Master in Physics
- Degree - Master of Science (M. Sc.)
- Research-oriented
- Following the bachelor's program
- Provides entry into doctoral programs
- Duration - 4 semesters
- Language - English
- Beginning - winter and summer semester
- No tuition fees
Students acquire specialized knowledge in diverse fields of physics, deepen their understanding of scientific methods, and strengthen their expertise in theoretical and experimental physics.
Excellent research community
- As a master's student, you will be a part of the cutting-edge research at our university.
- You will receive individual support from instructors and professors.
- You will benefit from our well-equipped laboratories and international networks.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Physics or a similar degree*
- Certified English language proficiency at level B2 or higher
* Your bachelor's degree must be equivalent to the bachelor's degree in physics of the Freie Universität Berlin
Apply for Master's Program
Application period: 15.04.2024 – 15.08.2024
Graduate in Physics
Prof. Dr. Katharina Franke and Prof. Dr. Joachim Heberle
Physics Master's Program — Unleash a Scientist Inside You
If you admire the complexity of things and strive for new cognitive challenges every day, then you will fit right into our community. Our students and graduates have curiosity in their blood and the perpetual question “Why?” in their minds. The research topics within the department include quantum computing, nanoscience, biological nanomachines, quantum information, and many others.
Program Goals
The English-only coursework prepares students for careers in international teams and interdisciplinary projects in research and development.
What expertise do the graduates acquire?
Our master's students acquire universally valuable skills such as understanding complex structures, analytical proficiency, and reasoning. They learn to manage problems in a wide variety of fields in natural science and technology and become flexible and highly desired professionals on the job market.
Program Structure
To complete the Master's program, a student must collect 120 credit points (CPs). We suggest taking about 30 CPs each semester.
Graduates extend their knowledge of modern physics.
Compulsory - 15 CP
- Advanced Laboratory Course for Master Students
- Seminar "Selected Topics in Physics"
Compulsory-elective - 20 CP
Students have to complete two modules, at least one of them in theoretical physics.
Modules to choose in theoretical physics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- Advanced Statistical Physics
- Quantum Field Theory and Many-Body Physics
Modules to choose in experimental physics
- Advanced Solid State Physics
- Advanced Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Advanced Biophysics
Elective - 25 CP
Students choose modules according to their personal interests. Modules from non-physical subjects can also be taken. e.g. German language, Computational Methods. These serve to promote interdisciplinary competence and additional vocational qualifications.
In the second year of the Master program, students have to find a research group and to do an independent research project within that group.
Compulsory
During the research phase, a student is automatically subscribed to the following modules:
- Modul Scientific Specialization - 15 CP
- Modul Methodology and Project Planning - 15 CP
- Master’s thesis with its accompanying seminar - 30 CP
The Master’s course would typically follow the following schedule. Students are free to design their schedule individually.
Typical Schedule
For more details on the structure of the Master's program please see Study Regulations.
As a master's student of physics, you can gain a master's double degree from the Freie Universität Berlin and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
Documents and Links
Please note that only German versions are legally binding.
- Study regulations for the Master’s Programme in Physics - English, 2020
- Access Statute - German, Zugangssatzung, 2022
- General Information Concerning Application for Master's Programs
- List of non-physics courses in elective area - English
- Study Plan during your Master's: first year
- Form Research phase registration - English, please print double-sided
- Form Exam "Scientific Specialization" - German
- Recommendations: Good scientific practice for reports and theses
- Scientific Integrity
- Flyer Masters' Program in Physics
Testimonial - Alexander Goschew, PhD in Physics
Dr. Alexander Goschew
"Doing a Master's in Physics at the FU Berlin was an interesting yet challenging experience. The course sizes were generally small, and I appreciated the interactions with the instructors and fellow students very much.
What I liked most was the work in a research group as part of my Master's project. Doing "real" physics and applying all that I had learned in the laboratory was very fulfilling."
