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 |
| Courses within specialisation | 36 | 24 |
| Seminar, literature study or project | 6 | |
| Research project | 54 | 30 |
| Presentation and Master thesis | 6 | 6 |
| Optional, deficiencies | 12 | |
| M, C, E courses or academic skills | 6 | 60 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
The programme includes compulsary courses for the chosen specialisation and optional courses that can be chosen from a list. In some specializations there are no optional courses in the M.C ,E-variants.
Furthermore, a student in the research variant 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.
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
- Theoretical Physics
- Advanced Matter and Energy Physics
- Laser Sciences and Biomolecular Photonics
- Physics of Life and Health
All programmes are together with the UvA. In some specialisations there is also cooperation with 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.
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Communication variant (C-variant)
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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.
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, or on academic skills, 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.
