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Master's programme

Master of Physics Leibniz University Hannover

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 January 2027 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: B2

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First impressions

Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
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

English

Students can choose to study courses either in English or in German.

Programme description

The Master of Science in Physics is awarded after the completion of a research-oriented study programme, which introduces students to the frontier of research in physics. The main goal of this programme is to develop the ability to work efficiently and independently at the forefront of research and technology development in the academic world and the business sector. This requires both an introduction to the general practice of scientific work and a professional specialisation in a field of physics.

Students are taught knowledge and skills in several areas of physics and are trained in independent scientific work. In particular, they acquire in-depth knowledge in three basic research areas (solid state physics, quantum optics, and gravitational physics) and carry out a research project in one of these areas.
Six experimental groups and four theory oriented groups work in quantum optics, covering a broad spectrum of topics, including: atom optics and quantum sensors, ultra-cold quantum gases, optomechanics, quantum dynamics in external light fields, ultrafast laser optics, quantum computing, quantum metrology, applied laser physics, trapped-ion quantum engineering, and optical clocks.

Four experimental groups and three theoretical groups work in solid-state physics. The research topics include low-dimensional solids (graphene, atomic wires, thin films), nanostructures (quantum dots), solar energy, strongly correlated electrons, exactly solvable quantum systems, and quantum transport.

Several experimental and theoretical groups conduct research related to gravitational physics at our faculty and at the associated Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute). The research topics include laser interferometry and gravitational wave astronomy on ground, and in space, quantum control, string theory, general relativity, cosmology.

Additional research fields for Master's theses are radioecology and quantum information theory.

In addition, a Master's research project can be carried out in several collaborating research centres such as the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

Programme structure

The Master's programme is divided into a one-year specialisation phase and a one-year research phase. In the first year, students acquire the basic knowledge and skills which are necessary for independent research work in physics as well as advanced knowledge in the three major research fields of our faculty: solid state physics, quantum optics, and gravitation physics. The study programme is rounded off by an elective course from another scientific field (e.g. mathematics, chemistry, electrical engineering, philosophy, computer science, etc.).

The central element of the research phase (second year) is the Master's thesis. This is based on an independent research project on a current issue of modern physics. It is intended to last six months and is preceded by a preparatory research training of six months.

The study programme is divided into modules. To earn the Master's degree, students must complete all required modules. Each module covers a thematic subject area. It can therefore include more than one course and extend over more than one semester. To each module, credit points are assigned, according to the expected workload. To earn credits for a module, students must complete various coursework (homework, labs, seminars) and pass an examination. Coursework may be repeated several times and does not have an impact on the final grade. Some credit points can also be earned by doing an industry internship.

The official examination regulations list the required modules, the coursework, the forms of examinations, and the possible elective courses.

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

Integrated internships

As part of the degree programme, it is possible to replace some lectures with an independently organised industrial internship at a company, worth 10 credit points.

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
1 December 2026
15 January 2027
Non-EU countries
15 October 2026
30 November 2026

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
1 June 2027
15 July 2027
Non-EU countries
15 April 2027
31 May 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Physics
  • Proof of English or German skills

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
ÖSD Zertifikat
Total: B2
TestDaF
Total: TDN 3
Reading: TDN 3
Listening: TDN 3
Writing: TDN 3
Speaking: TDN 3
telc Deutsch
Total: telc Deutsch B2
Goethe-Zertifikat
Total: Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
Total: DSH-1

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
UNIcert® English
Total: UNIcert® II
telc English
Total: telc English B2-C1 University
PTE Academic
Total: 59 / 90
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Approx. 440 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following contributions:

  • student services organisation ("Studentenwerk")
  • student government (Student Union, AStA)
  • semester ticket
  • administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

Cost of living

On average, a student in Hannover will need around 965 to 1106 EUR for living expenses each month. Please note: These are average values intended for guidance only. Individual items may vary considerably. For example, the costs of learning materials differ significantly depending on the degree programme.

Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/

Part-time employment

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.

Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse

Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover

Scholarships and financing information

Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung

Deutschlandstipendium:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung/deutschlandstipendium

Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme

Course-specific language courses available

German

Accommodation

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)

About us

Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover – global thinking, interdisciplinary research: the spirit of Leibniz!

As one of the nine leading institutes of technology in Germany, Leibniz University Hannover is aware of its responsibility in seeking sustainable, peaceful, and responsible solutions to the key issues of tomorrow. Our expertise for this stems from the broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from engineering and natural sciences to architecture and environmental planning, and from law and economics to social sciences and humanities.

The main building of the university is the Royal Welfenschloss (Palace of the Guelphs) at Welfengarten Park. In 1879, the Higher Vocational School, originally founded in 1831, moved into the palace. Later, it became the "Königliche Technische Hochschule" (Royal College of Technology). By adopting the name of the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 2006, the university committed itself to unity in diversity.

Universality — our strength is rooted in diversity

Our broad spectrum of subjects ranges from engineering and natural sciences, architecture and environmental planning, law, social sciences, economics and management to the humanities. Only a few universities in Germany provide such a varied range of subjects. We are committed to further developing our profile, while attaching particular importance to interdisciplinary teaching and research.

Our key research areas

Leibniz University Hannover is among the world's leading institutions in its key research areas: biomedical research and engineering, quantum optics and gravitational physics, production engineering, and interdisciplinary studies of science and academia. These give us our innovative strength in developing precision measurement methods, optical technologies, novel materials, intelligent implants, and innovations in information technology or in the field of Industry 4.0.

The broad range of subjects at Leibniz University Hannover is entirely compatible with the overall university strategy of raising its profile, in particular in teaching and research, including the establishment and enhancement of research priority areas originating in the humanities and social sciences. Cooperation agreements with national and international partners strengthen our scientific expertise — our most important partner is Hannover Medical School.

 

University facts

  • 1831
    The year in which the university was founded
  • 13
    Percentage of international students

Location

Leibniz University Hannover is very influential in shaping the image of the state capital of Lower Saxony. Not only structures like the “Welfenschloss”, the university's main building, but especially people contribute to this: approximately 25,000 students are currently enrolled. They have chosen one of the largest universities in Germany that is known for its international excellence in teaching and research. With nine faculties and a comprehensive range of study programmes, Leibniz University Hannover virtually covers the entire academic spectrum.

Find us here on Google Maps.

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Contact

Main contact

Fakultät für Mathematik und Physik

Address
Appelstraße 11A, 30167 Hannover
Email
E-mail

Additional contact

Name
Studyguides
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.