Physics

Study information

Gravitational waves

Image: Sebastiano Bernuzzi
Gravitational waves

Key facts

Degree
Master of Science
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
English
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 333,05
Start of studies
Winter semester, Summer semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institution
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy

Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

During this study programme, students acquire in-depth knowledge of experimental and theoretical physics. To begin the programme, the broad academic scope of the Bachelor’s degree is continued through a selection of core modules (see sample study plan). In the second part of the programme, students specialise increasingly in one of the four fields

  • Optics & Photonics
  • Gravitation &Quantum Theory
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Solid-State Physics and Material Science

with a high degree of freedom in module choice. The Master’s thesis is usually written within this area of specialisation. Numerous partnerships with non-university institutes enable a wide choice of topics and links to industry. At the same time, students may also take physics and non-physics modules outside their specialisation.

Study plan

Compulsory Courses 16 ETCS
  • Research lab work
  • Advanced quantum theory
 
Specialisation 32 ETCS
Optics
  • Lens design
  • Laser physics
  • Biophotonics
  • Optical modeling
  • Nonlinear optics
  • Nano optics
Theoretical Physics
  • General relativity
  • Quantum field theory
  • Gravitational waves
  • Numerical relativity
  • String theory
  • AdS/CFT
Astrophysics
  • Neutron stars
  • Celestial mechanics
  • Planetary systems
  • Spectroscopy
  • Cosmology
  • Observing techniques
Solid State Physics
  • Solid state optics
  • Electronic structures
  • Material science
  • Semiconductors
  • Super conductivity
Free Elective Courses 12 ETCS
  • Modules from science, languages or arts
 
Research Phase 60 ETCS
  • Project planning
  • Introduction to research methods
  • Master's thesis
 

Special features

The M.Sc. Physics in Jena offers:

  • Study start in winter and summer semesters
  • An international environment
  • Ideal study environment with close contact to teachers and excellent support
  • Access to research of worldwide recognition in Optics, Astronomy, Theoretical Physics and Solid-State Physics
  • High freedom of choice in subjects
  • Teaching quality among the international top ranks
  • Beautiful, young and affordable city with many sports and leasure facilities embedded in a fantastic landscape
  • An active group of student representatives with regular activities

Career opportunities

The M.Sc. Physics is a challenging programme, but a fulfilling and fascinating one. There are various and excellent career perspectives in Industry and Research, such as:

  • Research and development divisions in regional and interregional companies
  • Research Institutes and Universities
  • IT/Software development
  • Energy sector
  • Insurance and Banking
  • Corporate Consulting
  • Patent system

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a subject-specific bachelor degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or a recognised equivalent.
    The curriculum of this degree should contain at least:

    • 32 credits (ECTS) in basic subjects of mathematics,
    • 32 credits (ECTS) in experimental physics,
    • 32 credits (ECTS) in theoretical physics and
    • 24 credits (ECTS) obtained from internships/practicals in physics.



     

  • Language requirements

    English language proof B2 (according to the CEFR)

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Detailed transcript of records

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme. This transcript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

Additional application documents for international students

  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")

Subject Advisor - Prof. Martin Gärttner

Max-Wien-Platz 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

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Examinations Office of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy

Student Representatives Physics/Material Science

Master Service Centre

Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Support & Help
To Service-Deskde
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Office hours:
Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays and fridays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at:
www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
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