Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Physics

The Master's program in Physics at Heidelberg University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field, focusing on the structure of matter and the fundamental interactions between the components of the observable universe. The program aims to equip students with in-depth specialist knowledge, an understanding of scientific methods employed in physics, and insight into neighboring disciplines.

Facts and Formalities

• Degree: Master of Science
• Type of program: Consecutive
• Start of program: Winter and summer semester
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters
• Language(s) of instruction: English
• Fees and contributions: 161.10 € / Semester
• Application procedure: Consecutive master’s programs with access restriction
• Application deadlines: Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
• Can be completed entirely in English: Yes
• International degree program: Yes

Course Content

The Master's program in Physics is designed to provide students with a broad and comprehensive education, leading to a high demand for their skills in a wide variety of areas. Potential career options range from research and development at universities, research institutions, and in industry to positions in IT and communications firms or in management consultancy. The program prepares students for subsequent pursuit of a doctorate and allows them to develop flexibility and scientific self-reliance.

Course Structure

The structure of the Heidelberg Master’s program in Physics is two-pronged. Two semesters of classes (lectures, seminars, etc.) are followed by a one-year research phase in which students work independently on projects of their own and learn how to turn new findings into productive research. The research phase ends with the Master thesis. To pass the Master course, students require a total of 120 credit points. The course takes four semesters (30 credit points per semester).

Course Details

• The credit points reflect the workload required for a given module, including contact time, preparation and follow-up, plus the time required for essays and projects.
• One credit point corresponds to 30 hours of work.
• A total workload of about 900 hours is expected per semester.
• The course is subdivided into different areas, including a set of compulsory electives in the physics program, electives for specialization in individual areas of physics, and electives, in which modules can be freely chosen from neighboring subjects, from “Cross-Disciplinary Skills” and from other modules from the department’s physics courses.
• Furthermore, students have to pass a final oral examination.
• The research phase consists of the two compulsory modules “Scientific Specialisation” and “Methods and Project Planning” and the Master thesis.

Additional Degrees

• Bachelor 50%
• Bachelor 100%
• Master, consecutive
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Education Extension Subject