MSc Physics
General Information
The Faculty of Physics at LMU Munich offers a four-semester Master of Science degree program in Physics. Studies can be started both in the winter and summer semester. This Master's program is divided into two blocks: In the first and second semesters the Master's students attend courses in advanced physics and in the Faculty's research specialization areas. The third and fourth semesters are devoted to the one-year Master's thesis.
Goals
The primary goals of the Master's program in Physics are to impart expertise in current research topics on the basis of a deeper knowledge of the fundamentals of physics. Research methods, strategic planning, and critical evaluation of scientific findings, acting autonomously as well as career-relevant qualifications are central. During the two-year course of study, the ability to proceed methodically in both theoretical and practical physics is developed. Building on the knowledge gained during the first two semesters, these abilities will be strengthened during the one-year-long research phase of the third and fourth semesters.
Entry Requirements
You will find details on the application and assessment procedures at Application for Admission to a Master of Science Degree Program.
Degree structure and credit points
You may start studying the Master's program in Physics in October as well as in April. In total, students in the Master's program in Physics need to achieve 120 ECTS credit points, distributed in the following manner:
| 1st term | 2nd term | 3rd term | 4th term | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Physics
(Pflichtveranstaltungen i.e. mandatory)
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| Theoretical Physics
(Pflichtveranstaltungen i.e. mandatory)
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| Specialization | Physics Seminar 3 ECTS / graded
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P8 Practical phase I 15 ECTS / not graded
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Master's thesis 30 ECTS / graded
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| Elective courses (*) 36 ECTS / graded
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P9 Practical phase II 15 ECTS / graded
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| Key Qualifications | SQ Key qualifications 3 ECTS / not graded
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(*) Details
Elective courses (lectures, exercises, seminars and/or lab courses) from the Faculty's research specialization areas (altogether 36 ECTS). Please note that
- at most 12 ECTS points from lab courses may be recognized.
- one seminar is mandatory. Additionally up to 12 ECTS points from further seminars may be recognized.
Courses are listed in the course catalogue.
Nearly all lectures will be given in English. Some of the courses may be offered in German but the Master programm can be done completely in English. Usually, German courses will be given in English upon request. Please contact the corresponding professor for more specific informations.
Mandatory Courses
Advanced Experimental Physics module
In Advanced Experimental Physics, you need to attend one of the following lectures:
- Advanced Particle Physics,
- Advanced Solid State Physics
Each of these lectures is offered at least every second semester. They are listed in the course catalogue as Pflichtvorlesungen.
If you choose to attend both lectures, the one that is not credited to the Advanced Experimental Physics module can be credited as elective course on request.
Advanced experimental lectures will be given in English.
Advanced Theoretical Physics module
In Advanced Theoretical Physics, you need to attend one of the following lectures:
- Advanced Statistical Physics,
- Quantum Mechanics II.
Each of these lectures is offered at least every second semester. They are listed in the course catalogue as Pflichtvorlesungen.
If you choose to attend both lectures, the one that is not credited to the Advanced Theoretical Physics module can be credited as elective course on request.
Advanced theoretical lectures will be given in English.
Elective Courses
The elective courses need to be chosen from the Faculty's research specialization areas. The lecture titles are listed in the course catalogue.
The Faculty's research specializations are:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics, Cosmology
- Molecular Biophysics, Statistical Physics
- Solid State Physics, Nanophysics
- High- and Medium-Energy Physics, Mathematical Physics
- Laser Optics und Quantum Optics
- Meteorology, Atmospheric Physics
- Medical Physics
Within their elective courses, students may choose to concentrate on a particular field, for example in Biophysics, Medical Physics, Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics. For more details, see specialization.
Nearly all the elective lectures will be given in English. Some of the courses may be offered in German but the Master programm can be done completely in English. Usually, German courses will be given in English upon request. Please contact the corresponding professor for more specific informations.
Specialization
Within their elective courses, students may choose to concentrate on a particular field, for example:
Biophysics |
Medical Physics |
Astrophysics |
Atmospheric Physics |
Study and Examination Regulations
Study and examination regulations for the Master of Science degree program in Physics are currently only available in German. They may be found on the Faculty's German website.
Master's Examination and Academic Degree
The Master's degree is the professional qualification attained by examination after scientific training has been completed. In addition, the Master's degree enables the graduates to enter a Ph.D. degree program in the field of Physics. The Faculty of Physics awards the graduates the academic degree of „Master of Science“ (M.Sc.).
Professional Qualification
Graduates of the Master of Science degree program in Physics have attained a degree of knowledge in modern physics at the highest international level. Because of the broad range of the program they will be able to apply their training to other areas and research topics in their subsequent careers. The Master's degree in Physics enables graduates to work independently as physicists in research and university teaching, as well as in manufacturing and service industries. Their future jobs will be concentrated in fundamental physical research, applied research and development (e.g. natural-science, technology, IT and medicine), as well as in modern administration and service businesses.
Downloads and further References
- Study and examination regulations Msc Physics (only available in German)
- Examination Office in Physics