Master's Programme Physics
As of winter semester 2020/2021 this programme is no longer open to new entrants. For information on the succeeding master’s programme please consult this page »
| Faculty | Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics |
| Duration / ECTS-Credits | 4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits |
| Academic Degree |
Master of Science (MSc) |
| Qualification Level |
Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7 |
| ISCED-F | 0533 Physics |
| Mode of Study |
Full-Time |
| Study Code |
UC 066 876 |
| Curriculum | Information on the Curriculum (2007W) * |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Admission Requirements |
Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates |
| Application |
* Information on the Curriculum (2007W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 30 2020, Issue 27, Nr. 349 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum (effective with October 1 2019)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 28 2019, Issue 66, No. 588 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 24 2019, Issue 49, No. 476 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum (effective with October 1 2012)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 18 2012, Issue 21, No. 245 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 15 2008, Issue 2, No. 13 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 23 2007, Issue 34, No. 198
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
Criteria for the determination of equivalence:
Admission to the master's degree programme may also be possible if a student has completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant related field. As part of the determination of equivalence, the following core areas of the completed bachelor's degree programme will be assessed:
- 40 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Mathematics
- 40 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Experimental Physics
- 40 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Theoretical Physics
In the event that equivalence has been established in principle but with certain qualifications missing for full equivalence, supplemental examinations may be required. These examinations must be completed during the master degree programme.
Recommended Course Sequence
The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.
The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Basic Concepts in Research: Quantum Physics
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Basic Concepts in Research: Ion, Plasma & Applied Physics
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Basic Concepts in Research: Astrophysics and Particle Physics
15.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules in the area of research focus
30.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules in the area of research focus
27.5 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules in the area of research focus
2.5 ECTS-Credits: Master’s Thesis › continue 4. Semester!
27.5 ECTS-Credits: Master’s Thesis
2.5 ECTS-Credits: Master’s Thesis Defense
The four areas of research focus:
- Quantum Physics
(a) Experimental Physics
(b) Theoretical Physics - Ion, Plasma- & Applied Physics
(a) Experimental Physics
(b) Theoretical Physics - Astro- & Particle Physics
(a) Astrophysics
(b) Particle Physics - Computational Physics
Qualification Profile and Skills
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, specialisation in four different areas is offered:
- quantum physics,
- ion/plasma/applied physics,
- astrophysics and particle physics as well as
- computational physics.
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.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates possess highly specialized knowledge in one of the specialisation areas (quantum physics, ion/ plasma/applied physics, astrophysics and particle physics or computational 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.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
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).
Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck
Supplementary Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 45 ECTS-Credits or 60 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information:
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
| Austrian grading scheme |
Definition |
%-age |
||
| 1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance |
49.9 |  |
= 100% |
|
2 |
GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors |
26.1 | ||
| 3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors |
15.5 | ||
| 4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria |
8.5 |
||
| 5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
December 2021
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Forms (in German only)
- Examination records
- Application for the Master's Thesis
- Assessment of the compulsory module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
- Declaration of Academic Honesty
- To block the Master's Thesis
- Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Standort Technikerstraße 17 
Dean of Studies
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Franosch