Master of Science in Physics (Research-Oriented) Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

The students of our Master's programme benefit from an exceptionally wide range of research opportunities, providing them with a choice of more than 50 research groups. During the Master's degree programme, our students benefit from a number of unique programmes that are offered by the PRISMA++ Cluster of Excellence (Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter), the Collaborative Research Centre 1660 "Hadrons and Nuclei as Discovery Tools," and the nearby Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Polymers Research.

While our physics programmes are internationally recognised for their strong focus on research, the excellent student-to-faculty ratio allows for lectures on a remarkably wide range of topics.

The exact programme content depends on the specialised subjects chosen. Please find more detailed information about the content in our module handbook, which is attached under "Course organisation".

We also have an Excellence Track for qualified MSc programme applicants, generally those in the top 15% of their respective BSc classes. See the website for the separate application details and deadline.

We also have a combined BSc/MSc dual degree programme with the University of Valencia. For more information, see this link.

The first two semesters are dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding and to specialising in two or more fields of physics. During this time, students gain new insights into experimental and theoretical physics with lectures and accompanying exercises. They also participate in two seminars, two advanced lab courses, and two specialised lectures, so that they can focus on topics of their choice. The courses for the chosen minor are also taken during the first two semesters (specialisation phase).

During the third semester, students attend two seminars providing them with the specialised knowledge and various methods required for the Master's thesis. The Master's thesis and final oral examination are scheduled for the fourth semester (research period).

Please find more detailed information in the attached module handbook.

A few examples of course schedule templates can be found in the PDF file linked below.

An internship is not an essential part of the programme. However, the university is located in the economically thriving Rhine-Main metropolitan area. Companies in this region are glad to welcome interns from our Master of Science in Physics programme.

The application deadline for the summer semester (lectures beginning in April of a given calendar year) is 1 March.

The application deadline for the winter semester (lectures beginning in October of a given calendar year) is 1 September.  

Please be aware that you will have to submit your academic certificates for recognition, which should be done in advance of the above deadlines (six weeks is recommended). The certificate recognition process is a separate step from the MSc application and must be done first.

Applications are processed year-round.

If you require a student visa, please take note of the visa processing times for the German embassy in your country.

Applicants are required to provide proof of a Bachelor's degree in physics with a minimum grade of 3.0 or an equivalent final degree from a university in Germany or abroad. We require the equivalent of at least:

• 30 CP in experimental physics
• 19 CP in laboratory work
• 25 CP in theoretical physics
• 23 CP in advanced mathematics and calculational methods as well as
• 9 CP for a written Bachelor's thesis

(Note that our three-year BSc programme corresponds to 180 CP.)

Applicants with a grade of less than 3.0 may apply for a selection interview. Additionally, applicants may apply for a selection interview if at least 80% of the credit points listed above have been achieved or the applicant has not written a Bachelor's thesis. Requirements to complement the achievements obtained at a foreign university may be imposed. In order to be admitted to the Master's programme, these requirements may not exceed 27 CP and must be met in the first year of the Master's studies.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. There are several ways to do this:

1. High school diploma/secondary school-leaving certificate from an English-speaking institution
2. University degree in a study programme taught in English
3. German "Abitur" with appropriate English courses
4. Various English language certificates (see below)
5. An oral interview to be conducted during the internal application evaluation by the department

The test date may not be older than three years at the time of the application. Exemption is possible for native speakers.

Approx. 360 EUR per semester

The fee includes a ticket that covers regional public transport throughout Germany (“Deutschlandticket”) and a discount at the university’s cafeterias.

Approx. 1,000 EUR per month for rent, food, and personal expenses, depending on personal preferences

EU citizens may work up to 20 hours per week (without losing their student status and the connected reduction of fees for social security insurance). Students of all other nationalities may work for up to 120 days (or 240 half days) per year without restriction of job field or up to 20 hours per week in special student jobs (typically at the university). Student jobs are available at the Institute of Physics every semester.

The career service at JGU offers individual counselling, workshops, and training as well as recruiting events to all JGU students.
https://www.career.uni-mainz.de/

The student service organisation (Studierendenwerk) in Mainz offers accommodation in different student residences. Apply by 15 July for the following winter semester and by 15 January for the following summer semester. If you missed the deadline, it does not mean that you cannot get a room at a student residence – rooms are often available even after the deadline. More information on accommodation can be found here.