Master of Physics
KU Leuven
Key Information
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Languages
English, Dutch
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 7,518 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
The Master of Science in Physics (120 ECTS) is a research-based master’s programme 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.
Curriculum
Structure
After a semester with advanced courses in different disciplines of physics, you choose a major research profile consisting of advanced and specialized courses and a master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
The remaining 30 ECTS allow you to follow one of two options:
- The Research Option prepares you for a career in academia or industry, and you broaden your research skills by choosing a minor research domain, complemented by a research internship, or other courses.
- The Physics in Society Option offers you the opportunity to prepare for a career outside academia, through courses in entrepreneurship, or via an internship.
Advanced Physics Courses: Compulsory Courses
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Historical and Social Aspects of Physics
- Experiments in Modern Physics
Ideal Students
Student Profile
Is this the right program for me?
- 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
- You function well in a team
- Oral and written proficiency in English is required
Career Opportunities
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.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.