Advanced Quantum Physics - Master

This degree program has no special requirements for admission. That means you will be allocated a place in the program if you meet the general requirements. However, you need to apply in order to establish whether you meet the general requirements.

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (or a comparable undergraduate degree) with a German grade of 2.5 or better (or international equivalent). Additionally, students must prove above-average performaces in their bachelor´s degree within the subjects quantum mechanics, atom physics and physics of condensed matter.

Course language is English (GER B2-C1 (Testdaf4444 or DSH2)).

The Master´s program cannot be complemented with a minor subject.

The scientific profile of the area quantum science is defined by the working groups of the Center for Quantum Science (CQ). They deal with atom-light-interactions, Rydberg physics, quantum sensors, quantum gases in magnetical and optical traps, optical and microwave resonators, many-body quantum systems, and hybrid systems consisting of ultracold atoms and superconducting structures. These are all platforms in which quantum technologies are build up.

A specificity of the master program „Quantum Science“ is the obligatory module „Discussing Comprehensive Problems of Quantum Science“. In this module, students repeat course contents in peer-learning groups. Such highly complex topics like quantum science cannot be learned just by listening to lectures. For the insight it is mandatory to deal with these topics on its own as well as with others. The discussion with other students is an important method, to practise talking about difficult contents, to get to know deficiencies, and to filll in theses gaps. The module is completed with an oral exam. In this exam all aquired skills of the master program are queried in interrelated questions.

In the first year the students attend lectures, seminars and practical courses consisting of 60 ECTS credit points. The students take both experimental and theoretical quantum optics, which lays the foundations for all students. These are augmented by a lab course.

In the second term students can choose modules from a variety of different topics. Moreover, the students will learn to discuss problems of quantum science in a comprehensive way both within a journal club where they present a current topic of quantum science, and within a peer-learning seminar where they discuss topics of quantum science in small groups of their peers. For this seminar, they choose three of the modules that they have passed.

In the second year the students begin with research on a topic of their choice in the areas of the Center for Quantum Science and finally write their master thesis, all together again 60 CP (30 for acquiring research oriented skills and 30 for the thesis). The thesis is concluded with an oral scientific presentation of the results. The students are advised during the master’s program in a regular term-meeting with a tutor from the group of lecturers.

Information on the Erasmus program (Uppsala, Schweden) for students of the Department of Physics

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

In the winter term 2023/24 approximately 840 students are enrolled in these physics programs, among others:

The module handbook of the M.Sc. Advanced Qautum Physics describes the goals and structure of a degree program. In the module handbook you will find details of the type of modules offered and their respective workloads as well as the classes, requirements and assessment. An ideal course plan is set out in the module handbook to help you plan your studies. The module handbook and the exam regulations help you to understand the framework and conditions of your program, and enable you to choose the right modules/ classes.

The exam regulations of the M.Sc. Advanced Quatum Physics contain the legally binding regulations for a degree program. They set out, for instance, which modules must be taken and which assessment must be completed in order to successfully complete the degree program. The exam regulations also regulate how often exams may be repeated, which deadlines apply to assessment, and how the final grade is calculated. The exam regulations and the module handbook help you to understand the framework and conditions of your program, and enable you to choose the right modules/ classes.

Graduates qualify for a PhD in a field of quantum sciences, e.g. in quantum optics, atom physics, quantum information, quantum simulation, quantum  communication, quantum computing or quantum metrology. Worldwide, working groups look for PhDs with previous experience in one of theses fields. In particular, occupational options beyond science are in the technical and scientific area, as well as in the financial, consulting and insurance sector. The further technical products are developed, the more quantum effects have to be considered and play a crucial role for the functionality, respectively. One example is the miniaturization of sensors in nano technology. Only recently, quantum effects are used deliberately to achieve specific functionalities, e.g. the entanglement of quantum particles for secure data communiaction. This development is desiganted as the second quantum revolution. At the moment, it is supported by the European Union with a flagship program with 1 billion euros. Graduates in this field are predestined to design new ideas through establishing spin-off companies by themselves. They are highly popular for employees of middle-sized companies like HighFinesse GmbH or Swabian Instruments GmbH, as well as of larger companies like Toptica Photonics AG, as well as of large groups like Robert-Bosch GmbH, Carl Zeiss AG, Trumpf Laser GmbH, Siemens AG, and Airbus SE.

The fact that there is a need for experts in the area of quantum sicence, is signalized by the hightech strategy of the federal government, as well: https://www.hightech-strategie.de/de/hightech-strategie-2025-1726.html

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.

Graduates of the Master program have the opportunity to continue with a PhD. For further information see the website Faculty of Science - Doctoral Studies.

Information about the Alumni of Tübingen.