Master
The Master of Science in Physics at the University of Basel is a four-semester (120 credit point) program offered entirely in English. It leads to the internationally recognized degree of Master of Science in Physics and prepares graduates for careers in research, industry and other demanding professional fields. The program can be started in either the autumn or spring semester. Admission to the Master's degree program requires a Bachelor's degree in Physics.
For more detailed information about the Physics Master's degree and the structure, please click here.
Structure
The Master's program is divided into five modules:
| Module | Content | CP |
| Specialized Courses | Advanced lectures for specialization | 40–50 |
| Project Work | Research project in a research group | 12 |
| Master's Examination | Oral master's examination | 8 |
| Master's Thesis | Master thesis | 50 |
| Electives | Freely chosen courses | 0–10 |
| Total | 120 |
For full details on each module, the project work, examination and thesis, see the Master in Detail page.
Admission, Application, Tuition Fees
Detailed regulations are found in the Regulation of the Faculty of Science for the Master's Study and the Study Plan for the Master in Physics (both available in German). Further information is provided in the study guidelines.
Holders of a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Basel are admitted directly. The following Bachelor's degrees from the University of Basel also confer direct admission:
- Bachelor in Nanosciences (with successful completion of the elective courses Quantum Mechanics and Electrodynamics)
- Bachelor in Computational Sciences with specialization in Computational Physics
Applicants holding a Bachelor's degree from another university or in a different subject must have the equivalent of a 180CP Bachelor's degree in Physics. The admissions committee of the Faculty of Science decides on a case-by-case basis. For questions about admission please contact the central Student Administration Office.
Applications are submitted online. Deadlines are typically 30 November for a spring-semester start and 30 April for an autumn-semester start. Details on tuition fees can be found on the University website. Please see more details here.
All Master's courses, proseminars, department seminars and colloquia are generally held in English. The scientific working language of the department is English, so research participation does not require knowledge of German. Some elective courses taken outside the Physics department may be taught in German.
International students on a student visa must be enrolled full-time. University rules do not permit employment of Master's students within the department. Students should therefore plan to fund their living costs independently; limited part-time employment as a student assistant may in some cases be possible but will not cover the cost of living.
Bachelor and Master students with an outstanding grade average and demonstrated personal engagement may apply for a travel stipend from the Department of Physics, for example to attend an international conference. Eligibility criteria:
- Physics Bachelor or Master students enrolled at the University of Basel
- Outstanding academic performance
- Demonstrated added benefit of the travel for their studies
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted at least six weeks before departure. Required documents: CV, transcript of records, description of the purpose of travel, motivational letter (max. 500 words, in German or English), and a travel budget. Submit all documents to the Physics Studies Committee.
There is no legal entitlement to a travel stipend and no right of appeal against the committee's decision. If a stipend is awarded, the recipient must submit a completed travel expense form with all receipts within six weeks of returning.
Studies committee
Head of the Studies Committee
Studies Coordinator
Important
The information on this website is not legally binding and may not reflect the most recent changes in the study regulations (Studienordnung). To obtain more information and in case of questions, please contact us.
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