International Master's Programme in Physics Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 March 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Most of the courses are held in English. Only a few non-compulsory courses are taught in German. The programme can be completed with English as the only language of instruction. German courses for non-German speaking students are offered on campus.
Programme description
The Master's programme in Physics at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is a programme which is specially tailored to let the students take advantage of our particular strengths. The main research topics at the Department of Physics are soft matter physics, solid state physics & nanophysics, quantum optics & quantum information, plasma physics and medical physics\biophysics. Every Master's student has to choose two of these research topics as focus areas. Each focus area contains an experimental as well as a theoretical module. At the end of the programme, research work is carried out in one of the research groups at the Department of Physics during the Master's thesis.
Additional modules in other areas of physics, such as laser physics, astrophysics, computational physics, and advanced quantum mechanics are offered on a regular basis.
Programme structure
In the first year, the modules typically consist of lectures in combination with exercise classes. In the second year, the emphasis is on seminars, practical courses, and research work.
First year:
- two focus areas (two modules each) to be chosen from our main research topics
- four elective physics modules to be chosen from the remaining research topics: laser physics, computational physics, astrophysics, advanced quantum mechanics, and others
- general elective modules (typically German language courses for international students)
Second year:
- state-of-the-art research in one of the focus areas at an international level
- first half of second year: additional elective physics modules and specialisation module (emphasis on practical training of methods and tools for research work; detailed knowledge up to the state-of-the art level)
- second half of second year: thesis research (experimental or theoretical; guided, but independent) in the chosen specialisation
We encourage the personal interaction between students and teachers. We enjoy an excellent teacher-student ratio.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
4 May 2027
|
15 September 2027
|
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
2 December 2026
|
15 March 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in physics is required. Non-EU applicants have to submit a Preliminary Review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist.
A transcript of records in which all courses are listed has to be provided together with the application. Details regarding the specific course requirements for admission can be found on the programme website.
GRE General and GRE Physics test results are recommended, particularly for applicants from outside the EU.
The admission committee will determine if the academic qualification of the applicant is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Düsseldorf based on the submitted documents.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 4.5 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 80 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 17 / 30
Writing: 17 / 30
Speaking: 20 / 30
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 6 / 9
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
A semester fee of approx. 350 EUR is required upon registration/enrolment as a student or doctoral researcher. This fee covers transport by bus, tram, and regional trains within North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester as well as the use of student facilities at discounted prices.
Cost of living
Students or doctoral researchers should calculate monthly expenses amounting to at least 1,000 EUR in order to live in a modest way, including costs for housing, food, health insurance, semester fees, study materials, etc.
Part-time employment
A limited number of campus jobs are available. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Tutors
- Accompanying programme
- Specialist counselling
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
Course-specific language courses available
- English
- German
Accommodation
On-campus student accommodation is available, as is private accommodation near campus. For further information, please check http://www.stw-d.de or send an e-mail to info@stw-d.de.
Doctoral students can contact the tutor service of the Junior Scientist & International Researcher Centre (JUNO) for information and support concerning accommodation in Düsseldorf (www.juno.hhu.de/en/tutorservice).
Depending on the type of accommodation, the monthly rent in Düsseldorf usually ranges from around 500 EUR to 600 EUR for a basic apartment or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft").
Contact
Department of Physics
- Name
- Prof Dr Axel Görlitz
- Address
- Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf