Physics – Master of Science

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Postgraduate study programme which requires a first university degree. For this, the University of Konstanz offers the bachelor's programme in physics.

Building on the bachelor's programme, the master's programme first broadens your foundations in physics. In the advanced lab courses, you expand competencies that are important for working in the laboratory. Furthermore, you specialize in a specific area of physics through elective lectures, seminars and the master's thesis. You can choose from the following specializations in Konstanz:

  • Quantum Information and Quantum Materials
  • Computational Physics
  • Laser and Quantum Optics
  • Renewable Energies
  • Complex Systems and Biophysics
After graduation, you can pursue a doctorate, and you have excellent career prospects ranging from basic research to high-tech industry.

Overview

Degree Master of Science
Programme start Winter semester & Summer semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 9.5. - 15.9. | 29.11. - 15.3.
Admission restrictions no
ECTS 120
⌀ Number of students 45

Why study Physics in the University of Konstanz?

  • open doors and excellent supervision
  • free and individual curriculum design
  • internationally networked research environment
  • studying between lake and Alps
  • numerous cultural and leisure activities
  • diverse opportunities for a stay abroad

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

Typical occupational fields of physicists include:

  • Basic and industrial research
  • Teaching in schools and higher education
  • Software industry
  • Automobile sector, chemistry, electrical engineering
  • Medical technology, mechanical engineering, engineering offices

If you prefer to opt for scientific research and teaching you can continue with doctoral studies.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester & Summer semester

Academic structure

You can find more information on the programme structure and an exemplary curriculum here.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Study abroad

The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes. You can find out more about the different ways to go abroad during your studies on the information page of our department.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

  • Interest in scientific contexts
  • Analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Mathematical understanding

Language skills

Foreign language skills
German speaking students do not have to provide proof of any foreign language skills. However, as large parts of the research literature are written in English, good English skills are highly recommended.

German language skills
International applicants please provide: Documentation of German language skills level DSH-2 /TestDaF 4, OR DSH-1/TestDaF 3 with adequate English skills level B2, proved by either: TOEFL-test (87 points or more/internet-based), IELTS (score 5.5 or better), or Cambridge First Certificate (grade C or better).

Language(s) of instruction

The common teaching languages in the master's programme are German and English. Course work and examinations can be taken in both German and English.

Admission requirements

  • A completed bachelor's degree in physics or in a related subject with a grade of at least 2.6 or better. In the case of sufficient academic qualifications such as, a bachelor's thesis with a grade of "very good", scientific prizes or co-authorship of a referenced scientific publication the examination board (StPA) for physics may also admit applicants with an average grade between 2.7 and 3.0 for enrolment in the master's programme in physics.
  • Academic performance assessments in modules that cover the contents of the modules “Integrierter Kurs” (IK) III or “Integrierter Kurs” IV (integrated courses III or IV) of the bachelor's programme in physics at the University of Konstanz (see module guide physics bachelor (in German).

International applicants please also provide:

  • Documentation of German language skills level DSH-2 /TestDaF 4444, OR
  • DSH-1/TestDaF 3 3 3 3 with adequate English skills level B2, proved by either: TOEFL-test (87 points or more/internet-based), IELTS (score 5.5 or better), or Cambridge First Certificate (grade C or better).


For more information, please see the admission regulations (in German). Further formalities about the study programme can also be found here.

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

This study programme has no admission restrictions.

An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.9. (winter semester) and 29.11. - 15.3. (summer semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents

Please attach the following documents to your online-application:

  • documentation of your academic degree (with a grade of at least 2.6 or better) including details on course work. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far.  In the case of sufficient academic qualifications such as, a bachelor's thesis with a grade of "very good", scientific prizes or co-authorship of a referenced scientific publication the examination board (StPA) for physics may also admit applicants with an average grade between 2.7 and 3.0 for enrolment in the master's programme in physics.
  • documentation of two academic performance assessments in modules that cover the contents of the modules Integrierter Kurs (IK) III or Integrierter Kurs IV (integrated courses III or IV) of the bachelor's programme in physics at the University of Konstanz
  • current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’)

Important note: Please check the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements".

International applicants

If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.

  • documentation of German language skills level DSH-2 /TestDaF 4444, OR
  • DSH-1/TestDaF 3 3 3 3 with adequate English skills level B2: TOEFL-test (87 points or more/internet-based), IELTS (score 5.5 or better), or Cambridge First Certificate (grade C or better)
  • applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
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