Program Overview
In the master's degree program in Physics at KIT, you benefit from numerous elective options and can expand the basic scientific qualifications in experimental and theoretical physics acquired in the bachelor's degree program to create an individual competence profile. The close contact with research both in the university and large-scale research area is reflected in research-oriented teaching. The standard period of study is 4 semesters, during which you will acquire 120 ECTS credit points.
You begin to develop your profile in the first year of study by choosing a variety of modules within the framework of your Major in physics. You choose modules from the following range of topics:
In your compulsory Second Major and your Minor, you will deepen your knowledge of further sub-disciplines from the above-mentioned subject areas, such as
The Non-Physics Elective with courses from the disciplines of mathematics, chemistry, electrical engineering and information technology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics also contributes to your profile development in the master's degree program in Physics at KIT. You can find more information in the module handbook. You will also complete an Advanced Physics Laboratory Course and acquire Interdisciplinary Qualifications (e.g. language courses, courses offered by the House of Competence).
Key Program Features
- • curriculum based on an exceptionally broad range of scientific topics that can be tailored to personal interests • research focus: Particle and Astroparticle Physics
- Quantum Materials and Systems
- Optics and Photonics
- Geophysics as well as Meteorology and Climate Physics • large variety in non-physical electives (natural sciences
- engineering
- computer science or economics) • a combination of university education and research at large-scale facilities that is unique in Germany in terms of quality • integration into the Eucor university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg
- Basel
- Strasbourg
- Colmar and Mulhouse • possibility of a Franco-German double master's degree with the Université Grenoble Alpes and the École Nationale Supérieure de Physique
- Électronique
- Matériaux • support of future doctoral candidates: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) curriculum based on an exceptionally broad range of scientific topics that can be tailored to personal interests research focus: Particle and Astroparticle Physics
- Quantum Materials and Systems
- Optics and Photonics
- Geophysics as well as Meteorology and Climate Physics large variety in non-physical electives (natural sciences
- engineering
- computer science or economics) a combination of university education and research at large-scale facilities that is unique in Germany in terms of quality integration into the Eucor university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg
- Basel
- Strasbourg
- Colmar and Mulhouse possibility of a Franco-German double master's degree with the Université Grenoble Alpes and the École Nationale Supérieure de Physique
- Électronique
- Matériaux support of future doctoral candidates: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS)
Career Opportunities
A degree in physics provides you with a broad-based education and distinguishes you in particular through your ability to analyze complex problems - including those outside the realm of physics - using modern methods of measurement, data analysis and modeling, to describe them theoretically, and to develop solutions in accordance with scientific standards.
A master's degree in Physics opens up career opportunites in a variety of fields, e.g. in university and industrial research and development, in data analysis and process optimization as well as in program and hardware development, management consulting, the insurance industry or the patent system. An academic career, starting with a doctorate, is also a possible career path you can pursue after completing your master's degree.
Program Curriculum
• modules of the Major (8 CP)
• modules of the Second Major (8 CP)
• module of the Minor (8 CP)
• Advanced Physics Laboratory Course (6 CP)
• modules of the Major (12 CP)
• modules of the Second Major (6 CP)
• modules of the Non-Physics Elective (8 CP)
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications (4 CP)
• Specialization Phase (15 CP)
• Introduction to Scientific Methods (15 CP)
• Master's thesis (30 CP)
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Physics are based on the current admission regulations:
• bachelor's degree
a completed bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree in Physics or a related degree course with essentially the same content at a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education or at a foreign university. The degree must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 credit points (CP) in accordance with ECTS
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the subjects
Theoretical Physics (Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics) amounting to at least 32 ECTS credits
Experimental Physics (Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Atomic Physics, Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, Solid State Physics) amounting to at least 32 ECTS credits
Physics lab courses worth at least 18 ECTS credits
Other courses can be recognized if they are equivalent.
If you are missing up to 10 ECTS credits in the above-mentioned subjects, you can still be admitted on condition that you successfully complete the missing credits in addition to the current version of the study plan. Proof of the credits earned must be provided by the end of the second semester at the latest. Any conditions will be determined by the selection commission and communicated to you in your letter of admission.
If you are applying with fewer than 82 ECTS credits in Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics and Physics lab courses, but at least 30 ECTS credits in Theoretical Physics, 30 ECTS credits in Experimental Physics and 15 ECTS credits in Physics lab courses, you have the opportunity to prove your knowledge in an interview in accordance with Section 6 of the admission regulations.
• Letter of motivation
a letter of motivation (approx. 1000-3000 characters) in German or English, in which you explain your motivation for studying in the master's program in Physics at KIT
• Proof of entitlement to an examination
proof that you have not definitively failed an examination required by the examination regulations in the master's degree program in Physics or a related degree program with essentially the same content and that you are still entitled to an examination
• Theoretical Physics (Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics) amounting to at least 32 ECTS credits
• Experimental Physics (Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Atomic Physics, Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, Solid State Physics) amounting to at least 32 ECTS credits
• Physics lab courses worth at least 18 ECTS credits
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: September 30 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
- Start Date Winter and summer semesters
- Language English
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
