Department of physics
The Master's program in physics at the Universität Hamburg
The Master's degree course in physics deepens the basic knowledge acquired in the Bachelor degree course studies, and provides specialized knowledge which is based on current research. The focus is on research methods, independent and responsible conduct, as well as strategic planning of the approach and the critical classification of scientific findings. The aim of the course is to enable independent scientific work. Additionally, the Master's degree enables the pursuit of doctoral studies. Students are given the opportunity to participate in current research projects through scientific institutions such as: the Center for Optical Quantum Technologies (ZOQ), the Center for Free Electron Laser Science (CFEL), and close cooperation with the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY).
Career Prospects
The job market offers splendid opportunities for physicists: the range of occupations is diverse and increasingly encompasses interdisciplinary areas of work. They are typically engaged at research facilities and institutes as well as universities. In addition, physicists are also in high demand in enterprises that involve mechanical and automotive engineering, the manufacture of medical devices, the semiconductor industry, the energy sector, data processing services, or in software development, and as experts in engineering and scientific journalism. Other areas of activity are in public administration, e.g. in the Office of Weights and Measures at the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.
Course Structure
The course of study is divided into a graduate coursework phase and a research phase:
- In the first two semesters acquired knowledge of the field is developed, and electives are chosen. In this year skills in at least one research area, corresponding to the main research areas of the department, are expanded:
- Accelerator and elementary particle physics
- Solid state and nanostructure physics
- Laser physics and photonics
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Biomedical Physics
- The one-year research phase follows in the third and fourth semesters. During which students in a research group complete the semi-year Master's thesis after the practice, and the preparation project.