Physics

Explore, understand, and model physical reality using the most advanced mathematical, computational, experimental and observational techniques available. The Master of Physics thoroughly equips students with insight into the current status of physics research. Our physicists go on to rewrite our understanding of not only the natural world but also its interaction with society and industry.

KU Leuven organizes regular online info sessions. You can find more information on the KU Leuven website.

The Master of Science in Physics (120 ECTS) is a research-based master’s program in which you can specialise in the following fields of physics:

• Condensed Matter Physics:Cluster Physics, Surface and Interface Physics, Correlated Electron Systems, Semiconductor Physics, Soft Matter Physics, Physics of Biosystems
• Nuclear Physics:Physics Beyond the Standard Model, Structure of Exotic Nuclei: Decay, Reactions and Laser Spectroscopy, Theoretical Nuclear Physics
• Theoretical Physics:Complex Systems, Cosmology, Mathematical Physics, String Theory

After a semester following advanced courses in different disciplines of physics, you choose a major research profile consisting of advanced and specialised courses and a master’s thesis of 30 ECTS. The remaining 30 ECTS allow you to follow one of two options:

• The Research Option prepares you for a research career in academia or industry. You will broaden your research skills by choosing a minor research domain, including at least 12 ECTS courses from that domain and complemented by a research internship or with other courses.
• The Physics in Society Option offers you the opportunity to prepare for a career as a physicist outside academia through courses preparing you for entrepreneurship or via an internship in a company.

Career perspectives

Many research positions are available in this field. There are excellent career opportunities in ICT, material research, electronics, consulting, government, banking, social profit sector, and within higher education. More than half the students who obtain a master’s degree in physics eventually start a PhD program in one of the department’s research groups.

A number of graduates prefer to pursue a second master’s degree.

Courses include:

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics

• Historical and Social Aspects of Physics

• Experiments in Modern Physics

• Advanced Solid State Physics

• Advanced Nuclear Physics

• Advanced Soft and Biomatter Physics

• Quantum Field Theory

• You possess a bachelor's degree in Physics (natural sciences or mathematics, with a strong physics and mathematics component)
• You show the ability to tackle the study of scientific topics and report about it orally and in writing
• You can build upon logical and deductive reasoning skills and mathematical techniques, and have the ability to use basic physics tools to carry out experiments