MSc in Applied Physics

The programme is aimed for those who are interested in innovative engineering in research-intensive companies. The program provides interdisciplinary education covering engineering, physics, mathematics, physical oceanography and atmospheric physics bridging the gap between theoretical science and practical engineering.

Main specialisations

Physics and Mathematics; Oceanography and Meteorology

Speciality

Specialisation in Physics and Mathematics

Studies cover topics required for engineers working in science-based industry: scientific computing, mathematical modelling, mechanics of continua, fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics. One can choose between a wide range of elective courses covering both theoretical and practical areas, e.g. applied mathematics, computer simulations, experimental solid state physics, turbulence, particle physics, photoelasticity etc.

The range of graduation project topics supervised by outstanding specialists is even wider; a few to mention are: solitonics (Prof. Andrus Salupere), inverse problems in applied mathematics (Prof. Jaan Janno), turbulence and turbulent mixing (Prof. Jaan Kalda), experimental solid state physics incl. solar cells (Prof. Jüri Krustok), photoelasticity (internship in the world-leading company GlasStress), cosmology, high energy physics and material science (internship in National Institute of Chemical and Biological Physics), econophysics (internship in Swedbank).

Specialisation in Oceanography and Meteorology

The speciality of physical oceanography and atmospheric physics aims to give a fundamental and broad understanding of the physical processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and of the driving forces of Earth’s climate, in general. The students are familiarized with the modern methods and tools of environmental sciences, such as monitoring equipment and networks, remote sensing and numerical modelling. In addition, the students have an opportunity of studying complementing disciplines of environmental biology and chemistry, preparing them thereby for an interdisciplinary research. The courses in the curriculum help students to develop professional skills to counter environmental challenges across the world (climate change, severe weather, eutrophication, ocean acidification, coastal erosion). The theoretical studies are backed up by exercises and practical work using the modern research infrastructure of the Department of Marine Systems. An essential part of the curriculum is devoted to showing how to reach and preserve a healthy and natural environment on Earth, and to promoting sustainable development of our society.

The 2 year (120 ECTS) curriculum comprises the following modules:

• Entrepreneurship (6 ECTS)
• Core Studies (30 ECTS)
• Specialisation in Physics and Mathematics or Oceanography and Meteorology (48 ECTS)
• Free Choice Courses (6 ECTS)
• Graduation Thesis (30 ECTS)

Why this speciality?

• Students can use modern laboratories, for instance, the ones developing solar cells, semiconductor materials, photoelasticity etc.
• Internship in Swedbank is available for students opting for econophysics.
• TalTech University collaborates with National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics where students with interest in scientific research are welcome to work on their master’s thesis. Key research programmes are available HERE
• Students can be involved in measurement campaigns in the Baltic Sea using modern equipment on the board of the TalTech University’s research vessel "Salme" or cooperate with the national weather service using their data for research and analysis.
• Theoretical studies are connected to practices in marine, weather and climate modelling using analytical and numerical models of circulation, waves and biogeochemistry.
• Students participating in the development of regional observation methods for the marine parameters of the Baltic Sea have access to the satellite imagery acquired via cooperation with the European Space Agency.
• Students can learn how to use, and have access to operational weather and marine monitoring and forecasting services.

Future career

Programme graduates are distinguished by their versatility – the master programme provides a systematic knowledge of natural sciences creating thereby a broad and solid basis for lifelong learning. They can work in different research and development institutions, companies and services whose main activities are related to physics, mathematics, oceanography and/or meteorology.

The speciality of Physics and Mathematics

The graduates of the program have skills sought for in various professions, such as engineers or project managers in high-tech startup companies or well-established companies in the field of energy, nanotechnology, material sciences, data mining, measuring laboratories, applied mathematics, quantitative finance etc. Graduated students can also work in research projects related to physics and mathematics.

The speciality of Oceanography and Meteorology

The need for researchers and engineers with the knowledge of atmospheric and ocean physics together with skills of modern methods of monitoring and modelling has substantially increased. The sphere of potential applications is vast involving fields of climate change, meteorology, oceanography, space sciences. The researchers and engineers are needed in governmental institutions like national weather service, naval administration or environmental ministry or ministry of transportation, research institutes and universities, and nowadays increasingly in the private sector, as well. International cooperation in atmospheric and oceanic sciences has been instrumental in the success and advances of these knowledge areas. International cooperation organizations e.g. World Meteorological Organization and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or intergovernmental institutions e.g. European Centre of Medium Range Weather Forecasting, European Space Agency or EUMETSAT are truly interesting and forefront job opportunities.

Programme specific requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in natural sciences or technical fields

List of earlier passed courses about physics, mathematics, oceanography and meteorology and grades max. 20 points

Motivation letter

• Please include the following:
  • Why do you choose the Applied Physics program?
  • Which specification do you plan to choose (Physics and Mathematics or Oceanography and Meteorology)?
  • Your previous experience in physics, mathematics, oceanography and meteorology (previous work and study experiences, participation in various projects etc) and your roll.
  • Ideas for topics of master’s thesis.
  • Your future academic and career goals.
• Grading scale: 0-30

PS! It is important to properly cite any sources (quotations, publications, ideas which are not your own etc.) used in your motivation letter, because to do otherwise would be plagiarism and result in disqualification.

Online interview

• The aim of the interview is to understand the candidate’s knowledge of physics, mathematics, oceanography and meteorology, academic potential and motivation for studying. Questions are composed based on the submitted motivation letter. Also, the candidate has to answer questions and solve problems about physics, mathematics, oceanography and meteorology. Additionally, questions can include studying in TalTech University, candidate’s hobbies and general horizon of knowledge.
• The length of an interview varies between 10-20 minutes and will be conducted by the specialists in the programme you have applied for.
• Grading scale: 0-50

Students for TalTech international study programmes are admitted based on the admission threshold. Online interview will be conducted only to candidates who have passed the preliminary evaluation. The maximum score for all parts of the examination is 100 points. An applicant who receives the minimum of 51 points is admitted.