Physics Saarland University

The research-oriented Master’s programme in Physics leading to the Master of Science (MSc) degree provides students with in-depth technical knowledge, skills and methods that enable them to work independently in science, to develop innovative ideas, to critically classify scientific findings and to act responsibly.

Students receive a comprehensive education in physics as well as an insight into the content and methods of related sciences. The education in the Master's programme includes modules in theoretical and experimental physics. Connections to neighbouring disciplines or applications of physics in engineering, life sciences or in medicine are established through the non-physics elective. Interdisciplinary key qualifications and content are also taught as part of the programme, e.g. an introduction to the planning and coordination of scientific projects or training in skills for the comprehensible communication of scientific findings.

In the first year of study, students acquire advanced knowledge in the subfields of quantum mechanics and statistical physics as part of the theoretical physics curriculum (module “Theoretical Physics V”).

In the experimental component of the programme, more advanced concepts in solid-state physics and atomic physics are covered (module “Experimental Physics V”). This includes the application of modern experimental methods in research lab courses and current projects conducted by experimentally oriented research groups.

The second year of the Master’s programme can be characterised as a research phase. In the third semester, students are prepared for the Master’s thesis, which constitutes the completion of the degree programme.

Admission to the consecutive Master’s degree programme in Physics requires both of the following:

1. a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university degree with a focus on physics or a subject closely related to physics

2. specific aptitude for a Master’s programme, which is generally demonstrated by a Bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 2.5 or better, or by passing an aptitude assessment test

For the Physics degree programme, subject-specific competencies are required in the areas of mechanics, electrodynamics and optics, thermodynamics and statistics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear and particle physics, as well as quantum mechanics. The number of credit points earned in lectures and tutorials in experimental physics, theoretical physics, and mathematical foundations should be at least 30 CP in each area. At least 20 CP should have been obtained through physics laboratory courses.

Currently 394.30 EUR including a nationwide student travel ticket

More information: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/organisation/fees/semester-fee.html

The estimated monthly cost of living is around 1,114 EUR.

The Welcome Center at Saarland University provides information on working and living in Saarbrücken. For more information, please visit their website: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/living-working.html.

Cost of living: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/preparing/financing/cost-of-living.html

There are always possibilities to find student jobs at university or in research groups.

Students can apply for special accommodations: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/accommodation/dormitories-studierendenwerk.html.