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.
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.
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
The curriculum is the basis of a degree programme. A look at the curriculum for the Master's Programme Physics will give you a detailed overview of the structure, content, examination regulations and qualification profile of this Master's degree.
The curriculum can clarify several important questions before you start your studies. For example, which criteria have to be fulfilled for enrolment in the Master's Programme Physics, how long the programme takes, which modules have to be completed and much more.
The curriculum 2020W currently applies to the Master's Programme Physics.
Information on the Curriculum (2020W)
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 Bulletin May 18 2022, Issue 42, No. 499 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 5 2021, Issue 62, No. 714 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 20 2020, Issue 6, No. 94 (Equivalence list)
- English version of the Curriculum
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 30 2020, Issue 27, No. 349
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme.
The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.
In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:
- 40 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Mathematics
- 40 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Experimental Physics
- 40 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Theoretical Physics
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: Modern Physics
10.0 ECTS-Credits: Individual Choice of Specialisation
10.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules out of the Specialisations
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Interdisciplinary Skills
15.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules out of the Specialisations
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Interdisciplinary Skills
10.0 ECTS-Credits: Individual Choice of Specialisation
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules out of the Specialisations
22.5 ECTS-Credits: Critical Research Analysis
2.5 ECTS-Credits: Preparation of the Master's Thesis » continue in 4. semester
27.5 ECTS-Credits: Master's Thesis
2.5 ECTS-Credits: Defence of the Master's Thesis
- Quantum Sciences
- Quantum Engineering
- Ion- and Applied Physics
- Many-body Physics
- Computational Physics
- Astro- and Particle Physics
| Semester | ECTS-AP | Titel |
|---|---|---|
Minor
As part of the Master’s Programme, a Minor of 30 ECTS-Credits can be completed.
More information and a list of possible Minors can be found at:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/wahlpakete/
Extension Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Extension Programme corresponding to 45 ECTS-Credits or 60 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Extension 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.
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.
| A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 cirteria | 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).
Forms (in German only)
- Examination Records
- Assessment of the compulsory module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
- Cover Sheet for the Master's Thesis
- Recognition of examsAND Supplementary Sheet
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Forms and Guideline for submitting the Master's Thesis (valid since 01.11.2023)
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Location Technikerstraße 17
Associate Dean of Studies (from 01.03.2024)
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Konstanze Zwintz
Website of the Associate Dean of Studies
Dean of Studies (from 01.03.2024)
Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Math. Dr. Tim Netzer
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Older curricula can be found in the archive Course Catalog
From the field
A supersolid made using photons
Manuele Landini from the University of Innsbruck was part of an international team led by researchers at CNR Nanotec in Lecce, Italy, that has demonstrated the emergence of a supersolid phase of matter in a photonic crystal polariton condensate. This pioneering work, published in Nature, introduces a new platform for exploring supersolidity beyond traditional ultracold atomic systems.
First OS for quantum networks created
An international research team including the group led by Tracy Northup has developed the first operating system designed for quantum networks: QNodeOS. The research, published in Nature, marks a major step forward in transforming quantum networking from a theoretical concept to a practical technology that could revolutionize the future of the internet.
Thousands of dwarf galaxies discovered
The European Space Agency ESA today published new data from its Euclid space telescope. These used for a galactic census undertaken by astronomer Francine Marleau and her team at the Department of Astro- and Particle Physics at the University of Innsbruck: In Euclid images the scientists identified and characterized 2,674 dwarf galaxies.
New type of quantum computer studies the dance of elementary particles
The study of elementary particles and forces is of central importance to our understanding of the universe. Now a team of physicists from the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo show how an unconventional type of quantum computer opens a new door to the world of elementary particles.
