MA Physics 120 ECTS
Career Targets and Fields of Activity
Physics graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities, as their ability to analyse and solve complex problems enables them to familiarise themselves very quickly with less familiar topics. Studying physics with a Master's degree therefore offers a wide range of opportunities. Thanks to their interdisciplinary training, graduates are highly versatile and have excellent and secure career opportunities in a wide range of sectors, such as
- in industrial research and development centres
- in teaching at schools, colleges and universities
- as an IT expert both in companies and as a freelancer
- in the patent system (law firms and patent offices)
- at management consultancies, financial service providers, insurance companies and banks
- in the public sector
Despite changing economic conditions, the opportunities on the labour market for graduates in physics are very good and have remained so for a long time.
Qualification Targets
After having successfully completed their studies the graduates safulfil the following requirements:
- The graduates are highly skilled in abstract thinking, they are able to think analytically, they have a high problem-solving competence and are able to structure complex interrelations .
- The graduates have a wide overview of the different areas of physics and of connections to other sciences .
- They have profound knowledge of the mathematical and theoretical basics of physics as well as profound knowledge of the theoretical and experimental methods to gain new insights.
- They are able to transfer their abilities and expertise to research projects and know the current state of research in at least one speciality .
- With the help of primary literature, especially in English, they are able to become acquainted with the current state of research in a speciality .
- They have the ability to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to concrete experimental or theoretical physical tasks, to develop solutions and to interpret and assess the results.
- Even with incomplete information they are in a position to work independently on physical problems, applying scientific methods and following the rules of good scientific practice, and to present, assess and attend to the results and consequences of their work.
- They are able to discuss physical topics on the current state of research with other physicists and also to explain connections to physics to non-scientists.
- As physicists they are able to work in or even lead interdisciplinary and international teams with (natural) scientists and/or engineers in research, industry and economy.
Scientific Qualification
| Qualification Target | Method | How to reach the target |
| The graduates have profound knowledge of the mathematical, experimental and theoretical basics of physics | Elective modules | seminar talk, written exam and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates can resort to profound knowledge of the theoretical and experimental methods to gain new insights | MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | project paper, MA-Thesis |
| The graduates have a wide overview of the different areas of physics | Elective modules (Experiment and Theory) | project paper, MA-Thesis |
| The graduates know scientific areas adjacent to physics and realise interdisciplinary connections. | Elective modules, sector „Non-physical minor subject“ | seminar talk, written exam and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates have are highly skilled in abstract thinking, they are able to think analytically, they have a high problem-solving competence and are in a position to structure complex interrelations. | Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory experiments, minutes, seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates transfer their abilities and expertise to research projects and know the current state of research in at least one speciality. | Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory experiments, minutes, seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates are able to discuss physical topics on the current state of research with other physicists. | Advanced seminar for degree candidates, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates are in a position to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to concrete experimental or theoretical physical tasks, to develop solutions and to interpret and assess the results. | MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis |
| With the help of primary literature, especially in English, the graduates are able to become acquainted with the current state of research in a speciality. | Advanced seminar for degree candidates, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, MA-Thesis |
| Graduates understand the global challenges of our time and the principles of sustainability, taking into account ecological, social, and economic dimensions, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the concept of planetary boundaries. | Introductory lectures and exercises | Seminar presentation, MA-Thesis |
| Graduates are able to develop and critically evaluate scientifically grounded solutions to global and regional sustainability challenges. | Specific required elective modules | Seminar presentation, written exam, and/or individual oral exam |
Qualification to start a job
| Qualification Target | Method | How to reach the target |
| Even with incomplete information the graduates are in a position to work independently on physical problems, following the rules of good scientific practice, and to present, assess and attend to the results and consequences of their work. | Advanced seminar for degree candidates, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis |
| As physicists the graduates are able to work in or even lead interdisciplinary and international teams with (natural) scientists and/or engineers in research, industry and economy. | Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory expermiments , minutes, seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates have the ability to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to concrete experimental or theoretical physical tasks, to develop solutions and to interpret and assess the results. | Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory experiments and minutes, seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis |
| The graduates are able to transfer their abilities and expertise to research projects and know the current state of research in at least one speciality. | Elective modules, MA-project modules | seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis |
| Graduates are able to address sustainability issues in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner and combine different perspectives in a goal-oriented way. | The University's Online Program | Seminar presentation Report |
Self-development
| Qualification Target | Method | How to reach the target |
| Even with incomplete information the graduates are in a position to work independently on physical problems, and to present, assess and attend to the results and consequences of their work. | MA-project modules | seminar talk, project paper |
| The gradues know the rules of good scientific practice and take them into account | MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper, MA- Thesis |
| Graduates reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in the context of global challenges and sustainability and develop a professional identity grounded in ethical principles. | Advanced Seminar, MA-Thesis | written MA-Thesis |
Qualification for social commitment
| Qualification Target | Method | How to reach the target |
| The graduates are able to critically reflect scientific developments and to capture their impact on economy, society and environment. (technological impact assessment) | Specific elective modules (e.g. thermodynamics and economics) | seminar talk, written examination and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates have enlargened their knowledge concerning economic, social, natural scientific or cultural questions (to name but a few) and are able to attend to their views reasonably. | Current reference in modules, MA-project modules | seminar talk and talk to present the MA-Thesis |
| The graduates are able to discuss physical topics on the current state of research with other physicists and also to explain physical correlations to non-scientists. | Elective modules, MA-project modules | seminar talk, written examination and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates have developped the willingness and ability to show their skills in participative processes and actively contribute to decisions. | Committees and student representative committee | panel work and panel meetings |
| Graduates are able to critically analyze scientific and societal developments in the context of sustainability and actively contribute their expertise to relevant planning and decision-making processes. | The University's Online Program | seminar presentation report |
