Gravitational waves

Physics

Study information
Gravitational waves
Image: Sebastiano Bernuzzi
Key facts
Degree
Master of Science
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching languages
English, German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester, Summer semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institution
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

During this study programme, students obtain advanced knowledge in experimental and theoretical Physics.

Apart from a small number of compulsory modules, the M.Sc. Physics offers the opportunity to specialise in one of these four areas (with high freedom of choice):

  • Optics & Photonics
  • Gravitation &Quantum Theory
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Solid-State Physics and Material Science

The master’s thesis will be composed in the area of specialisation. Numerous cooperation agreements with extra universal institutions allow for a wide array of topics to choose from and a close connection to the local and regional Industry.

Apart from the core specialisation, several modules will be taken outside the specialisation to ensure a well-rounded qualification.

Study plan

Compulsory Courses 16 ETCS
  • Research lab work
  • Advanced quantum theory
 
Specialisation 32 ETCS
Optics
  • Lens design
  • Laser physics
  • Biophotonics
  • Optical modeling
  • Nonlinear optics
  • Nano optics
Theoretical Physics
  • General relativity
  • Quantum field theory
  • Gravitational waves
  • Numerical relativity
  • String theory
  • AdS/CFT
Astrophysics
  • Neutron stars
  • Celestial mechanics
  • Planetary systems
  • Spectroscopy
  • Cosmology
  • Observing techniques
Solid State Physics
  • Solid state optics
  • Electronic structures
  • Material science
  • Semiconductors
  • Super conductivity
Free Elective Courses 12 ETCS
  • Modules from science, languages or arts
 
Research Phase 60 ETCS
  • Project planning
  • Introduction to research methods
  • Master's thesis
 

Special features

The M.Sc. Physics in Jena offers:

  • Study start in winter and summer semesters
  • An international environment
  • Ideal study environment with close contact to teachers and excellent support
  • Access to research of worldwide recognition in Optics, Astronomy, Theoretical Physics and Solid-State Physics
  • High freedom of choice in subjects
  • Teaching quality among the international top ranks
  • Beautiful, young and affordable city with many sports and leasure facilities embedded in a fantastic landscape
  • An active group of student representatives with regular activities

Career opportunities

The M.Sc. Physics is a challenging programme, but a fulfilling and fascinating one. There are various and excellent career perspectives in Industry and Research, such as:

  • Research and development divisions in regional and interregional companies
  • Research Institutes and Universities
  • IT/Software development
  • Energy sector
  • Insurance and Banking
  • Corporate Consulting
  • Patent system

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a subject-specific bachelor degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or a recognised equivalent.
    The curriculum of this degree should contain at least:

    • 32 credits (ECTS) in basic subjects of mathematics,
    • 32 credits (ECTS) in experimental physics,
    • 32 credits (ECTS) in theoretical physics and
    • 24 credits (ECTS) obtained from internships/practicals in physics.



     

  • Language requirements

    This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:  

    • International applicants: excellent English language proficiency at level C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages/CEFR) | OR | German language proficiency at minimum level DSH-2 (or a recognised equivalent)

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Detailed transcript of records

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme. This transcript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

Additional application documents for international students

  • Proof of German language proficiency

    For German taught master's programmes, i.e. programmes with (predominantly) German as language of instruction, a sufficient German language proficiency proof is mandatory. Please see the information on the language requirements for the master's programme of your interest on the corresponding website.

    The Friedrich Schiller University Jena accepts the following certificates as German language proficiency proof exclusively:

    • the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS),
    • the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II),
    • the TestDaF, minimum TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination,
    • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), min. level 2 (= DSH-2),
    • Certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (min. level "befriedigend"),
    • a German language examination in the framework of an assessment test at a preparatory college.


    Please note: If you do not have the required mandatory German language proficiency proof at the time of applying, you may only apply if you can provide a certificate attesting your German language skills at least at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as well as a confirmation that you have either registered for the DSH examination, the TestDaF or an equivalent examination or that you have sat it and are going to receive the results before the end of the current semester.

    There is also the possibility to apply for the (chargeable) "German Language Course Preparing for the German Language Examination (DSH)" at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Please note: Prerequisites for the application for the preparatory course are language skills at least at the certificate level B1 / GER (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat B1, TestDaF at least 4x3 and/or 800 teaching units from a recognized language school). For detailed information on the application and further information, please visit the website of the International Office or contact the International Office directly via Mail.

    Shortly before taking the DSH-2-Examination or after successfully passing it, you are welcome to apply for a German taught master's programme!

    The following applicants are exempted from providing proof of their German language skills:

    • Applicants, who have obtained a German taught bachelor's degree within one of the following countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This applies only to degrees that were awarded by a university in the relevant country (no satellite campuses or international branch campuses in other countries, no correspondence course degrees, no joint- or double-degrees with institutions in other countries);
    • Holders of a German, Austrian or Swiss (from school where the language of instruction is German) university entrance qualification.
  • Proof of English language proficiency

    If sufficient proof of language proficiency in German cannot be demonstrated, applicants might be admitted when they demonstrate language  proficiency in English at level C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages/CEFR), e.g. by IELTS 7.0+, Toefl iBT 95+. Alternatively, an official confirmation of English as medium of instruction during undergraduate degrees will be sufficient.

  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Subject Advisor - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Torsten Fritz
Student Representatives Physics/Material Science
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy
Master Service Centre

Office hours:
+++The Master Service Centre will be closed from 23.12.2024 to 03.01.2025. On 19 December, we will be available by telephone and for personal consultation for the last time this year. On 20.12. you can only contact us via ticket. We will be fully available for you again from 06.01.2025 onwards.+++

Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at: www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
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