Physics

More information about the programme and courses you can find in Study Guide.

Structure of the training
In the Master curriculum knowledge of physics in general and in one or more specific areas of physics is deepened. The global structure is:

Part	O	M,C,E
Optional courses in Physics	6-12	12
Compulsory courses chosen specialisation	24	12
Essya, student seminar or project	6-12	-
Research project	48-54	30
Presentation and Master thesis	6	6
Optional, deficiencies	12	total of 60
M, C, E courses and projects	6
Total	120	120

Research variant

The research variant is meant for students who want to pursue a research career. Students who have chosen to follow this variant will spend most of their time on courses and on their research project, including the Master's thesis in the chosen specialisation. Generally spoken these students may aim at continuing their study with PhD education, in order to obtain an executive job as researcher, group leader, at a university, research institution, government or (industrial) company.
The possible specialisations (research variants) are:

• Particle and Astroparticle Physics
• Physical Sciences
• Theoretical Physics

All programmes are together with the UvA, and the program Physical Sciences is also together with two sections from chemistry and with the section Physics and Medical Technology of the VU medical centre.

M, C en E variant

Furthermore, a choice can be made out of three study variants. The filling-in of the curriculum of these variant is your own choice.

• Communication variant (C-variant)
• Education variant (E-variant)
• Society oriented variant (M-variant)

For students wishing to combine a sound background in physics with applications or management in industry or business, the study variant Physics and Business (M) is offered. In the same spirit the Communication and Education programme lines prepare for careers in, e.g., science policy, scientific reporting and publishing, and science education in various settings (schools, museums, educational software). Apart from coursework the curriculum for the Business and Communication and Education lines also includes an internship outside the university, e.g., in a company, government agency, school or museum. 

The programme includes required courses for the chosen specialisation and optional courses in physics, for which general physics courses may be chosen or courses from a specialisation different from the one chosen.
Furthermore, a student can participate in a project or student seminar or can write an essay on a subject not directly related to his field of specialisation. 12 cp can be freely chosen within the university from courses on a 2nd or higher year level.

Deficiencies

The examination committee can require that a student follows courses from the Bachelor programme Physics in order to make up for deficiencies, up to a maximum of 12 cp.
Students following the O variant are required to spend 6 cp on an M/C/E subject, so as to broaden their education. Students who have chosen an M, C or E variant can spend a maximum of 60 cp on subjects within that study variant.

Free master

It is also possible for students to do a Free Master. The proposed programme for such a master has to be submitted to the Examination Committee for approval.