Physics Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)
Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points
Language of instruction: English
Higher semester: no
Higher semester: winter and summer term
First semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Higher semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Program details
Degree and duration
Regular program length of 2 years leading to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree; 120 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be completed. Individual prorgram length may differ from regular program length.
Program structure
In the English master's program, you will deepen and expand the basic scientific qualifications in experimental and theoretical physics acquired in the bachelor's program and develop your knowledge and skills into an individual competence profile.
You begin to develop your profile in the first year of study by choosing from a variety of modules within the framework of a physics major, a physics second major and a physics minor.
You can choose the modules of the major (with a total of 20 CP) from this range of topics:
- condensed matter
- nano-physics
- optics & photonics
- experimental particle and astroparticle physics
- theoretical particle physics
- condensed matter theory
The supplementary and minor subjects (14 and 8 CP in total) you will help you deepen your knowledge in further sub-disciplines from the above-mentioned fields, such as solid-state optics, nanotechnology, quantum information, methods of data analysis, accelerator physics, cosmology, supersymmetry, etc., or you will choose suitable courses from geophysics or meteorology.
A non-physical elective subject (8 CP, semester 2) also contributes to your profile building in the master's program. You can choose the non-physical elective from the natural and engineering sciences and thus, for example, build on the elective subjects of the bachelor's program from the disciplines of mathematics, chemistry, electrical engineering and information technology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics.
The program also includes an advanced internship (6 CP, semester 1) and the acquisition of interdisciplinary qualifications (4 CP, semester 2). You will have a timeframe of 6 months for completing your master's thesis (30 CP), for which you can prepare with an introduction to scientific work and a specialization phase.
Qualification profile of the graduate
Graduates of the Master's degree in physics know the basics of experimental and theoretical physics and have deepened their knowledge to the latest scientific findings through the study of the Major in Physics, the Second Major in Physics and the Minor in Physics. They have knowledge in a non-physics elective subject which they can choose from mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering according to their preferences. They have the abilities to apply the more complex concepts in theoretical and experimental physics to research-related problems and can develop solution strategies. On the experimental side the graduates have the ability to draw conclusions using measured data, formulate models and make predictions. Graduates specialized in theoretical physics have the knowledge to perform complex calculations. They can interpret their results in the context of theoretical models. Based on the acquired knowledge they correctly categorize various situations and topics. The graduates have the expertise to summarize their scientific results in written and oral form and they can present them using engaging presentation skills. The successful completion of the degree course enables the graduates to work in various areas, such as research and development at universities or in industry, data analysis and optimization of processes, and programming and hardware applications. Moreover, the graduates have gained the requirements to begin doctoral studies in physics. At KIT there is special emphasis on research-related teaching. In the Master's degree program the students have a wide choice among different topics. This allows students to deepen the knowledge in close contact with research performed not just at a university but at a large-scale research institution.
Career prospects
With a master's degree in physics, you can start your career 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 in the patent system. A scientific career, starting with a doctorate, is also a possible career path that you can take after the master's program.
Characteristic features of the degree program
- choose your study plan according to your interests from an extraordinary broad range of scientific topics
- major research topics: Particle and Astroparticle Physics, Quantum Materials and Systems, Optics and Photonics, Geophysics and Meteorology and Climate Physics
- vast variety in the non-physics elective (courses in natural sciences, engineering, computer science or economics)
- close connection of university education and research at largescale facilities is unique in Germany
- KIT is member of the university network EUCOR which enables you to participate in courses at the universities Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
- possibility to join the German-French double-master’s program
- the department is easy to reach, located on the campus near the city center and the Karlsruhe palace
- for future doctoral candidates: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS)
Admission requirements
Requirements for admission to this master's program are:
- a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree issued by a university, university of applied sciences or a university of cooperative education based on a minimum of 180 ECTS credit points (alternatively at least 3 years program length) in physics or a related field
- minimum requirements completed in the following fields:
- theoretical physics (mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics) of at least 32 credit points
- experimental physics (mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics, atomic, molecular and nuclear physics, structure of matter) of at least 32 credit points
- physics lab of at least 18 credit points
- excellent English language skills of at least B2 level. Further details can be found in the admission regulations of the master's degree program.
The selection commission decides whether certain courses match the above-mentioned fields. Any appropriate paperwork needs to be submitted with your application.
Application portal
Application for the 1st semester
Application for a higher semester
Contacts
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)
+49 721 608 - 44930
Carmen Reck ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe
First point of contact for international applicants
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Printed matter
Module handbook
Statutes and regulations
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 KIT 013 Satzung für den Zugang zu dem Masterstudiengang Physics am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) | 28.02.2023, veröffentlicht 28.02.2023 |
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 KIT 065 Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 22.10.2021, veröffentlicht 22.10.2021 | |
| 2022 KIT 028 Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.04.2022, veröffentlicht 29.04.2022 | |
| 2023 KIT 015 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.02.2023, veröffentlicht 28.02.2023 |
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 KIT 019 Satzung zur Umsetzung des Übereinkommens über die Anerkennung von Qualifikationen im Hochschulbereich der Europäischen Region vom 11. April 1997 gemäß §§ 32 Abs. 2, 4 und 36a LHG in den Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen am KIT | 28.03.2014, veröffentlicht 28.03.2014 | |
| 2013 KIT 048 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Studien-und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Physik | 18.12.2013, veröffentlicht 20.12.2013 | |
| 2011 KIT 019 Satzung zur Änderung der Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Physik | 21.04.2011, veröffentlicht 18.05.2011 | |
| 81. Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Physik | 10.09.2008 |
Teaching calendar
WT 2023/24
10-23-2023 to 02-17-2024
ST 2024
04-15-2024 to 07-27-2024
WT 2024/25
10-21-2024 to 02-15-2025
ST 2025
04-22-2025 to 08-02-2025
WT 2025/26
10-27-2025 to 02-21-2026
ST 2026
04-20-2026 to 08-01-2026
WT 2026/27
10-26-2026 to 02-20-2027
ST 2027
04-19-2027 to 07-31-2027
WT 2027/28
10-25-2027 to 02-19-2028
ST 2028
04-18-2028 to 07-29-2028
Lectures will not take place:
- From 12-24 to 01-06
- the week after Pentecost
- on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg