All areas of high technology in our modern society are built on physics. A deep understanding of natural physical processes together with the pursuit of knowledge form the basis for numerous applications: Computers, satellites, GPS navigation, lasers, modern imaging in medicine and the Internet are a direct result of basic research in physics.
Physics provides and develops answers to many challenges we face in the present and the future, such as climate, environment and energy and also to fundamental topics, such as the origin of the universe or the wondrous world of quanta.
Master of Science
Duration/ECTS-Credits
4 semesters/120 ECTS-Credits
Mode of Study
Full-time
Language
English
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degree/equivalent
and Language Certificates
Faculty
Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics
Level of qualification
Master (Second Cycle)
ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7
ISCED-F
0533 Physics
Study Code
UC 066 876
All studiesStudent advisory serviceMinorExtension ProgrammeStudy physics
FAQ
Graduates possess highly specialized knowledge in one of the in-depth studies (Quantum Sciences, Quantum Engineering, Ion- and Applied Physics, Many-body Physics, Computational Physics, Astro- and Particle Physics). They are able to apply their knowledge at the intersections of related sciences by independently formulate and substantiate scientific arguments and to find innovative solutions to problems.
The Master's Programme Physics prepares for a highly qualified occupation in industry and in research as well as for the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Physics. It deepens and widens the abilities and the knowledge in the field of physics that have been acquired during the Bachelor's Programme Physics, and mainly deepens the ability for independent scientific working. Within the context of research-oriented teaching, in-depth study in six different areas is offered:
- Quantum Sciences,
- Quantum Engineering,
- Ion- and Applied Physics,
- Many-body Physics,
- Computational Physics as well as
- Astro- and Particle Physics.
More information about the specializations
These specialisations can be deepened by a wide range of elective offers. The study programme is concluded with a master's thesis, a resarch paper in a relevant field of physics mentioned, which is included in one of the approx. 30 working groups.
The career fields of the graduates of the Master's Programme Physics are in particular natural science and technology, both in industry and research. Occupational profiles of graduates of the bachelor's programme can be found in fields of science and technolgy where problem-solving capacities and independent implementation of projects are required. Moreover, these activities are also demanded in other fields (e.g. project management, consulting and banking).
Graduates tracking: Shows which occupational fields students enter after graduation
Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics Examination Office Information for students with disabilities
Curriculum
From the field
Quantum gas resists heating
A joint theoretical study by the University of Innsbruck and Zhejiang University has uncovered the microscopic origin of a striking quantum phenomenon: a periodically driven gas of ultracold atoms that simply refuses to heat up, defying classical expectations.
Quantum spin-off sets new record
The spin-off company ParityQC has implemented the largest quantum Fourier transform ever reported using an IBM quantum computer, thereby setting a new milestone on the path toward the industrial application of quantum computers. The quantum Fourier transform is a cornerstone algorithm with applications in cryptography, financial modeling, and materials science.
Quantum computing without interruptions
Mid-circuit measurements are one of the biggest practical hurdles in quantum error correction on encoded qubits. Researchers in Innsbruck and Aachen have now proposed and experimentally demonstrated that a universal fault-tolerant quantum algorithm can be executed without such measurements. Using a trapped-ion quantum processor, the team successfully ran Grover's quantum search algorithm on three logical qubits.
Debugging a quantum processor
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck, together with partners from Sydney and Waterloo, have presented a new diagnostic method for quantum computers. It makes errors in individual quantum bits visible during logical calculation and evaluates them. The new method was demonstrated on an ion trap quantum processor in Innsbruck. It can be used to identify critical error sources —a key to developing more robust, fault-tolerant quantum processors.
