Physics, M.Sc.

Program overview

The Physics master’s study program at TU Berlin is an internationally competitive program offering the highest level of research and teaching. Students gain a firm understanding of modern, and often interdisciplinary, fields of physics and intensively participate in the research of the involved institutes. The master’s program enables you to extend and advance your specialized knowledge of physics. Students choose from one of three specializations: applied physics, experimental physics, and theoretical physics. They are also free to choose their own research focuses, for instance in nanoscience, photonics, astrophysics, or non-linear dynamics. Students apply the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired in a master’s thesis, where they independently work on a current research topic.

Degree	Master of Science
Standard period of study	4 semesters
Credit points	120
Program start	Summer and winter semester
Admission	Open admission
Language of instruction	German

Admission requirements

As for every other master’s degree program at TU Berlin, applicants must possess a first university degree qualifying them for professional work. You can find further information in the degree program’s application and admissions requirements (cf. pdf with study and exam regulations above).

The Physics master’s program is taught in German. If you are applying with a foreign school-leaving certificate, you must provide proof of German skills at a specific level. This is a prerequisite for admission. As some courses/modules are offered in English, a knowledge of English is useful. However, it is not a condition for admission to studies.

Note: Please find the rules for admission under the link for "Study and examination regulations" below.

Program structure

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of four semesters. It provides an example of which modules to take in which semesters. While this proposed course schedule is ideal on paper, it is not mandatory. It’s simply an example of how to successfully schedule and shape your studies. You can find the proposed course schedule in the study and examination regulations.

NOTE: The pdf also includes the application and admissions requirements.

Study and examination regulations:

Content and modules

The master’s degree program in Physics consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include various study and teaching formats. You can find a module list which offers a current overview of all the modules in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). In the module database you have an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information about the content, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, type of assessment, and much more. The module list is based on the study and exam regulations.

To module database

Internships

The program does not require students to complete a non-university internship (work experience placement).

Stays abroad

The study program structure provides an opportunity for students to complete a stay abroad within the standard period of study. The Faculty has staff to assist you with selecting a university and putting together a schedule. You can obtain general information about stays abroad from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) and Career Service (internships abroad).

Acquired skills

The master’s program in physics offers you an opportunity to further your knowledge and skills and specialize in a number of physical fields and qualifies you for independent research work. Choosing a specialization (applied, experimental, or theoretical physics) ensures students focus their interests without losing the benefit of acquiring skills in other fields of physics. While completing the master’s thesis, you acquire the ability to learn and investigate the scientific and methodological fundamentals of a research topic and independently research a current issue in physics. Students also leave the program with interdisciplinary skills, such as presentation techniques and scientific discussion. Our graduates are generalists in the natural sciences, prepared to successfully and independently work on problems from different fields of science and engineering.

After your studies

Individuals with a Master of Science in physics have a number of professional opportunities open to them. Typical fields of work include research and development, for example in basic and industry research or in application-oriented development. Our graduates are highly sought after in technical operations as well as industry and administration. Upon completion of the master's program, students can also pursue an academic career, particularly in the natural sciences and engineering.

Further information & downloads

Guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance

General questions: Student Info Services

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs Graduate Admissions

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board