MSc in Physics at The Faculty of Science – University of Copenhagen

Faculty of Science
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English > Studying at SCIENCE > Full degree MSc Degrees (in english) > MSc Programmes > Physics

Physics surrounds us in everything from the most compact of mobile phones to the most colossal of particle accelerators. If you burn for the chance to explore the depths of the universe, study the smallest components of just about everything or investigate the climate of the past and model its future using ice cores from the Greenlandic ice sheet, then a master’s degree in physics might just be the thing for you. Jobs await. Furthermore, a master’s degree in physics can equip you with a competency profile in - among other disciplines - astronomy, biophysics or geophysics.

Profile

The Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen is part of an exciting and international research environment where scientific breakthroughs are shaped. Your path through the physics universe will include theoretical instruction, experience with practical experimentation in the laboratory, project work and work in the field.

Graduate students in physics may specialize in one of numerous sub-fields such as particle physics, atomic physics, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, complex systems in physics and quantum information technology. As a graduate student in physics you will achieve the academic qualifications to independently participate in modern research and the communication of results. There are plenty of themes and courses to choose from, so you will determine your own course of study to a large degree.

Career Opportunities

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Physicists work in a variety of settings. These include, but are far from limited to, private and public sector research, finance, programming in the IT industry and oil exploration. The private sector has begun to deploy physicists in the business context. A good example is how, in finance, physicists are engaged to predict market fluctuations. Some physicists are also employed as programmers in the IT sector as they often have strong programming backgrounds.

Unemployment among physics graduates is quite rare indeed.

Programme Structure

  • One year of graduate coursework, primarily in English. The courses contain lectures, written examinations and the submission of reports along with the conducting of experiments.
  • You are assigned an advisor and research group that can help you select courses and develop a thesis topic.
  • Your course of study concludes with a year-long thesis worth 60 ECTS. The thesis project engages you with in-depth work targeted towards answering a problem in the field of physics, approached from a high level of research.
  • The research environment is characterized by a high degree of international collaboration and you will have the opportunity to be part of this network – either by working with guest researchers or through research abroad.

Your thesis begins when you develop a thesis contract in cooperation with your thesis supervisor. The contents of this contract and thesis framework include an overall description of the thesis topic and a completion date. Thesis topics could be:

  • Measurement based on ultracold atoms in optical frequencies
  • Analysis of data from particle accelerators, e.g. CERN
  • Production of equipment for synchrotrons
  • Utilisation of x-ray radiation to determine protein structures
  • Solid state physical realisation of quantum computers
  • Mathematical theory for turbulence in flowing fluids

Master's Thesis: 60 ECTS
Restricted Optional Courses: 30 ECTS
Optional Courses: 30 ECTS

2. year Master's Thesis
1. year Restricted Optional Courses Optional Courses




Master's Thesis: 45 ECTS
Restricted Optional Courses: 45 ECTS
Optional Courses: 30 ECTS

         
2. year   Master's Thesis
1. year Restricted Optional Courses Optional Courses




Master's Thesis: 30 ECTS
Restricted Optional Courses: 60 ECTS
Optional Courses: 30 ECTS

     
2. year Restricted Optional Courses Master's Thesis
1. year Optional Courses

Competency description 

  • You will learn the basic physical principles governing a physical system
  • You will work with mathematical models to describe physical reality
  • You will learn to work with experimental setups and become familiar with the latest technologies
  • You will read current research literature and be capable of contributing to the research

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    Admission requirements 

    The admission requirements are described in §4 of the curriculum.

    Tuition fees and application

    You can find information about tuition fees and how to apply for the programme under Admission.