication, computation, sensing, and many other areas. These developments build on enabling technologies such as micro-optics, nanostructuring, and numerical methods. Our Master’s programme will give you a solid background in these areas and prepare you for your future career.

Bring quantum theory into the real world: Our Master’s programme will take you directly into our research groups, where you can study, explore, and realise your own quantum project.

Be part of cutting-edge research and technology: Benefit from close collaboration between theoretical and experimental research at the highest level and see novel predictions come to life in our laboratories. Our Master’s programme will give you access to state-of-the-art equipment in quantum technology and theory to realise your ideas.

Join the worldwide network of quantum researchers: Our research is strongly connected to a large international network. Our Master’s programme will give you access to these connections and open up the global scientific community to you.

General

The curriculum is organised into several modules. While a small number of core lectures are mandatory, the majority can be chosen according to your individual interests and academic goals. The programme has a strong research focus and includes a full year dedicated to research projects.

Modules
https://physik.rptu.de/quantum-master/what-will-you-learn/

Module QT: Quantum Technologies

Quantum physics has already become a reality in various technological applications, and many more will follow. This module will convey the fundamentals of quantum technology and the enabling technologies, including, for example, quantum optics and photonics. We are convinced that you learn technologies best by applying them. Therefore, this module is closely linked to our advanced laboratory courses.

Module MB: Many-Body Quantum Systems

In the quantum world, a many-body system is much more than just the sum of its constituent parts. This is a consequence of quantum correlations, which make quantum systems so special. This module will provide the necessary theoretical background, as well as experimental examples, to describe and understand the fascinating properties of quantum many-body systems.

Module LC: Laboratory Courses

Bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and the realisation of quantum phenomena in cutting-edge research is a crucial step. Our advanced laboratory course offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas such as quantum optics and photonics.

Through intensive one- or two-week projects, you will develop essential skills in data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. This practical training will prepare you to confidently tackle your own research projects and excel in experimental quantum science.

Modules SE and GE: Science Elective and General Elective

Elective courses complement your scientific training in advanced quantum mechanics with valuable interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. You may select courses from areas such as mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, or even fields like economics or management. By broadening your perspective beyond core physics, these courses help prepare you for a wide range of career paths in academia, industry, and beyond.

Modules RM and MT: Research and Master's Thesis

Do you want to solve your own quantum problem and see quantum phenomena emerge that nobody has seen before? The research module and Master’s thesis will allow you to join one of our leading theoretical and experimental groups and pursue your research topic under close supervision and within the worldwide network of quantum researchers.

Lab course (LC) module: Experiments in the university's research labs

Deadlines for applications to the Master’s programme for candidates from abroad who require a visa are:

• for the summer semester 2027: 31 October 2026
• for the winter semester 2027/28: 30 April 2027

What are the admission requirements?

1. Dedication, curiosity, and a fascination with quantum phenomena!
2. Bachelor's degree in physics with solid background in basic quantum mechanics (equivalent to the local Bachelor's programme) (check FAQ)
3. English language proficiency (check FAQ)

https://physik.rptu.de/quantum-master/application/

SOCIAL FEE: 350 EUR per semester (including public transport ("Deutschland-Semesterticket"), reductions at the RPTU canteen, uni sports, etc.)

ASSESSMENT FEE (for verification of foreign certificates): 60 EUR

RECOMMENDED: German language & orientation course: 800 EUR

MONTHLY COST OF LIVING: approx. 850 EUR (including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.)

More information (RPTU in Kaiserslautern): 
Fees & Living Expenses — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.) or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these jobs are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

Moreover, the university offers a student assistant job portal:
Hiwi-Stellenbörse — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Merit-based scholarships for excellent students are available and can be applied for at the time of application.

Student assistant positions are available on a competitive basis at the university and its departments.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding (student) jobs and in deepening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry as informal career meetings.

Furthermore, we set up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and information sessions focusing on the skills & competences students need to integrate in the German (business) culture.

More information on how to enhance your degree can be found on our related website for international students: https://rptu.de/international/master/current-students/enhance-your-degree.

ACCOMMODATION @ RPTU in KAISERSLAUTERN: The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished: kitchenette (no plates & pots, etc.), bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows), wardrobe, shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent: approx. 250 to 350 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to International Affairs ISGS is advisable.

Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the "Studierendenwerk" offers a starter package for the apartment. This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is a top-ranked German research-oriented university (first place among 146 international universities in nine categories, such as learning, living, support services, and cost in the International Student Barometer 2023). Our university offers high-quality graduate education and (post)doctoral research training in innovative fields of the high-tech world, many of them as international (English-taught) study programmes. Our main features:

• International study environment highly affiliated with research  & industry
• “Science & Innovation Alliance” of high-profile research institutes on the nearby campus, offering (student assistant) job opportunities
• Zero tuition fees & low cost of living
• “University of Teaching Excellence" award for outstanding student-teacher ratio & efficient support structure for international students, including visa support
• Safe, modern & healthy study environment surrounded by beautiful nature
• 25 international graduate programmes (with more than 40 specialisations)

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau offers over 140 study courses in the following 16 departments:

• Architecture
• Biology
• Business Studies & Economics
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cultural & Social Sciences (Landau)
• Educational Sciences (Landau)
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical & Process Engineering
• Natural & Environmental Sciences (Landau)
• Physics
• Psychology (Landau)
• Spatial & Environmental Planning
• Social Sciences

By virtue of its internationally renowned faculties and their top-ranked international study programmes, RPTU attracts students from all over the world. Our extraordinarily high ratio of postgraduate and doctoral students underlines the university's focus on research, Master's studies, and doctoral research training.

With a current enrolment of approx. 16,000 students, 19% international students overall (and 29% international students at RPTU's campus in Kaiserslautern), the university has a manageable size and therefore ensures excellent guidance and close contact with professors. Thus, the university offers an outstanding support ratio of students per lecturer, e.g. three students per lecturer in the Department of Physics (national average: 12).

International Affairs RPTU has profound experience with international students and supports them in every phase of their studies or research. Besides effective pre-arrival communication, administrative support, and social services, International Affairs RPTU offers professional training for PhD students and postgraduates as well as qualified career counselling. Helping international students "feel at home" in a new (academic) culture at RPTU is of major importance within our service portfolio for incoming international students.

More information on why to choose RPTU:
https://rptu.de/fileadmin/isgs/pdf/07_Flyer_und_Broschueren/Why_RPTU.pdf
https://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-students
https://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-students-landau

KAISERSLAUTERN — a proud history and a bright future

Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa was convinced of the advantages of the Kaiserslautern region when he chose to build his imperial palace in the 12th century. Based on those historical roots, the city has developed into a cosmopolitan cluster of science and technology. K-Town is considered a prime location by many national and international companies (including Accenture and John Deere, etc.). The Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern,  a network of high-profile research institutes (including German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics, and Max Planck Institute for Software Systems), provides innovative solutions based on the latest technologies to students, scientists, and partners from industry. The topographic convergence of technology and nature makes the city both a vibrant urban centre and a natural oasis. Getting in touch with nature is particularly easy in Kaiserslautern, where Germany's largest interlinked woodlands are right at your doorstep. The forest of Rhineland-Palatinate is criss-crossed by a network of about 7,500 miles of well-marked hiking trails and a mountain bike park. UNESCO has recognised the exceptional value of the nature reserve as one of the 15 German biosphere reserves.

Kaiserslautern is home to people from over 140 nations who contribute to a diverse and vibrant city life. Most of the 100,000 inhabitants speak English, making it easy to quickly feel at ease. K-Town has a very good public transport service including high-speed intercity trains that offer quick and comfortable connections to Europe's biggest cities (Brussels, Paris, Berlin, etc.), airports (FFM), and business centres. Last but not least, K-Town is home to 1. FCK and loves to cheer for its soccer team in its well-known Betzenberg Stadium.