International Master Students

Information for International Students

Master of Sciences in Physics

The Master’s degree programme Physics is designed for students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in physics or in solid state physics, astrophysics, biophysics, medical physics, or other primarily physics-related degrees. Also, degrees in related subjects (e.g. electrical engineering) are principally eligible, however, exclusively if within the curriculum a large and broad fraction of physics courses/lectures is contained. That is, most topics of general experimental and theoretical physics have to be covered in sufficient depth.

The Master’s degree programme aims at an advanced training in selected fields of physics, offers the opportunity for specialization and, finally, in its second phase, provides a one-year research training phase (including the Master thesis) directed towards the capability of performing independent research.

The general curriculum (two years of standard period of study) of the M.Sc. Physics course is principally structured – see also the summarizing table below – as follows:

The first year of study (two semesters) focuses on both, the deepening of theoretical and experimental foundations and methods of physics and can be used for specialization within a specific field.

For this you have to select from a set of mandatory advanced courses/modules in theoretical and experimental physics as well as practical laboratory courses/modules, and elective physics and also, if desired, non-physics courses/modules.

In this phase you can choose courses/modules according to your specific interest thus focusing on the general physical fields:

Condensed Matter Physics Astrophysics and Astroparticle Physics
Optical Sciences Physics in Life Sciences
Theoretical Physics Quantum Technologies

Within these general fields, advanced education in experimental and theoretical physics is covered broadly within the available modules, including potential across-field overlaps.

The second year of study (two semesters) is dedicated to a research training phase and the Master research project in experimental or theoretical physics. The results of the research project are documented in the written Master’s thesis and are presented orally (talk) in a subsequent colloquium.

Below the structure of an exemplary basic study plan is shown for the case starting in winter semester. It does not account for all possibilities you have in structuring and organizing your studies. It gives a general notion of how you may organize your studies depending on the regulations, and when certain modules are offered.

ECTS points & formal requirements for completion of the Master Physics curriculum

Students need to collect 120 ECTS credits (ECTS = European Credit Transfer System) for completion of the Master’s Physics degree (cf. NOTE 2 below).

Among these, students shall successfully complete modules from the mandatory modules of the Master’s Physics curriculum degree worth a minimum of 90 ECTS credits.

Students shall successfully complete modules from the elective subjects worth at least 20 ECTS credits.
This minimum of 110 ECTS credits required shall be complemented to the 120 ECTS credits through additional, freely chosen modules from the compulsory and elective subjects.

NOTE 1: All formal requirements for a successful completion of the M.Sc. Physics programme are outlined in detail in the examination regulations (for new entries in winter semester 2023/24 the regulation StuO-PO BSc Physik-MSc Physics 20230731 applies).
NOTE 2: Each module (lecture, seminar, practical laboratory work etc.) is rated by a specific number of ECTS points. Each module sets its own examination rules (e.g. written or oral exam, holding a seminar talk etc.). The ECTS points are awarded by fulfilling successfully the examination rules of the module. In terms of workload, one ECTS point is considered to represent 25 to 30 hours.

Language requirements

The Master’s Physics course can be studied entirely in English. The compulsory courses are offered in English only.
With the application for admission, proof of proficiency in English is required. The required English proficiency level is B2 (vantage/upper intermediate) (CEFR) or an equivalent score in another internationally recognized test such as TOEFL (at least 85 points in iBT), IELTS (5.0 or higher) or others.
Proof of English proficiency level B2 through school according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is accepted. No proof is needed for applicants who have acquired their school-leaving exam or their Bachelor’s degree in English.

Stipends for students outside Germany

Students from outside Germany are advised to consult the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) webpage https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/ for scholarship possibilities.

Application process

The application is requested online: https://www.campo.fau.de;
General information on the application procedure: https://www.fau.eu/international…

Application periods

  • 15th of April – 15th of July for the upcoming winter semester
  • 15th of October – 15th of January for the upcoming summer semester

NOTE: International applicants who require a visa are recommended, if possible, apply by 31st of May, for the upcoming winter semester and by 15th of November for the upcoming summer semester.

Application documents

Here are the necessary documents to be provided for the application listed in short. For a more detailed description, see the application web page:

  • Secondary education certificate (certified copy)
  • University degree certificate with transcript of records (certified copy).

NOTE: Applicants can also formally apply if they provide evidence that (i) at the time of the application periods they are registered B.Sc. students and (ii) they are registered to their final/concluding exams and will have completed their B.Sc. studies/course by the time they start the FAU Master’s course. For the formal admission to the FAU Master course the B.Sc. degree certificate must be provided. This certificate must be submitted not later than one year after having started the FAU Master’s course studies.

  • Tabular CV in English (not handwritten)
  • GRE Subject Test in Physics by ETS (www.ets.org). This document is not mandatory but highly recommended! Please, upload it under “additional documents”.
  • Proof of proficiency in English (cf. Language requirements). The required English proficiency level is B2 (vantage/upper intermediate) (CEFR) or an equivalent score in another internationally recognized test.
  • Only for applicants from India: It is strongly advised that you apply for your APS certification well before you carry out the application process.

 Application documents for internal FAU applicants

Students of the FAU Bachelor’s Physics course are kindly advised to refer to the internal applicant’s document list.

EXAMPLE of a basic study plan:

Study plan MSc Physics