Physics (International Track) Bielefeld University

The Master's degree programme in Physics aims to provide students with advanced specialist knowledge, skills and methods that are required for scientific work and scientifically oriented jobs. The programme enables them to critically classify new scientific findings and use them in their professional careers. Knowledge and skills that are acquired through the Master's programme and developed beyond the Bachelor's level are in particular:

• Advanced basic knowledge of physics
• Advanced knowledge in several branches of physics
• In-depth knowledge at an international level in one field of physics, which leads to the current state of research
• Knowledge of modern methodology in one or more specialised areas of physics
• The ability to use current scientific material appropriately for one's own work
• The ability to work creatively, independently and autonomously
• The ability to develop, apply and appropriately present scientific results
• The ability to work on a comprehensive and demanding project in a focussed manner using appropriate scientific methods
• The ability to organise and carry out an independent project in the context of a larger working group

The physics degree programme offers a high degree of flexibility in elective course selection. Typically, the first two semesters focus on core modules in experimental and theoretical physics, complemented by a mandatory physics lab course. Furthermore, students begin advanced specialised courses, a portion of which may be selected from the broader range of STEM (MINT) faculties. The second year is dedicated to the methodology and specialisation modules, culminating in the Master’s thesis. These two preparatory modules are closely integrated with the research phase of the thesis itself.

The previous (Bachelor's) degree (physics or with a specialisation in physics, at least six semesters standard period of study) is checked to see whether the following competences have been demonstrated:

• Expertise in conducting physical experiments and a basic, substantive understanding of the physical relationships in all of the following areas of experimental physics: mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, quantum physics, thermodynamics and atomic physics
• Basic understanding of theoretical deductive concepts in all of the following areas of physics: mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics
• Substantive skills in calculus and linear algebra, including the ability to conduct proofs in these areas

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.