Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: MSc in Physics (Cologne) University of Cologne

The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy is a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne that was funded through the Excellence Initiative from 2007 to 2019.

The MSc programme in Cologne comprises a mandatory part made up of required courses (advanced quantum mechanics or statistical physics and an advanced lab course) as well as an optional part with a broad range of choices. This includes a Master's thesis at the frontier of current research.

The two-year Master's programme builds upon the Bachelor's programme. Students acquire advanced skills to solve more complex problems. In this programme, students select their main and minor subjects according to their interests from a considerable number of research areas covered by the Cologne physics institutes.

Initially, courses in two main areas of specialisation will be taken. These subjects are oriented in accordance with the main research activities of the participating physics institutes. One of the subjects will develop into the primary, the other into the secondary area of specialisation. As a rule, the primary area of specialisation is also the basis for the MSc thesis.

The primary areas of specialisation are:

• Astrophysics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Foundations of Quantum Technology: Matter, Light, and Information
• Molecular Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Quantum Field Theory / General Theory of Relativity
• Solid State Theory / Computational Physics
• Statistical and Biological Physics

All graduate studies (MSc and PhD) in the department of physics at the University of Cologne are coordinated by the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy.

The following list gives an overview of the curriculum for the MSc in Physics. Hours per week and credit points are given in brackets (HPW Lecture / HPW Problem Classes or Seminars / HPW Practical Courses / CPs).

Semester One

• Practical Training I (0/0/3/6)
• Secondary Area of Specialisation (depending on choice of subject)
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics or Advanced Statistical Physics (4/2/0/9)
• Elective Area (depending on choice of subject)
• Primary Area of Specialisation (depending on choice of subject)

Semester Two

• Practical Training II – Lab Course (0/0/3/6)
• Secondary Area of Specialisation (depending on choice of subject)
• Elective Area (depending on choice of subject)
• Primary Area of Specialisation (depending on choice of subject)

Semester Three

• Practical Training II – Advanced Seminar (0/2/0/3)
• Introductory Project I (9/0/0/12)
• Introductory Project II (9/0/0/12)

Semester Four

• Research Module Master's Thesis (six months/30)

Total number of credits points in:
Primary Area of Specialisation: 18 CP
Secondary Area of Specialisation: 12 CP
Elective Area: 12 CP

University of Bonn

Research internships are a key element in the research training of the graduate school. Students become temporary members of a research group for a typical duration of four weeks, and start their first small research project. This not only provides initial research experience but also helps with the selection of an MSc project. Participation in at least one research internship is mandatory for first year students in the scholarship programme.

A BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics (or a related field) is required. In particular, we require applicants to have successfully completed the following coursework by the time the semester starts:

• at least 15 credit points in theoretical physics – Note that either a course in quantum mechanics or a course in statistical physics is required.
• at least 15 credit points in mathematics
• at least 15 credit points in advanced experimental physics
• at least 12 credit points in experimental/practical training (e.g. laboratory practicals)

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 320 EUR per semester. The fee includes a "Deutschlandsemesterticket" that covers public transport in Germany.

Approx. 990 EUR per month

A number of student assistantships may be available during the programme.

Full scholarships for highly qualified students are available in the scholarship programme. Students in this programme receive 992 EUR per month for a maximum of two years. Interested students have to apply for the BCGS scholarship programme (deadline: 1 December for the following winter semester).

Accommodation is available through the student union ("Kölner Studierendenwerk") or the private housing market.

The University of Cologne is a modern university in the heart of Europe. Academic excellence, internationality, and widely varied curricula create a vibrant and inspiring environment for students, scientists, and scholars. Since its distinction within the scope of the German Excellence Initiative 2012, the University of Cologne has belonged to a small group of elite universities in Germany.

With a population of over one million people, Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Located in the heart of Europe on an ancient trade route – the River Rhine – Cologne has been an important trade location since the Middle Ages. Cologne has a booming economic sector that includes commerce, trades, banks, and international corporations. It is one of Europe's most important media hubs and is home to a variety of television and radio broadcasters. Furthermore, Cologne offers many museums, art exhibitions, cinemas, theatres, cultural events, international-level concerts, and, of course, the Cologne Carnival, which is the city's "fifth season".