Physics University of Siegen

All courses are taught in English; the working language in all research groups is English.

The University of Siegen offers a Master’s programme in Physics with a duration of four semesters.

General Information
The Master of Science in Physics is a research-oriented study programme. During the first year, students choose lectures and courses. In the second year, students carry out a project in one of the research groups, leading to the Master's thesis. The programme does not require knowledge of the German language. Admission is possible each year in spring and autumn.

Research
At the Department of Physics, about 400 students and 16 professors work together, resulting in an excellent student-to-staff ratio. The department focuses its research activities on three topical research areas (particle physics, quantum optics and solid state physics). In detail, the research groups work on:

• Experimental high energy physics and astroparticle physics
• Theoretical particle physics
• Experimental quantum- and nano-optics
• Theoretical quantum optics and quantum information theory
• Experimental solid state physics

The researchers are involved in numerous international collaborations, giving young students the chance to work directly on challenging problems in current research.

For the winter semester (lectures starting in October):

• 1 January – 30 April for non-EU citizens
• 1 January – 30 September for EU citizens

For the summer semester (lectures starting in April):

• 1 July – 31 October for non-EU citizens
• 1 July – 31 March for EU citizens

Students with a degree from the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and who do not require a visa can use the extended deadline.

Structure and content
In the first year, students can choose lectures and courses according to their specialisation. We offer courses focused around the following topics:

• Experimental solid state physics
• Quantum information theory and foundations of quantum mechanics
• Experimental quantum optics and nano-optics
• Theoretical particle physics
• Experimental particle and astroparticle physics

The second year is devoted to the MSc thesis, which is prepared in one of the research groups. The aim of the thesis is to deliver a contribution to current research in theoretical or experimental physics. The excellent student-to-staff ratio at the department implies a direct supervision, and results from MSc theses are regularly published in international scientific journals.

An MSc degree is a precondition to enter a doctoral programme in Germany. The PhD research is then performed in one of the research groups and prospective PhD students have to find a professor who is willing to supervise their work. Typically, PhD theses last three to four years and PhD students get financial support.

Curriculum
The table displays an example of a curriculum for a specialisation in experimental solid state physics. The used abbreviations are: L4: lecture (four hours/week), L2: lecture (two hours/week), T2: tutorial (two hours/week), P4: lab course (four hours/week), S2: seminar (two hours/week), CP: credit points

No tuition fees

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 320 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 950 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

Applicants are required to hold a BSc in physics or be in the process of completing a BSc in physics.

The following application documents have to be submitted electronically:

• Cover letter (500 words)
• Curriculum vitae
• Certificates and transcripts of university education
• Proof of proficiency in English

Proficiency in English: TOEFL (IBT) 88, IELTS (academic) 6.0, PTE Academic 61, or level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

For the winter semester (lectures starting in October):

• 1 January – 30 April for non-EU citizens
• 1 January – 30 September for EU citizens

For the summer semester (lectures starting in April):

• 1 July – 31 October for non-EU citizens
• 1 July – 31 March for EU citizens

Students with a degree from the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and who do not require a visa can use the extended deadline.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

Students can easily find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. As a result, employment opportunities are very good, especially for jobs during the semester breaks and after graduation.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 270 EUR and 450 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the Forging International Talents – FIT in Siegen programme specifically supports international students throughout their entire studies, with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

The university offers international students activities throughout the entire duration of their studies, starting with orientation days and the placement of a buddy (who provides support in the first semester), continuing through various networking and personal development opportunities (e.g. Student Living Room, sessions for well-being), and culminating in initiatives that prepare students for the German job market and help them build relevant networks during their studies.