Master in Physics

Master in Physics is one of 8 English-taught Physics programmes at master’s level in the register, offered by 4 institutions. 8 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland; this programme lists EUR 1,453 a year. 8 are at a public university, where EU, EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters. The same programme title is offered at 2 institutions, so compare the content, campus and requirements before you choose.

The Master's in Physics at the University of Graz is taught in English and run jointly with TU Graz. You get access to the physics institutes of both universities, which means high-quality labs and equipment for your practical work and master's thesis.

What you study

You start with a broad physical-mathematical base. The compulsory modules are Statistical Physics, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, and Introduction to General Relativity and Cosmology. In Statistical Physics you cover quantum statistics. Advanced Quantum Mechanics deals with many-body theory, scattering theory and the interaction between radiation and matter. The general relativity module introduces the fundamental concepts and looks at current cosmological observations.

Then you pick one of five specialisations:

• Astrophysics: the physics of stars, the solar system and exoplanets.
• Atmospheric Physics and Climate: the Earth's climate system, measuring and modelling atmospheric dynamics.
• Experimental Physics: nanooptics, biophysics, novel quantum materials and atomic processes on surfaces.
• Space Physics and Aeronomy: physics of extra-terrestrial atmospheres and magnetospheres and their experimental observation.
• Theoretical and Computational Physics: theoretical description and computer simulation of elementary particles and nanomaterials.

You can also build individual, in-depth modules with a mentor. Practical exercises connect you to current research topics such as Nano- and Quantum Materials or Change Monitoring of System Earth.

How the programme is organised

The degree takes four semesters and 120 ECTS. Teaching is in English. The programme is a cooperation between the University of Graz and TU Graz, so you can use the physics institutes at both. International exchange matters here: the physics colloquium brings in visiting professors who spend several weeks at the institutes. There are cooperation networks with CERN, international universities, the Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change and the Graz Space Research Institute. The student association IAPS organises conferences, excursions (for example to CERN, the Joint European Torus or the Gran Sasso National Laboratory), summer schools and exchange programmes.

Who it suits

This is for you if you want a demanding physics education and the freedom to specialise. The broad base in statistical physics, quantum mechanics and relativity is followed by a deep dive into one area. You should be comfortable with mathematical methods and interested in research. The programme suits people who want to work in labs, on simulations or in the field, and who value international contacts.

Admission, language and next steps

You need a completed relevant bachelor's degree. Graduates of the Physics bachelor's at TU Graz or the University of Graz are admitted without conditions. Other national or international degrees are checked against the curriculum. You must prove English language competence. Applications go directly to the institution, not through a central portal. The institution's own page gives the application period. As a public university, EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters; other students pay a fee per semester.

The students of the English-language master's degree programme in Physics will receive a demanding education in physics and mathematics in general and they can also choose one of the following five specialisations: "Atmospheric Physics and Climate", "Astrophysics", "Experimental Physics", "Space Physics and Aeronomy", "Theoretical and Computational Physics". In addition to these suggested specialisations the students can shape their modules in a flexible way and, if they wish, have individual specialisations approved to be best prepared for future requirements.

in collaboration with the University of Graz

There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Graz. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entrance examination, as the register states it: No. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.