Introduction
Over the years the Department of Physics at the University of Trento has earned an outstanding reputation for excellence in research, undergraduate education, and postgraduate training. Our undergraduate and Master’s degree programs offer thorough coverage of the core areas of Modern Physics and a wide range of those vibrant and internationally leading research topics.
The Master’s degree program in Physics provides students with a solid grounding in all aspects of Modern Physics, both theoretical and experimental, along with an excellent grasp of the scientific method in research with a view to the most recent developments of scientific research and technology.
The Department of Physics offers a Master’s degree program that strongly supports a multidisciplinary approach to Physics and actively contributes to foster the development of new fields in Physics, deepening students’ own experience as researchers.
Program Overview
The Master’s degree program in Physics is a two-year full-time program taught in English and is designed to train and develop the careers of the next generation of physicists. Courses are tailored to cover all aspects of Modern Physics from the very basics to the current frontiers of knowledge.
More specifically, the Master’s degree program in Physics aims at providing students with both a foundation in Modern Physics and more advanced specializations in Physics, as well as fostering students’ knowledge and understanding of one of the internationally leading research topics in Physics as shown by the significant contribution of their thesis work. The final thesis will be supervised by a member of the faculty and students will be required to give a verbal defense of the thesis.
Once graduated with an MSc in Physics, students will manage to work autonomously and to take charge of projects and schemes in the fields of research and scientific and technological innovation. Students will be also able to employ their knowledge and skills for the planning of sophisticated measuring instruments and for the modeling of complex systems.
Courses
The Master’s degree course in Physics is a two-year full-time program taught in English and is designed to train and develop the careers of the next generation of physicists.
Courses are tailored to cover all aspects of Modern Physics from the very basics to the current frontiers of knowledge. More specifically, the Master’s degree course in Physics aims at providing students with both a foundation in Modern Physics and more advanced specializations in Physics, as well as fostering students’ knowledge and understanding of one of the internationally leading research topics in Physics as shown by the significant contribution of their thesis work.
The variety of the research areas is reflected by a course structure with 12 study plans suggested by the research areas active in the department:
Condensed Matter and Quantum Gases
Theory of Fundamental Interactions and Cosmology
Theoretical and Computational Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics
Statistical and Biological Physics
Astroparticle and Particle Physics
Biological and Medical Physics
Experiment Design and Implementation
Experimental Gravitation and Cosmology
Nanophotonics
Physics and Chemistry for Energy and the Environment
Physics of Complex Systems
Physical Science Communication and Teaching Methods
In order to achieve these goals, the Master of Science in Physics devotes approximately:
one third of its ECTS to the core lectures modules in modern Physics
one third to more specialized lecture modules in one of the research areas that are actively pursued in the Department of Physics
one third to the master thesis, which is coordinated within a research group under the guidance of a supervisor.
Total complete program: 120 ECTS
The courses are very demanding and students will find them to be a full-time job. Attendance of laboratory training sessions is compulsory and attendance of lectures and related active practicing sessions is strongly recommended.
Career Opportunities
The Master’s degree program in Physics focuses on introducing cutting-edge research as well as teaching and developing the careers of the next generation of physicists.
Students who have graduated with an MSc in Physics have received specific training in problem-solving techniques and developed their familiarity with sophisticated experimental and computational tools, which make them competitive in a wide range of sectors of the labor market, for example, finance, informatics, medicine, politics, and public administration.
The Master’s degree program in Physics also provides the necessary training and knowledge to undertake any PhDs in Physics or in any Physics-related subjects, for those thinking of pursuing an academic or research career.
Admission
Application deadlines
March for non-EU citizens living outside Italy
From June to November: rolling admission for EU citizens and non-EU citizens regularly living in Italy
How to apply
Access the online application form
Upload the required documents
Submit your online application by the deadline
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or related fields
Strong background in Physics and Maths
English at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Selection criteria
Coherence between the applicant’s previous studies and the academic objectives of the Master’s degree program in Physics
Academic curriculum
English language proficiency (if higher than B2)
Statement of purpose
Interview