Master's Program in Physics

 

The international Master's program in Physics is a two years program. The first year consists of lectures, seminars and lab courses. The second year is dedicated to an individual research project. The curriculum is organized along seven different tracks: Experimental Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology, Quantum Field Theory and Gauge Theories, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoelectronics, Quantum Technology, and Condensed Matter Theory.

For each track, the first year of the Master’s studies has several mandatory courses as well as elective courses. The elective courses can be chosen from the many specialisation courses offered by Aachen physics faculty, researchers at the research center Jülich as well as elective courses from other related Master’s programs (Biophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Laser Technology, Material Science etc.). The available specialisation courses can vary from term-to-term. The curriculum is set up to offer maximum flexibility and allows students to select courses which prepare them to achieve the research goals of the second Master's year.

At the end of the first year of studies, students choose a Master's thesis supervisor in one of the institutes. During the second year, the students will complete a Master's thesis research project. The precise form of the project depends on the research topic and is developed together with the responsible supervisor. In the last semester, the students complete their Master's thesis work, write up their Master’s thesis and give a presentation about their research project.

 

The successful participation in the Master's program in Physics at RWTH Aachen University requires an undergraduate education that enables students to follow lectures at a very advanced and specialized level. Hence, some Bachelor graduates, especially from foreign countries, might not meet the requirements for admission.For these students, the Department of Physics and the International Academy, an official institution for education attached to the university, have developed a new master’s entry programme, the Master’s College.This innovative programme includes bridging courses in theoretical and modern physics, scientific guidance, involvement in research and laboratory experiments, as well as an intense social support especially for international students.Please refer to Master's College for more information. The courses of the Master's program physics are taught in English. Hence, applicants who have not obtained their academic qualification at an English-language institution or who are not English native speakers must prove sufficient fluency in English.

Tracks of Study

• Experimental Particle Physics
• Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology
• Quantum Field Theory and Gauge Theories
• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanoelectronics (flyer)
• Quantum Technology
• Condensed Matter Theory

Further Information:

• Program description at the central webpages of RWTH Aachen University
• Examination Regulations: Official version (in German), English translation, web page with summary of main aspects
• Tabular overview of curriculum for download
• Online version of curriculum including course descriptions
• Course Catalogue (Modulhandbuch)
• Presentation Introduction to the Master's Program
• Please also consult the FAQ page
• Further informations for our enrolled students via this Moodle page