French-German Master's Double Degree Programme in Physics Freie Universität Berlin

A Joint Programme of Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Freie Universität Berlin

Graduates of the physics double degree programme will receive degree certificates from both the Freie Universität Berlin and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Over the last 10 years, many physics students have benefited from this double degree programme, certified by the Franco-German University.

Key facts:

• two degrees in one programme
• consecutive, research-oriented Master's course
• two-year programme (120 credit points)
• qualifies graduates for international careers in research
• 350 EUR monthly support for 10 months during the stay abroad

French-German Master's Double Degree Programme

First year – study phase in Berlin

Students spend the first year at Freie Universität Berlin and complete several modules of their choice. The Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics module is mandatory.

Second year – research phase in Palaiseau/Paris

Students spend the second year at Institut Polytechnique de Paris. During the first six months, they take compulsory physics modules and a module on French language and cultural literacy. They complete a 12-month research phase in a research group at Institut Polytechnique de Paris, where they carry out their Master’s thesis.

Flyer "Double Degree Programme in Physics"

Creating Fundamentals for Future Innovations

The department of physics at Freie Universität Berlin is strong in both theoretical and experimental physics, with groups focused on biophysics, nanophysics, ultrafast physics, and quantum physics.

Deep Insights into German and French Scientific Communities

The programme prepares students for international careers in research and research-driven industries, which require a deep understanding of modern physics. As a Master’s student in physics, you will participate in ongoing projects and become part of a diverse scientific community.

French-German Master's Double Degree Programme

Study Phase in Berlin (starts on 1 October)

The study phase deepens and broadens students’ knowledge of physics and related disciplines and brings them to the level of current research. As a compulsory component, it covers advanced fundamentals of modern experimental and theoretical physics. The following modules must be completed:

Modules at the Department of Physics at the Freie Universität Berlin:

• Advanced Laboratory Course (10 ECTS)
• Selected Topics: Scientific Presentations (5 ECTS)
• Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics (10 ECTS)

In addition, students must choose one of the following modules (10 ECTS):

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Advanced Statistical Physics
• Quantum Field Theory and Many-Body Physics
• Advanced Solid State Physics
• Advanced Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Advanced Biophysics

In an elective part of the studies, students can choose from a broad range of modules on selective topics in physics, among others:

• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanophysics
• Magnetism and Spin Electronics
• Surface Science
• Theory of Light-Matter Interaction
• Advanced Optics
• Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Nonlinear Optics
• Photobiophysics
• Special Topics in Molecular Biophysics
• Advanced Biospectroscopy
• Semiconductor Physics
• Quantum Information Theory
• and many others

Research Phase in Paris (starts on 1 September)

In the research phase, students learn to work independently in a specialised field of physics. This includes carrying out research and presenting it in the form of a Master's thesis.

• 12 months of a coherent research phase in a scientific group at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• The first six months include lectures of an M2 programme in physics (25 ECTS).
• French language and culture (5 ECTS)
• Your own Master's project in cooperation with a research group at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Franco-German University

No additional internship is necessary.

The regular application deadline is 28 May during the first year of the Master's programme. If you plan to apply for Erasmus funding in parallel, please submit your application by 10 March.

The early application deadline is 30 June prior to starting the Master’s studies. Candidates apply simultaneously to the physics Master’s programme at Freie Universität Berlin (winter semester deadline: 15 August) and the Master’s double degree programme.

Academic admission requirements include a professionally-qualifying German or equivalent non-German degree at the university level in physics, corresponding to the Bachelor of Science in Physics at the Freie Universität Berlin.

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 358.80 EUR. It includes a fee of 213.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 500 and 700 EUR in Berlin (for a room in a shared apartment).

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as wait staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students.

When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You can also work on campus. The Freie Universität Berlin regularly offers positions for students in science, teaching support and administration that you can find on our careers portal.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship allows students at Freie Universität Berlin of all nations and backgrounds to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month.

Additionally, the Franco-German University provides double degree students with a monthly support of 350 EUR for ten months during their stay abroad.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.