Physics - Master

This degree program is free of admission, i.e. you will receive a study place if you meet the admission requirements. An application is nevertheless required to check these prerequisites. There is no selection procedure.

Prerequisite for the study in the master's program is a bachelor's degree in physics or an equivalent degree with at least including the grade 3.3 in each case and proof of minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the following areas:

• Achievements in theoretical physics (quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics, classical field theory) totaling at least 12 ECTS credits, and

• Achievements in experimental physics (astronomy and astrophysics, nuclear and particle physics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter, nanostructures) totaling at least 18 ECTS credits, and

• Performance in physical practical courses totaling at least 9 ECTS points.

The degree program can be studied in either German or English. Knowledge of either German (DSH-2 of the "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang") or English (B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required. In either case, a very good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

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

The master's program is research-oriented and comparable in time and orientation to the diploma thesis in the previous diploma program in physics. In the course of the master's program, students should acquire the ability to work independently on scientific issues. This ability is of fundamental importance, both for a later doctorate and for a successful activity as a physicist outside research in later professional life.

The one-year master's program in physics builds on the four-year bachelor's program in physics ("consecutive master's program") and can be started either in the summer or winter semester. Within Germany, only the University of Tübingen offers a one-year master's degree in physics, which generally requires a four-year bachelor's degree. Bachelor's graduates from other universities may have to acquire additional credit points in order to be admitted to the Master's program.

For graduates with a four-year bachelor's degree in physics (or comparable degree), the one-year master's program consists of the project study for the master's thesis (30 ECTS credits) and the master's thesis (30 ECTS credits). Both are usually carried out in the working group of the professor supervising you. At the beginning of the Master's program, an application for admission to the Master's examination must be submitted. You can obtain a corresponding form from the Central Examination Office. From the time of admission to the Master's examination, the topic of the Master's thesis must be issued within six weeks. From the time the topic of the Master's thesis is issued, the Master's examination must be completed in full within 12 months. The issue of the topic of the master's thesis is a prerequisite for the start of the project studies. The overall grade of the master's examination results from the grade of the master's thesis.

Graduates with a three-year bachelor's degree in physics (or comparable degree) can be admitted to the master's program in physics at the University of Tübingen. In this case, according to the examination and study regulations, further professional requirements are demanded for admission to the Master's examination. These include the successful participation in so-called "bridge modules" to the extent of 60 credit points; these are:

1. modules of a specialization subject of the bachelor's degree program in physics amounting to 21 credit points (including a one-hour oral examination on the specialization subject)

2. further modules from the range of the bachelor's degree program in physics amounting to 39 credit points. The selection of these modules is intended to be a meaningful addition to the bachelor's degree program you have already completed and must be approved by the examination board. Upon application, modules from your bachelor's degree in physics (or comparable degree) that you have already completed in addition to the 180 ECTS credits required in your bachelor's degree can be recognized.

The bridge modules are NOT a prerequisite for admission to the Master's program. The bridge modules are taken as part of your Master's program in Tübingen from the range of courses offered in the Bachelor's program in Physics. After successful completion of these bridge modules, you can then register for the master's examination, i.e. start with the project study for the master's thesis and the subsequent master's thesis (see above the corresponding information for graduates with a four-year bachelor's degree in physics). The overall grade of the master's examination results from the grade of the master's thesis.

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 M.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. Physics strives for the master's degree as a standard degree.

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.