Master of Science in Physics Freie Universität Berlin

Free the Scientist Within You

This graduate programme, taught entirely in English, prepares you for international careers in advanced research and research-intensive industries. You will gain specialised knowledge in various fields of physics, deepen your understanding of scientific methods and strengthen your expertise in theoretical and experimental physics.

As a Master’s student, you will join our scientific community, take part in research projects, and receive support from instructors and professors.

Key Facts about the Master's Programme

• no tuition fees
• consecutive and research-oriented
• two years (four semesters, 120 credit points)
• provides access to doctoral programmes

Become a Part of an Excellent Scientific Community

• well-equipped laboratories and advanced technology
• access to a strong international network of physicists
• mentoring programme supporting new students and fostering a caring academic community

Master's programme in Physics

Benefit: Master’s students have the opportunity to earn a French-German Master's Double-Degree in Physics in cooperation with the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

Fundamental Physics at Freie Universität Berlin

Physicists at Freie Universität Berlin continue the tradition of pioneers such as Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Lise Meitner, who once worked in Berlin-Dahlem—now home to our university.

Creating Fundamentals for Future Innovations

Researchers at Freie Universität Berlin conduct cutting-edge fundamental research in biophysics, quantum physics, ultrafast physics, nanophysics and surface science.

The department hosts several collaborative research centres and scientific consortia, where physicists work in large international and interdisciplinary teams.

The Master's programme in Physics consists of two phases.

First Year — Study Phase

During the study phase, students deepen and broaden their knowledge of physics and related disciplines. Module content is closely aligned with the research activities of our working groups, integrating the latest research topics and methods into the curriculum. Some modules are mandatory, while others can be selected and combined according to individual interests and career goals.

Second Year – Research Phase

During the research phase, students join one of the department’s research groups. Within these groups, they develop expertise in a specific field of physics. Students gain access to advanced research facilities, acquire specialised methodological skills, and complete their Master’s thesis in their chosen field.

Throughout the research phase, each student is supervised by a professor from the department, who serves as their research adviser.

Modules

As a mandatory component of the programme, advanced foundations of modern experimental and theoretical physics are covered. The following modules must be completed:

• Advanced Laboratory Course
• Selected Topics: Scientific Presentations

Additionally, students must choose up to two of the following modules:

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
• Advanced Statistical Physics
• Quantum Field Theory and Many-Body Physics

If only one of the above modules is chosen, one of the following modules must also be selected:

• Advanced Solid State Physics
• Advanced Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Advanced Biophysics

As part of the elective component, students can choose from a wide range of specialised modules, including:

• 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
• Advanced Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Quantum Information Theory
• Advanced Computational Physics
• Signal Analysis for Physicists
• Physics and Chemistry of Sustainability I — Renewable Energy
• and many others

No additional internship is necessary.

Regular application times

• Application deadline for the following summer semester is 15 January
• Application deadline for the following winter semester is 15 August

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from outside Germany should apply at least six weeks before the deadlines to allow sufficient processing time.

A Bachelor of Science in Physics or a similar degree from a German or any international university is required. Your degree must be equivalent to the Bachelor's degree in physics awarded by 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 from all nations and all backgrounds at Freie Universität Berlin to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month.

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.

Freie Universität Berlin is a young, modern university offering a wide range of degree programmes across all academic disciplines. Today, approximately 34,000 students are enrolled in around 170 degree programmes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. Economics, law, global history, physics, English studies, biodiversity, and cognitive neuroscience are just a few examples of the wide variety of subjects offered at Freie Universität Berlin. Additionally, there are around 3,300 doctoral candidates from more than 70 doctoral programmes.

As a leading research institution, Freie Universität Berlin has held the status of a University of Excellence awarded by the German government for almost 20 years. It is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence in Germany – the Berlin University Alliance – which includes four prestigious partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Freie Universität Berlin is highly international in its outlook. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide and operates liaison offices in Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, and São Paulo. Around 22 percent of students in undergraduate and graduate programmes come from abroad, as do 42 percent of doctoral candidates. Many lecturers and professors also have international backgrounds. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.

A variety of support services make it easier to begin your studies, especially for international students and those new to Berlin. Examples include orientation week, the mentorship programme, the peer programme, and the Student Services Centre.

The university sports programme, ranging from Aikido to Zumba, is also very popular. Numerous cafeterias and dining halls across campus offer food and beverages, often including fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Environmental protection and sustainability are key values at Freie Universität Berlin. There are many opportunities to get involved in related initiatives and student-led projects.

In addition, Freie Universität Berlin actively supports entrepreneurs. Through its start-up support network, students, researchers, and alumni receive guidance on turning innovative ideas into successful businesses – from the initial concept to market readiness.

Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany’s capital. It is located in the leafy district of Dahlem, in the south-western part of the city. Most of the university’s facilities are situated on the Dahlem campus, making it a central hub for academic life in a uniquely green setting. No other university campus in Berlin offers as much greenery and open space.

Just step outside the university buildings to enjoy the outdoors — have lunch on one of the many terraces or rooftops, or explore the green spaces nestled between the buildings. In the summer, you can cool off after class with a swim in nearby Krumme Lanke or head to Freie Universität’s water sports centre at Wannsee.

Dahlem is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, offering a peaceful escape just a few steps from campus life.

Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, the heart of Berlin is easily accessible. The U3 subway line directly links Dahlem with popular central neighbourhoods such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, and all other districts can also be reached quickly and conveniently.