Physics
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Physics
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Overview
In a Nutshell
The Master degree programme in Physics imparts enhanced mathematical and scientific knowledge together with an overview of interrelations within physics as well as expertise in a field of specialization that connects to current international research, so that complex physical problems can be analyzed, formulated and to a large extent solved by scientific means.
Academic Prerequisites
- To study at a German university, a general higher education entrance qualification is required.
- You should have a Bachelor of Science in physics or comparable degree
- The degree program must have been completed with an overall grade of at least 3.0 (or an equivalent final grade from abroad).
The Examinations Board shall determine compliance with these requirements.
Language Prerequisites
This course can be studied either in German or in English. Depending on this choice, please note the following language prerequisites:
English Language Option: Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language as follows:
- A bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking country or on an English-language accredited domestic program or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) “internet-based” Test (iBT) with a result of at least 80 points or
- TOEFL “paper-based” test (PBT) with a result of at least 550 points or
- IELTS test with a result of at least 6.0 or
- Cambridge English Certificate: Advanced (CAE) or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) or
- tests of an equivalent level or g. appropriate previous qualification from school.
German Language Option: Applicants who have not gotten their previous qualification (i.e. Bachelor's degree) from a German speaking institution must prove their German language proficiency should they choose to study this course in German. All informatione on language proficiency and accepted tests can be found on the website of the International Office.
Please note: for international applicants, a GRE Revised General Test (at least 157 points in „Quantitative Reasoning“ and at least 4.0 points in „Analytical Writing“) or a very good or good CGPA in the Bachelor program are required for admission.
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
International applicants can find all relevant information on the pages of the International Office and on this page under "Contact - Application and Enrollment of international students".
Please check the admission requirements in advance.
Course of Study
What’s this Course about?
The Master degree programme in Physics imparts enhanced mathematical and scientific knowledge together with an overview of interrelations within physics as well as expertise in a field of specialization that connects to current international research, so that complex physical problems can be analyzed, formulated and to a large extent solved by scientific means. In particular, it provides the ability to familiarize oneself with new specialist subfields of physics, to review the pertinent current international scientific literature, to independently design, carry out and interpret experiments or alternatively to utilize models and simulations based on theoretical principles in order to solve physical problems.
Furthermore, it provides the ability to conceive and execute experiments or theoretical methods and assess the results and thereby to draw conclusions about technical developments and the advancement of science.
Complementing these subject-related qualifications, social skills, an awareness of the responsibility of science and the readiness to adhere to the rules of good scientific practice are acquired. Furthermore, the ability to debate complex scholarly topics and one's own scientific results in relation to the current state of research and to deliver written as well as oral presentations is developed.
The degree programme consists of an initial subject specialization phase, in which the students attend taught courses, and a subsequent research phase, which introduces students to independent research work in the field of physics by way of the master’s thesis. The master’s examination is intended to determine whether the students have mastered the principles of physics in terms of content and have acquired the systematic overview and methodological tools required for independent research work in the field of physics and its technological applications.
The master's programme "Physics" is a bilingual course of studies and can be studied either in German or in English. Modules are offered in German and English in the master’s program. If the master’s program is completed entirely in German or in English, there may be restrictions on choice of electives. Oral and written assessments, including the master’s thesis, may be completed in German or English.
Study Contents
What is the structure of the course?
The degree program consists of a first phase, in which you attend courses (in-depth study phase), and a second phase, which introduces you to independent research in the field of physics as part of a comprehensive Master's thesis (research phase). As part of the Master's thesis, we determine whether you have acquired the fundamentals of physics, a systematic overview and methodological tools for independent research in the field of physics and its technological applications.
Study Options
During the course of your studies, you will choose one of the following three study options:
- General Physics
- Optoelectronics, Materials, Devices
- Photonic Quantum Technologies
For the two variants Optoelectronics, Materials, Devices and Photonic Quantum Technologies, special courses must be selected in the elective area. You can find out more about this in the examination regulations.
Exemplary Study Plan
The study plan offers you a good orientation about your required and optional modules. However, the chronological order shown here is only an example and may change due to individual focus areas.
Please note that this plan is only valid for all students enrolled in or after the winter semester 2024/25.
Please note that this plan is only valid for all students enrolled in or after the winter semester 2024/25.
If the study option “Optoelectronics, Materials, Devices” is chosen, the options listed in paragraph (3) are restricted as follows:
In the module group “Experimental Physics”, either the module “Physics and Technology of Nanomaterials” or the module “Semiconductor Heterostructures: Fundamentals and Applications” must be completed.
In the module group “Experimental Physics”, either the module “Nonlinear Optics” or the module “Project Internship” must be selected.
The module “Optoelectronic Semiconductor Devices” must be selected from the “Specialization” module group.
From the module group “Specialization”, either the module “Computational Optoelectronics and Photonics 1” or the module “Integrated Optics and Photonics” must be selected.
Please note that this plan is only valid for all students enrolled in or after the winter semester 2024/25.
If the study option “Photonic Quantum Technologies” is chosen, the options listed in paragraph (3) are restricted as follows:
One of the two compulsory elective modules from the “Experimental Physics” module group must be the “Quantum Optics” module.
In the module group “Specialization”, either the module “Quantum Electronics” or “Integrated Optics and Photonics” or “Quantum Communication and Quantum Information Processing” must also be completed.
One of the three compulsory elective modules from the “Specialization” module group must be the “Introduction to Quantum Computing” module.
In the module group “Theoretical Physics”, the module “Quantum Information Theory” must be completed.
Rights and Obligations
The Examination Regulation contains everything you need to know about your rights and obligations!
Possibilities
Study Abroad
You can talk to your academic advisor about individual solutions. An exchange for a whole semester within the framework of the Erasmus program or a shorter internship with a cooperation partner is conceivable.
Internship
Company internships are not obligatory, but your student advisor can help arrange a company internship during the semester break.
Professional Orientation
If you would like to go deeper into the world of a researcher, we make it possible for you to do so during your studies as a research assistant (WHB). In the professors' working groups, you will conduct research on current issues together with bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral students.
Research
In experimental physics we focus on semiconductor technology, optoelectronics, and photonics. Based on functional micro- and nanostructures, we lay the foundation for future technologies such as measurement and medical technology. We are particularly interested in quantum information, an ultrafast data processing with light particles instead of the charges and currents that are common today. In Theoretical Physics we are dedicated to understanding and predicting optical and electronic properties of solids and nanostructures.
Projects
Event Physik
An opportunity to take a more humorous and playful approach to laboratory work is offered by the Event Physics course. The goal of the course is to transform a physical phenomenon into a spectacular show experiment. The event physics consists of a colorful team of enthusiastic students from different years and subjects, such as computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, or cultural studies.
The Event Physics team then presents the finished experiments in extraordinary show lectures that regularly thrill the masses, for example in our Audimax in front of 600 spectators. Event physics has even been invited to external events or to appear on television.
Future Perspectives
After graduation Master ?
Career Opportunities
As a physicist there are many occupational options: in research, at universities, in chemical, optical oder electronical industry. Due to their analytical skills physicists are also employed in management.
Some examples for vocational activities are:
- Industry (electronics, IT, pharmacy, petrochemical industry, automobile, aircraft construction, semiconductors, aerospace, optics, laser, power generation, public transport)
- Technical services in public administration (bureaus of standards, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt PTB, armed forces et al.)
- International and national organizations (e.g. European Space Agency, Association of German engineers VDI)
- Medical services (medical technology)
- Research (universities, Max Planck Institutes, applied research )
- Telecommunication
- Education (public schools, universities of applied sciences)
- Environmental protection
- Occupation in the fields of financial services, administration, law and politics
During the course of your studies, questions about career orientation arise from time to time. In events, practical projects and company visits as well as in the job and career portal, you can get to know possible professions and fields of activity and work out your personal interests and strengths.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
PhD
If you enjoy university research, you can start a doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) after your master studies. PhD students are employed as scientific staff in a research group of theoretical or experimental physics (remuneration according to state tariff E13) and work independently on a scientific problem for about three years, publish their results in scientific journals and finish the PhD phase by writing the doctoral thesis and defending it (disputation).
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
Get to Know
Study Start and Orientation
Exceptionally, towards the end of the bachelor’s program, students can already listen to the first lectures from the Master's program. A necessary condition is that all examinations from semesters 1 to 4 have been successfully completed and 20 additional credit points have been earned. In any case, the plan should be discussed with the student's advisor. The selected master’s course cannot be taken via PAUL, but must be applied for via the "Application for Admission to an (Early) Master's Course".
As soon as the completion of all examinations is within reach, the regular transition ("regular transition upon (expected) completion of all examinations") should be initiated.
Learn more about the transition from bachelor to master.
Related Studies
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
Campus life
In addition to study-related content, Paderborn University offers you a lot more: for those eager to learn, for those seeking exchange and for all those who want to think outside the box. Learn and improve your language skills at the Center for Language Studies and brush up on your software skills with the courses offered by doIT. The servicecenter-medien offers special media workstations where you can let off steam creatively, and the university sports program ranges from American football to Zumba. Get involved with the university radio station L'UniCo or the university newspaper universal and become part of one of the many project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular theater program at our Studionbühne, slams and readings, Big Band and university choir are just a few examples of our diverse cultural offerings. A special highlight is our AStA summer festival: up to 15,000 people make the pilgrimage every year to what is probably Germany's largest outdoor campus festival and enjoy the summer party atmosphere with numerous local student bands as well as well-known headliners on various stages.
Campus
Almost all of Uni Paderborn's buildings are located on campus. There are green meadows to relax in and plenty of places to eat and drink: Mensa Academica and Mensa Forum, the Grill|Café and Café Bona Vista. Everything is within easy walking distance. Our library is also centrally located and is a great place to study thanks to its good opening hours.
Accommodation
Living in accomodations close to campus is possible: The Studierendenwerk Paderborn offers you places in halls of residence directly on campus or in the immediate vicinity. But you will also find what you are looking for on the usual accommodation portals: Both in the immediate vicinity of the university and city center, as well as in the individual Paderborn districts.
Costs and financing
Everyday student life offers you plenty of opportunities to work alongside your studies. However, BAföG or a scholarship are also options that you can use to cover your costs.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every concern. For example, our advisory and service facilities are available to answer your questions about academic work, career orientation and goal setting, funding opportunities and many other concerns.
Our university is an open-minded university that also takes a clear stance on gender and diversity. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender- and family-friendly work and study culture for many years. This includes support for a better balance between studying and family life as well as support for students with health impairments.
Any questions?
Chat with us
The right contact for every concern
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
You are in the right place with the following concerns
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- How do I apply as an international student? Which prerequisites do I have to bring?
- What opportunities do I have to go abroad during my studies?
- Where can I get information about studying abroad (application deadlines and procedures, internships, scholarships)?
Student Council Physics
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- What's this course of studies about?
- What does the "student-life" look like? What does a week at uni look like?
- How much do students like what they do at uni?
- What social activities and possibilities are there next to the formal university studies?
- What fields of specialisation do other students recommend?
- What happens in the first weeks at university? (Orientation week)
Uni-Assist
You are in the right place with the following concerns
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
You are in the right place with the following concerns
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
Registrar’s Office
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Information and advice on application, admission and enrolment matters
- Processing of applications for change of degree programme, change of subject, leave of absence, exmatriculation, secondary enrolment
- Registration for the qualifying examination
- Health insurance matters
- Re-registration matters
Examination Office
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Counselling on examination-related questions of the study programme
- Processing of admissions and registrations for examinations with limited repeatability
- Processing withdrawals from examinations due to illness
- Recording examination results
- Administration of study performance accounts, certificates of grades and module assignments
- Transfers to the current version of the examination regulations
- Issuing certificates, diplomas, diploma supplements and transcripts of records
- Issuing duplicates and certificates to internal and external university administrative offices
- Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Advice on all questions related to studying
- Procurement and rental of aids
- Barrier-free campus tours
- Provision of information on the barrier-free campus
- Advice on compensating for disadvantages
FamilienServiceBüro
You are in the right place with the following concerns
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.