Master of Science in Physics Ulm University

The Master of Science programme in physics provides a profound, research-oriented education in physics as well as a general knowledge of the most relevant scientific methods. The main goals of physics are to gain a deep understanding of the universe at its most fundamental levels and to extend such knowledge to more complicated systems ranging from the subatomic to the cosmological scale. Physics can then be considered the basis for all natural sciences and the bearing structure of any modern technological development.

This is well reflected in our Master's programme in physics, which prepares graduates for careers in research and teaching at the university level or research in industrial laboratories. Students enrolling in the two-year Master's programme will broaden their previous background in general physics and will be supported in carrying out their first independent research project in one of our specialisation areas:

• biophysics and soft matter
• condensed matter physics and nanoscience
• econophysics
• plasma physics
• quantum information and technologies

Students graduating from our Master's degree programme in physics:

• have a deep knowledge of methods and techniques relevant for the chosen specialisation area
• are ready to work in a cutting-edge international research environment
• have learned to plan, set up and conduct a research project
• know how to model a physical system both numerically and analytically
• have developed key skills such as the ability to work in a team and communication skills

We are looking for very motivated and above-average students who are willing to go beyond the standard class experience and make the most of our flexible programme.

The Master's programme has a modular structure; each student can configure the study plan according to personal preferences and inclinations.

In the first year, obligatory core lectures allow students to deepen their previous knowledge of physics, while elective courses lead to a specialisation in one of the following fields of physics:

• biophysics and soft matter
• condensed matter physics and nanoscience
• econophysics
• plasma physics
• quantum information and technologies.

The second year of the Master's programme is dedicated to gaining thorough knowledge of academic research. Students undertake research in the specialisation of their choice and conduct an independent scientific project. The final semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, which is research-oriented and has a duration of six months.

The course syllabus is strongly connected to ongoing research in the physics department. Students have the opportunity to experience leading-edge scientific research in an international academic environment.

No internships are required. However, students can do an internship for 10 ECTS to be credited in the "Complementary Area" section of the study plan.

Prerequisites for entrance to the Master's degree programme in physics are:

1. A Bachelor's degree in physics or at least an equivalent degree from a university, a university of applied sciences, a cooperative university or a recognised foreign higher education institution in the field of physics or in a related or subject-specific course of study at the level of at least three years of study, evidenced either by:

• an academic final examination with a Bachelor's degree with an overall grade of 2.4 or better, or
• a Bachelor's thesis graded 2.0 or better, or
• being in the top 20% of the applicant's year group, or, if no degree has yet been awarded,
• previous study and examination achievements in the amount of at least 140 ECTS credits up to the time of submission of the application with an average grade of 2.7 or better, as well as

2. basic knowledge and competences, proven by at least 20 ECTS credits in mathematics (analysis, linear algebra, differential equations), at least 30 ECTS credits in experimental physics, at least 24 ECTS credits in theoretical physics and 17 ECTS credits in physical practical courses,

3. the ability to conduct independent scientific work, demonstrated in particular by a thesis or comparable achievement corresponding to 10 ECTS credits,

4. in the case of applicants who have a higher education degree from a country that is not a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), a selection interview with the assessment "suitable", and

5. adequate English language skills

The semester contribution is 182 EUR per semester. For further details, visit the Office of the Registrar website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/study/organisation/tuition-fees/.

The cost of living in Ulm is estimated to be around 945 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month. For more information on the costs students in Ulm can expect, see the following website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/io/degree-phd/welcome/finances/living-expenses/.

Student assistant jobs are regularly offered by institutes in all faculties as well as in the central administration. Student assistants help with the preparation and execution of tutorials, work on research projects, or help with administrative tasks. Furthermore, several companies with strong ties to the university are located on campus (e.g. Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Continental, BMW Car IT, Sartorius, and more) and offer the possibility of student jobs.

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Students who perform well academically and/or participate in community service are eligible to apply for scholarships such as the "Deutschlandstipendium".

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The Career Service at Ulm University serves as a valuable resource for students, offering assistance in career exploration, skill development, and a successful transition from academia to the professional world.

The Graduate & Professional Training Centre Ulm ("ProTrainU") focuses on supporting doctoral students and other young researchers in their careers and professional development.

The Entrepreneurs' Campus at Ulm University offers opportunities for creative academics who want to develop their ideas into products or business models.

Students admitted to the programme have the opportunity to have a room reserved in one of the student residences. The university has several residences (all within a bus ride or walking distance from campus) featuring fully furnished rooms for one person and a kitchen and bathroom that are shared with a few other students.

Rental rates vary. If desired, student accommodation in halls of residence can be arranged by the coordination office immediately after admission. Private accommodation must be arranged by the students themselves.

Founded in 1967, Ulm University is dedicated to world-class teaching and research in medicine and STEM. Its 10,000 students are distributed among the faculties of medicine, engineering, computer science and psychology, mathematics and economics as well as natural sciences.

According to a Times Higher Education ranking based on research and teaching excellence, Ulm University is ranked 14th worldwide among all universities founded in the "Golden Age of Higher Education", an era between 1945 and 1967 that is characterised by rapid university expansion. Ulm University is also a founding member of YERUN, a network of highly ranked young European research universities.

Ulm University's subject range concentrates on the STEM fields (natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The latest research findings are swiftly incorporated into the curriculum, ensuring cutting-edge subjects and content. Ulm University attaches great importance to the ongoing refinement of its high standards in teaching, which are defined and anchored in its teaching mission statement. 

As a young research university, Ulm University is oriented towards the global challenges of the future. Strategic and interdisciplinary research themes are contributing to improvements in the areas of green energy, quantum technologies, data science as well as human health and well-being. Great success in the acquisition of third-party funding and numerous larger projects, such as collaborative research centres and a Cluster of Excellence, are all testimonies to the university's research strength.

Ulm University is the centre of and driving force behind the "Science City Ulm", an innovative teaching, research and science hub. There are numerous start-ups, development centres of renowned companies such as Siemens, Nokia, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, BMW and Continental, as well as clinics and non-university research institutions that are well-connected with the university. As a result of close collaborations with these partners, students benefit from access to contract lecturers from the industry as well as invaluable opportunities for research projects, internships and final theses. 

For more information on Ulm University, see https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/.

Ulm is one of the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growing and liveable cities in Germany. It is located in the heart of southern Germany near Stuttgart, Munich, the Alps and Switzerland.

With a population of more than 120,000 people, Ulm has an ideal size for living, studying and working. The city offers a mix of medieval and modern architecture and a great variety of cultural, sports and leisure activities.

A healthy mix of medium-sized businesses and global players, high-tech and trade, and innovation and tradition makes Ulm and the greater Ulm area one of Germany's economically most dynamic regions.

A truly outstanding landmark is the "Muenster", Ulm's cathedral. The Muenster has the world's second tallest church steeple, which measures 161.5 metres (530 ft).

Ulm is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein (1879 to 1955), the world's most famous scientist. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out this video featuring the highlights of Ulm.