The Master degree programme in Physics imparts enhanced mathematical and scientific knowledge together with an overview of interrelations within physics as well as expertise in a field of specialization that connects to current international research, so that complex physical problems can be analyzed, formulated and to a large extent solved by scientific means.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Academic Prerequisites
The Examinations Board shall determine compliance with these requirements.
Language Prerequisites
This course can be studied either in German or in English. Depending on this choice, please note the following language prerequisites:
English Language Option: Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language as follows:
German Language Option: Applicants who have not gotten their previous qualification (i.e. Bachelor's degree) from a German speaking institution must prove their German language proficiency should they choose to study this course in German. All informatione on language proficiency and accepted tests can be found on the website of the International Office.
Please note: for international applicants, a GRE Revised General Test (at least 157 points in „Quantitative Reasoning“ and at least 4.0 points in „Analytical Writing“) or a very good or good CGPA in the Bachelor program are required for admission.
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
International applicants can find all relevant information on the pages of the International Office and on this page under "Contact - Application and Enrollment of international students".
Please check the admission requirements in advance.
The Master degree programme in Physics imparts enhanced mathematical and scientific knowledge together with an overview of interrelations within physics as well as expertise in a field of specialization that connects to current international research, so that complex physical problems can be analyzed, formulated and to a large extent solved by scientific means. In particular, it provides the ability to familiarize oneself with new specialist subfields of physics, to review the pertinent current international scientific literature, to independently design, carry out and interpret experiments or alternatively to utilize models and simulations based on theoretical principles in order to solve physical problems.
Furthermore, it provides the ability to conceive and execute experiments or theoretical methods and assess the results and thereby to draw conclusions about technical developments and the advancement of science.
Complementing these subject-related qualifications, social skills, an awareness of the responsibility of science and the readiness to adhere to the rules of good scientific practice are acquired. Furthermore, the ability to debate complex scholarly topics and one's own scientific results in relation to the current state of research and to deliver written as well as oral presentations is developed.
The degree programme consists of an initial subject specialization phase, in which the students attend taught courses, and a subsequent research phase, which introduces students to independent research work in the field of physics by way of the master’s thesis. The master’s examination is intended to determine whether the students have mastered the principles of physics in terms of content and have acquired the systematic overview and methodological tools required for independent research work in the field of physics and its technological applications.
The master's programme "Physics" is a bilingual course of studies and can be studied either in German or in English. Modules are offered in German and English in the master’s program. If the master’s program is completed entirely in German or in English, there may be restrictions on choice of electives. Oral and written assessments, including the master’s thesis, may be completed in German or English.
The study program consists of a first section, in which the students participate in courses, and a second section, which introduces them to an independent research activity in the field of physics within the framework of a comprehensive master's thesis (research phase). In the context of the master's thesis, we determine whether the candidates have acquired the fundamentals of physics, a systematic overview, and methodological tools for independent research work in the field of physics and its technological applications.
First year (1st and 2nd semester)
Second year (3rd and 4th semester):
The Examination Regulation contains everything you need to know about your rights and obligations!
You can talk to your academic advisor about individual solutions. An exchange for a whole semester within the framework of the Erasmus program or a shorter internship with a cooperation partner is conceivable.
Company internships are not obligatory, but your student advisor can help arrange a company internship during the semester break.
If you would like to go deeper into the world of a researcher, we make it possible for you to do so during your studies as a research assistant (WHB). In the professors' working groups, you will conduct research on current issues together with bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral students.
In experimental physics we focus on semiconductor technology, optoelectronics, and photonics. Based on functional micro- and nanostructures, we lay the foundation for future technologies such as measurement and medical technology. We are particularly interested in quantum information, an ultrafast data processing with light particles instead of the charges and currents that are common today. In Theoretical Physics we are dedicated to understanding and predicting optical and electronic properties of solids and nanostructures.
An opportunity to take a more humorous and playful approach to laboratory work is offered by the Event Physics course. The goal of the course is to transform a physical phenomenon into a spectacular show experiment. The event physics consists of a colorful team of enthusiastic students from different years and subjects, such as computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, or cultural studies.
The Event Physics team then presents the finished experiments in extraordinary show lectures that regularly thrill the masses, for example in our Audimax in front of 600 spectators. Event physics has even been invited to external events or to appear on television.
As a physicist there are many occupational options: in research, at universities, in chemical, optical oder electronical industry. Due to their analytical skills physicists are also employed in management.
Some examples for vocational activities are:
Throughout the course of your degree, you may have some questions regarding vocational guidance and goal-setting. As the gateway between university and working life, the Career Service is on hand to answer all your career planning questions. Want to find out about potential careers, forge contacts with employers, identify your personal strengths and interests or clarify specific questions about starting out in a given career? Then make sure that you take advantage of the university’s comprehensive range of talks and workshops, practical projects, job and career portal and vocational preparation certificate upb+.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
If you enjoy university research, you can start a doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) after your master studies. PhD students are employed as scientific staff in a research group of theoretical or experimental physics (remuneration according to state tariff E13) and work independently on a scientific problem for about three years, publish their results in scientific journals and finish the PhD phase by writing the doctoral thesis and defending it (disputation).
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
Exceptionally, towards the end of the bachelor’s program, students can already listen to the first lectures from the Master's program. A necessary condition is that all examinations from semesters 1 to 4 have been successfully completed and 20 additional credit points have been earned. In any case, the plan should be discussed with the student's advisor. The selected master’s course cannot be taken via PAUL, but must be applied for via the "Application for Admission to an (Early) Master's Course".
As soon as the completion of all examinations is within reach, the regular transition ("regular transition upon (expected) completion of all examinations") should be initiated.
Learn more about the transition from bachelor to master.
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
Campus life
There’s far more to studying at Paderborn University than just your degree course. Those thirsty for knowledge, those seeking discussion and debate and all those looking for something new can, for example, benefit from the opportunity to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills at the university’s Centre for Language Studies or brush up their software skills on a doIT course. IMT:Media offers dedicated media workstations on which you can give your creativity free reign, while the university’s wide and varied sports programme ranges from Aikido to Zumba. Or why not get involved with the university’s radio station L’UniCo or its “universal” magazine or join one of our multitude of project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular programme of plays and shows performed by our University Drama Group, poetry slams and readings, our big band and university choir are just a few examples of the diverse cultural activities and events on offer at Paderborn University. One particular highlight is our AStA (German General Students’ Committee) summer festival: Up to 15,000 people each year attend what is probably Germany’s largest outdoor campus festival, to enjoy the summer party vibes to the beats of a host of local student bands, plus well-known headliners on a number of stages.
Campus
Almost all of Paderborn University’s buildings are located on campus, with ample green spaces for relaxing and plenty of places to eat: “Mensa Academica”, “Mensa Forum”, “Grill | Café” and “Caféte”, as well as “Lädchen”, our small campus kiosk. Everything is within easy reach, within just a short walking distance. Our library is also centrally located, and a great place to study, thanks to its handy opening hours.
Accommodation
If you’d like to live on or close to campus, you can apply to Paderborn University’s Student Union for a place in university accommodation. You can also find private accommodation to rent, both near the university and city centre and in Paderborn’s various residential areas though the usual housing portals.
Finance
Students who need or wish to work alongside their degree should easily be able to fit a part-time job around their studies. A scholarship or BAföG federal student grant or loan are further options to help you fund your course and living expenses.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every question and concern. Our advice and service centres, for example, are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your academic or research work, applying for your dream job, funding options and much more.
Our university is a cosmopolitan university, with a clear gender and diversity policy. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender and family-friendly work and study culture for a number of years now. This includes helping students achieve a better study-life balance and supporting students with health issues.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Student Council Physics
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
Registrar’s Office
Examination Office
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.