MA Physics 120 ECTS

Master's degree subject Physics (M. Sc., 120 ECTS)

Career Goals and Fields of Activity

Physics graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities, as their ability to analyse and solve complex problems enables them to familiarise themselves very quickly with less familiar topics. Studying physics with a Master's degree therefore offers a wide range of opportunities. Thanks to their interdisciplinary training, graduates are highly versatile and have excellent and secure career opportunities in a wide range of sectors, such as

in industrial research and development centres
in teaching at schools, colleges and universities
as an IT expert both in companies and as a freelancer
in the patent system (law firms and patent offices)
at management consultancies, financial service providers, insurance companies and banks
in the public sector

Despite changing economic conditions, the opportunities on the labour market for graduates in physics are very good and have remained so for a long time.

Qualification Goals

After successfully completing the programme, graduates have the following skills:

Graduates have a high capacity for abstraction, the ability to think analytically, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to structure complex interrelationships.
Graduates have a broad overview of the sub-areas of physics and interdisciplinary contexts.
Graduates have in-depth knowledge of the mathematical and theoretical foundations of physics as well as sound knowledge of the theoretical and experimental methods used to gain new insights.
Graduates are able to apply their skills and knowledge in projects and have knowledge of the current state of research in at least one specialised area of physics.
Graduates are able to familiarise themselves with the current state of research in a specialist field using primary literature, especially in English.
Graduates are able to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to specific experimental or theoretical physical problems, develop solutions and interpret and evaluate the results.
Graduates are able to work independently on physical problems, even with incomplete information, using scientific methods and observing the rules of good scientific practice, and to present, evaluate and defend the results and consequences of their work.
Graduates will be able to discuss physical issues with experts at the cutting edge of research and explain physical relationships to non-scientists.
As a physicist, graduates are able to work in or lead interdisciplinary and international teams of (natural) scientists and/or engineers in research, industry and business.

Scientific Qualification

Qualification Goal	Implementation	Target Achievement
Graduates have in-depth knowledge of the mathematical, experimental and theoretical foundations of physics.	compulsory elective modules	seminar presentation, written examination and/or individual oral examination
Graduates have a sound knowledge of the theoretical and experimental methods used to gain new insights.	MA project modules, MA thesis	project work, MA thesis
Graduates have a broad overview of the sub-areas of physics.	compulsory elective modules (experiment and theory)	seminar presentation, written examination and/or individual oral examination
Graduates are familiar with related fields of physics and recognise interdisciplinary connections.	compulsory elective modules in the area of "non-physics minor"	seminar presentation, written examination and/or individual oral examination
Graduates have a high capacity for abstraction, analytical thinking, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to structure complex interrelationships.	advanced laboratory course, MA project modules, MA thesis	experiments, protocols, seminar presentation, project work
Graduates apply their skills and knowledge in projects and have knowledge of the current state of research in at least one specialised area of physics.	advanced laboratory course, MA project modules, MA thesis	experiments, protocols, seminar presentation, project work
Graduates are able to discuss physical issues with experts at the cutting edge of research.	advanced seminar, MA project modules, MA thesis	seminar presentation, project work
Graduates are able to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to specific experimental or theoretical physical problems, develop solutions and interpret and evaluate the results.	MA project modules, MA thesis	seminar presentation, project work, MA thesis
Graduates are able to familiarise themselves with the current state of research in a specialist field using primary literature, particularly in English.	advanced seminar, MA thesis	seminar presentation, MA thesis

Ability to take up gainful employment

Qualification Goals	Implementation	Target Achievement
Graduates are able to work independently on physical problems scientifically and in accordance with the rules of good scientific practice, even when information is incomplete, and to present, evaluate and defend the results and consequences of their work.	advanced seminar, MA project modules, MA thesis	seminar presentation, project work, MA thesis
Graduates have the ability to work as physicists in interdisciplinary and international teams of (natural) scientists and/or engineers in research, industry and business or to lead such teams.	advanced laboratory course, MA project modules, MA thesis	experiments, protocols, seminar presentation, project work
Graduates are able to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to specific experimental or theoretical physical problems, develop solutions and interpret and evaluate the results.	advanced laboratory course, MA project modules, MA thesis	experiments and protocols, seminar presentation, project work, MA thesis
Graduates are able to apply their skills and knowledge in projects and have knowledge of the current state of research in at least one specialised area of physics.	compulsory elective modules, MA project modules	seminar presentation, project work, MA thesis

Personality Development

Qualification Goals	Implementation	Target Achievement
Graduates are able to work on physical problems scientifically and independently, even with incomplete information, and to present, evaluate and defend the results and consequences of their work.	MA project modules	seminar presentation, project work
Graduates know the rules of good scientific practice and observe them.	MA project modules, MA thesis	seminar presentation, project work, MA thesis

Empowerment for social engagement

Qualification Goals	Implementation	Target Achievement
Graduates are able to critically reflect on scientific developments and recognise their impact on the economy, society and the environment. (technology assessment).	specific compulsory elective modules (e.g. thermodynamics and economics)	seminar presentation, written examination and/or individual oral examination
Graduates have expanded their knowledge of economic, social, scientific, cultural, etc. issues and are able to take a well-founded position. They have expanded their knowledge of economic, social, scientific, cultural, etc. issues and can take a well-founded position.	current references in modules, MA project modules	seminar presentation and MA thesis presentation
Graduates are able to discuss physical issues at the current state of research and explain physical relationships to non-scientists.	compulsory elective modules, MA project modules	seminar presentation, written examination and/or individual oral examination
Graduates have developed the willingness and ability to contribute their competences to participative processes and actively participate in decision-making.	commissions and student council	committee work and meetings