Physics - Bachelor (mono)

This degree program is free of admission as long as you meet the admission requirements, i.e. no application is necessary. You can enroll directly for this degree program. There is no selection procedure.

The study program can be started in the first semester in summer and winter semester.

The prerequisite for studying at the University of Tübingen is the general university entrance qualification, usually the Abitur, or another university entrance qualification, e.g. the Delta examination for prospective students with a Fachhochschulreife or a Fachgebundener Hochschulreife, or a university entrance qualification for those with vocational qualifications. Applicants with foreign school-leaving qualifications should contact the Department of Counseling and Admission for International Students.

In Baden-Württemberg, there is an obligation to provide proof of participation in a study orientation procedure with matriculation (enrollment) in an undergraduate degree program.

The language of study and examination is German. Individual courses may be held in English. A good knowledge of English is expected for the study of literature. Therefore, knowledge of English is required. However, formal proof of English proficiency is not required. German language skills to the extent of DSH-2 (Testdaf4) are required for foreign students.

International applicants *without* a German-language university entrance qualification must provide evidence of German language proficiency in accordance with the university's matriculation regulations (see also information on proof of linguistic study ability / DSH language test).

The BSc Physics is a "Mono-Bachelor", i.e. the study is done in one scientific subject.

In the area of supplementary modules, at least 12 LPs must be taken from the area of natural sciences (except physics), computer science, or mathematics, at least another 6 LPs must be taken from the area of physics/mathematics, up to 9 LPs can be freely selected from the offerings of all faculties of the University of Tubingen.

Students of physics should learn in their studies to recognize physical problems, to work on them independently and to critically evaluate the scientific literature. This includes, on the one hand, comprehensive knowledge of theoretical models and experimental knowledge and, on the other hand, basic skills in the application of theoretical and experimental methods. The bachelor's degree in physics is not only geared towards an academic career in physics, but is also intended to prepare students for activities in various professional fields.

We are offering a 4-year bachelor's and 1-year master's degree program in physics, in contrast to the practice that has been common throughout Germany to date. With this bachelor's pilot program, we want to counter the criticism that the 3-year bachelor's degree programs are too school-like. Therefore, this program also provides for individual subject specialization and in-depth study. In addition, it includes a 5-week professional internship and offers the possibility of a 1- or 2-semester stay abroad.

The achievements made during the program and the courses attended are listed individually in a Diploma Supplement/Transcript of Records for other universities as well as for future employers. From this, the added value of the 4-year Bachelor's program compared to shorter programs is also evident outside the University of Tübingen.

The 4-year Bachelor's program is followed by a 1-year Master's program (Master's thesis incl. project studies), which also qualifies students for doctoral studies.

As a rule, we recommend taking the consecutive master's program in physics after completing the bachelor's program in physics. The total standard period of study for the bachelor plus master program in physics is thus five years, as for the 3-year bachelor plus 2-year master programs in physics established at other German universities to date.

Further arguments for the combination of 4-year Bachelor plus 1-year Master program in physics offered in Tübingen can be found on the web pages of the physics department (see BaMa:4+1).

Students can also study the two-year Master of Science Astro and Particle Physics , the Master of Advanced Quantum Physics (both in the Department of Physics) or the two-year Master of Science Mathematical Physics (Department of Mathematics) in Tübingen following their Bachelor's degree.

The standard period of study is 8 semesters and the program comprises modules with a total of 240 ECTS credits; see also "Special features" below.

In the area of compulsory modules (174 ECTS points), the physics basic courses 1-3 (mechanics & thermodynamics; electromagnetism; optics, analytical mechanics, quantum mechanics), mathematics for physicists 1-4, and the physics practical courses 1+2 are offered in the first three to four semesters. This is followed by three basic modules in Theoretical Physics (Quantum Mechanics; Thermodynamics & Statistics; Classical Field Theory) and five basic modules in Experimental Physics (Astronomy & Astrophysics; Condensed Matter; Atoms, Molecules & Light; Nuclear & Particle Physics; Physics of Nanostructures). Within the fourth to eighth semester, the physics internship 3, the orientation internship and the bachelor thesis should also be completed.

In the compulsory elective area (66 ECTS points), supplementary modules, modules for interdisciplinary qualification and a specialization subject are taken.

Supplementary modules (EM) of at least twelve ECTS points must be chosen from suitable modules in natural science subjects (outside physics), mathematics or computer science. EM amounting to at least six ECTS credits must be taken from courses offered in mathematics/physics. Further EM with a scope of up to six ECTS credits can be freely chosen from the university's range of courses.

Superdisciplinary, occupational field-oriented qualifications (ÜQ) must be acquired to the extent of 24 ECTS credits (this also includes the internships from the compulsory area on a pro-rata basis with 15 ECTS credits). Further modules in the amount of 9 ECTS credits can be chosen especially from the offer of the Studium Professionale and the Forum Scientiarum, but also from the offer of specially designated modules from the Department of Physics and other disciplines.

The specialization subjects comprise 21 ECTS credits. The following specialization subjects can be chosen

• Astronomy & Astrophysics

• Astroparticle Physics

• Biological and medical physics

• Nuclear & Particle Physics

• Quantum matter: superconductivity, cold atoms, quantum optics

• Condensed Matter

• Nanostructures & Interfaces

• Scientific Computing

For more information on the subject, click here (e.g. arguments for 4-year bachelor + 1-year master, examination & study regulations, module overview, module handbook, information about the bachelor program, study plans, subject advisor, info for first-year students, etc.)

Information of the Department about studying abroad / ERASMUS

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 B.Sc. and M.Sc. 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 B.Sc. 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.

The professional field for physicists is very broad. Many physicists work in basic research. This includes the various fields of physics, of course, but also other sciences such as medicine, chemistry, biology and engineering, where experimental setups or mathematical modeling are required. In the manufacturing industry (electrical engineering, optics/laser, mechanical engineering, medical technology, software) physicists work on the development, as well as in the supervision and training of employees in new technologies. In recent years, more and more physicists are finding employment in service-providing sectors of the economy (management consulting, banking/stock exchange, insurance). Because of the broad education, job prospects are generally very good.

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.

As a rule, the bachelor's degree program is followed by the corresponding master's degree program (often called "consecutive master's degree programs"). Admission requirements for the respective master's programs can be found on the corresponding websites. It is recommended to follow the four-year bachelor's degree in physics with a consecutive one-year master´s degree Physics. The Department of Physics additionally offers a two-year Master Astro and Particle Physics and the Department of Mathematics a two-year Master Master Mathematical Physics.

Admission to doctoral studies with a bachelor's degree is not possible. Admission to doctoral studies requires completion of a master's degree program.

Information about the Alumni of Tübingen.