MSc Physics
Leiden University
Key Information
Campus location
Leiden, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,314 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* for non-EEA applicants: €19,600
Introduction
The Physics master’s programme offers you a research intensive tailor-made study path on current topics in experimental and theoretical physics at an institute of international renown.
What does this master’s programme entail?
The Physics master’s programme is intimately related to the scientific research carried out at the Leiden Institute of Physics. You will spend approximately 50% of your programme on research, as a member of one of our top-level international research groups. We offer five research specialisations, with emphasis on either experimental or theoretical physics, which train you as an independent researcher. We also offer three specialisations that put Physics in broader societal contexts and train you for careers where a Physics background is an asset. Each of these specialisations aims at providing a combination of research independence and content proficiency that fully prepares you for your professional development.
Why study Physics at Leiden University?
- The programme offers a wide choice of individual study paths that take into account individual needs and interests. You can either build a purely academic profile, or you may combine physics research with education, business studies or science communication.
- You will carry out at least one research project with one of the research groups of the Leiden Institute of Physics. Research at the department is at the forefront of fundamental modern Physics at an internationally competitive level.
- At the Leiden Institute of Physics you experience an open, inclusive, and collegial atmosphere. Your weekly routine includes attending colloquia of international speakers, partaking in symposia and participating in lively scientific discussions.
Physics: the right master’s programme for you?
Are you looking into furthering your education in fundamental questions in physics? Then our Physics master’s programme is the right choice. Whether you are interested in experimental or theoretical research, or cosmology, we offer it all. You will be trained for a career in research within or outside academia. You can also choose for a more practical-oriented specialisation where you combine one year of Physics research with one year of training in business, communication or education.
Curriculum
Programme overview
The MSc Physics programme offers eight specialisations:
- Theoretical Physics: you follow a two-year programme constisting of 3/5ths of coursework and one 9month long project that prepares you for scientific research towards a PhD in a broad range of topics in theoretical Physics.
- Quantum Matter and Optics: you follow a programme in experimental physics constisting of 50% course work and 2 research projects in Condensed Matter problems.
- Biological and Soft Matter Physics: you follow a programme in experimental physics consisting of 50% coursework and 2 research projects in Biophysics or Soft Matter.
- Cosmology: You follow a joined programme with the department of Astronomy where you cover all aspects of modern astrophysics and carry out research projects tackling observation, interpretation, simulation and theory.
- Casimir pre-PhD: After entry to one of the Experimental or Theoretical Physics specialisations, you can be selected to the program that gives you the opportunity to raise the funds for a PhD on a topic of choice within the Casimir Research School (a collaboration between the University of Leiden and the Technical University of Delft) .
- Physics and Business Studies: You combine a training in Physics (1 year of courses and research project) with courses in business and entrepreneurship and an internship with a company
- Physics and Education (in Dutch): You combine a training in Physics (1 year of courses and research project) with courses in education and a teaching internship at a Dutch highschool. It leads to a teaching qualification valid for secondary education.
- Physics and Science Communication and Society (SCS): You combine a training in Physics (1 year of coursework and research project) with courses in communication and relating science to the public.
Admissions
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
With your Physics degree you are well prepared for broad array of career prospects in research or industry. The master degree is an excellent stepping stone for pursuing a PhD degree.
Acquired skills and competence
The goal of each programme is to train you as an independent researcher, and to develop the necessary skills and proficiency to advance your career. After graduating you will have excellent knowledge of fundamental Physics and highly developed curiosity-driven research skills. You will be a creative and independent scientist who is ready to continue in research. The research specialisations are an excellent stepping-stone for graduates with the ambition and aspiration to pursue a PhD degree.
Career
After completing the Physics master's programme you will have a broad array of career prospects. All students with a Master of Science in Physics are admissible to a PhD programme. If you have the desire to apply your knowledge of Physics outside the university, there are ample job possibilities in high-tech industry, software and consultancy companies worldwide, or a career as a teacher, science communicator or science policy maker.