MSc Physics RWTH Aachen University

Courses are taught entirely in English.

Study Physics in English at a World-Renowned Institution: The MSc Physics Programme at RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University's internationally renowned Department of Physics, comprising eleven institutes covering a broad spectrum of research, offers a comprehensive Master's programme in Physics taught entirely in English.

Programme Highlights:

• Diverse Curriculum: Choose from a wide selection of foundational and specialised Master's courses.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Participate directly in high-quality research at one of Germany's leading technical universities.
• Flexible Study Paths: Tailor your studies towards fundamental physics or explore applied areas with opportunities at the interface to data science, engineering, and life sciences.

World-Class Research Environment:

Our department is recognised globally for contributions to both theoretical and experimental physics. Key research areas include:

• Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics & Cosmology: We are actively involved in major international collaborations, such as the CMS experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and the AMS experiment on the International Space Station. 
• Condensed Matter Physics: Research focuses on the electronic properties of novel quantum materials, emergent phenomena, and ultra-fast physics. This work benefits significantly from our close collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich through the Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA).

International and Interdisciplinary Opportunities:

• Global Networks: Benefit from our extensive international connections. We value the global perspective of our graduates and actively support research stays abroad. Furthermore, completing your Master's thesis within our research groups provides ample opportunities for engaging with the international scientific community.
• Interdisciplinary Synergy: As a leading technical university, RWTH Aachen offers exceptional interdisciplinary pathways. Explore connections to data science, engineering, and life sciences. Specialised tracks like Nanoelectronics and Quantum Technology, offered jointly with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, exemplify this approach. Collaborations also extend to renowned external institutes like the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology and the Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Technology.

Your Future in Physics:

Overall, the MSc Physics programme at RWTH Aachen provides a challenging and rewarding education, equipping graduates with the advanced skills and research experience necessary to excel in demanding careers in academic research or industry worldwide.

Beginning: Start in winter semester strongly recommended due to curriculum

Non-EU applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester and 1 September for the following summer semester

EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester

Apply here.

Programme Structure and Options: MSc Physics at RWTH Aachen

The international Master's programme in Physics at RWTH Aachen University is a two-year, English-taught programme designed to build advanced knowledge and research skills.

Year One: Foundations and Specialisation
The first year focuses on comprehensive coursework, including advanced lectures, specialised seminars, and hands-on laboratory courses, providing a strong foundation for your chosen area.

Year Two: Research Focus
The second year is primarily dedicated to an individual research project. This allows you to delve deep into a specific topic, work within one of our research groups, and culminate your studies with your Master's thesis.

Specialisation Tracks: To tailor your studies to your interests, the programme is structured around seven distinct specialisation tracks:

1. Experimental Particle Physics
2. Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology
3. Quantum Field Theory and Gauge Theories
4. Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
5. Nanoelectronics
6. Quantum Technology
7. Condensed Matter Theory

Each track includes core mandatory courses specific to the specialisation, complemented by a wide range of elective options.

Elective Courses and Subsidiary Subjects:

• Elective Courses: You have the flexibility to choose elective courses from specialised topics offered by the physics faculty, leading researchers at the nearby Forschungszentrum Jülich, and relevant courses within other related Master's programmes at RWTH Aachen. A detailed overview is available in the official course module catalogue.
• Subsidiary Subjects: To broaden your academic profile, you can select subsidiary courses from a diverse array of other RWTH Master's programmes. Examples include aerospace technology, astronomy, biomedical engineering, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, geophysics, laser technology, mathematics, patent law, philosophy, technical acoustics, and materials science.

Hands-on Experience: Labs and Master's Thesis:

• Laboratory Courses: Extensive laboratory courses in the first year are conducted in well-equipped, modern facilities within the Department of Physics. These provide the practical skills and qualifications essential for your subsequent research work.
• Research Project (Master's Thesis): The significant research project in your second year forms the basis of your Master's thesis. You can choose your project from the cutting-edge research fields within the Department of Physics, at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, or potentially at another institute within RWTH Aachen University. Exploring the research activities of the department online can help you find your area of interest.

RWTH Aachen University offers many exchange programmes with other universities.

Mandatory internship in one of the research groups of the department as preparation for the Master's thesis

No tuition fees

The RWTH Aachen University’s semester fee of approx. 300 EUR is a student body and social contribution fee that every student must pay each semester in order to stay enrolled as an active student. It includes, among other benefits, a "semester ticket" covering free access to local public transportation within Germany ("Deutschlandticket").

The average cost of living, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be at least 1,000 EUR per month. A detailed calculation can be found here.

• Bachelor's degree in Physics (or equivalent)
• GRE subject test physics or GRE general test
• Applicants for the programme must show their professional qualification by having acquired the following:
  • at least 17 ECTS credits in the field of Experimental Physics (Atoms, Molecules and Nuclei, Solid State Physics, Particles and Astrophysics)
  • at least 16 ECTS credits in the field of Theoretical Physics (Quantum Theory, Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics)
  • at least 9 ECTS credits of an Advanced Laboratory Course.

These must be equivalent to the courses in the Bachelor's programme in Physics at RWTH Aachen University. If your submitted documents do not prove sufficient qualification in these fields, your application may be refused or you may be admitted to the Master's degree programme with the condition of having to take courses from the Bachelor's programme in Physics at RWTH Aachen University.

The English-taught Master's programme in Physics requires proficiency in English (oral and written) in order to understand lectures, textbooks, and manuals. English is also necessary for participation in laboratory projects, industrial internships, and examinations. Proficiency in English must be proven by one of the following certificates that can be found here.

Non-EU applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester and 1 September for the following summer semester

EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester

Apply here.

Informations regarding financial matters and funding opportunities are listed here.

Students enrolled at RWTH Aachen University have the opportunity to find a job on campus and work for up to 19 hours per week. This also allows students to become more familiar with the university institutes and take part in projects related to their field of study. The maximum working limit for off-campus work is 120 full days / 240 half days per year for non-EU students.

Accommodation in Aachen

Career for graduates

Info Service Center – International Office

With 260 institutes, nine faculties and three Clusters of Excellence, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 45,000 students are enrolled in 174 courses of study. Of these students, more than 14,000 are international students. RWTH Aachen is well-known for its state-of-the-art education that tackles some of the world’s most pressing global challenges. Our graduates are highly sought after by businesses and industry as trainees and for executive positions.

The student city of Aachen is a vibrant and historic place located at the border triangle of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne. After the departure of the Romans from this region, Charlemagne finally managed to forge the lion’s share of Europe into something that resembled an administrative unity, with Aachen as the beating heart of the empire. The "Rathaus" (city hall) and "Dom" (cathedral) bear witness to this earliest Carolingian building history. During your time in Aachen, you will have the opportunity to discover the city, its history and its most important sights. Moreover, you will experience student life at one of Europe's leading technical universities and become part of the international student community. There is no better place to encounter European culture while challenging yourself in our programmes.