Master's Degree Programme

The Master's programmes in Physics at the University of Zurich (UZH)  start in the autumn semester and last three semesters (90 ECTS credits). A minor for an additional 30 ECTS can be taken voluntarily. Upon successful completion, the following title is awarded: "Master of Science UZH in Physics". The programme language is English.

At the beginning of the Master's programme, students discuss their individual curriculum with the director of the study programme, which is then written down in a learning agreement.

Before beginning the Master's thesis, this learning agreement is finalised with the director of the study programme and/or the supervisor of the Master's thesis. Subsequent changes to the agreement require the agreement of the director of the study programme.

Master's theses are offered in two different lengths. Longer theses of 50 ECTS take about 10 months with full-time employment (including preparation for the examination, as well as the possibility of holidays in consultation with the supervisor). Independent research is strongly emphasised in such theses.

Shorter theses amounting to 30 ECTS take about 6 months with full-time employment (including preparation for the examination and the possibility of holidays in consultation with the supervisor). It is possible to attend a wider range of advanced lectures for such theses.

Work in the physics groups at UZH can be divided into the following overall research areas:

• Condensed matter: the study of materials whose properties are characterised by the interaction of many quantum states. The work is mainly experimental, in the groups Aegerter, Chang, Natterer, Nordlander, Janoschek, Latychevskaia and Schilling, as well as theoretical in the groups Neupert and Bzdušek.
• Elementary particle physics: the study of the fundamental building blocks of matter and their interactions. The work is carried out experimentally in the Baudis, Canelli, Kilminster, Serra, Steinkamp and Caminada groups, and theoretically in the Gehrmann, Grazzini, Isidori, Pozzorini, Signer, Stoffer, Zoller and Crivellin groups.
• Astro(particle) physics and cosmology: the study of the properties of galaxies and the universe as a whole. This includes in particular the search for dark matter. The work is carried out theoretically in the Helled, Jetzer, Mayer, Moore, Saha, Feldmann, Schneider and Yoo groups and experimentally in the Baudis, Kilminster, Penning and Soares-Santos groups.
• Biological and medical physics: The use of physical examination methods and imaging techniques to understand biological systems or for medical applications, e.g. in radiotherapy. The work takes place in the Aegerter, Kozerke, Latychevskaia, Schneider, Schuler and Unkelbach groups.

The annual reports and the websites of the individual research groups give an overview of the current research work. The research groups at our institute organize an information event at regular intervals at which possible topics for Bachelor's and Master's theses are presented.

Master's theses can be carried out in the groups of the Institute of Physics and associated research groups. For research areas that are not covered by these groups, it is also possible to carry out a Master's thesis in an external research group. For this purpose, a written application with a work plan must be submitted to a UZH physics lecturer who must be prepared to take responsibility for co-supervision of the thesis. The choice of lectures to be attended will then be agreed on with this lecturer.

However, only topics relating to physics are generally considered for such thesis projects. A Master's thesis in an external research group is subject to the requirements of the Master's degree programme in physics at UZH in terms of duration, quality, supervision and grading. The corresponding credit points therefore count as credit points earned at UZH.

Admissions Office of UZH

A Bachelor of Science UZH in Physics or a Bachelor's degree in Physics from another Swiss university automatically entitles the holder to be admitted to the Master's degree programme in Physics. A maximum of 30 ECTS credits acquired during the Bachelor's degree programme can be credited towards the Master's degree programme. The Master's thesis may only be started after completion of the Bachelor's degree programme.

BSc 180/150 major in Physics
With a BSc degree in the mono study programme in Physics 180 or in the major study programme in Physics 150 ECTS Credits, it is possible to transfer to the consecutive Master's programme without any conditions.

BSc 120 major in Physics

With a BSc degree in the major study programme Physics 120 ECTS Credits, admission to the consecutive Master's programme requires the following modules.

• Solid State Physics (PHY210)

• Nuclear and Particle Physics I (PHY211)

• Quantum Mechanics I (PHY 331)

• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (PHY341)

Modules from this list that were not completed as a core elective in the 3rd year of the Bachelor's programme must be completed during the Master's programme, these can be counted as part of the electives of the Master's programme.

In addition, for all Master's students, the programme of modules to be taken is agreed upon with the director of the study programme, which may lead to other/additional requirements for students from other universities.

• Condensed Matter
  Compulsory module: Solid State Physics (PHY210), Quantum Mechanics I (PHY331*)
• Elementary Particles
  Compulsory modules: Nuclear and Particle Physics I (PHY211), Quantum Mechanics I (PHY331*)
• Astrophysics and Cosmology
  Compulsory module: Introduction to Astrophysics (AST241)
• Bio- and medical Physics
  Compulsory modules: Nuclear and Particle Physics I (PHY211)

Students may only begin work on their master’s thesis once they have completed their bachelor’s degree.

A Bachelor of Science UZH in Physics or a Bachelor's degree in Physics from another Swiss university automatically entitles the holder to be admitted to the Master's degree programme in Physics.

All compulsory and compulsory elective modules of the Bachelor's degree programme (incl. Bachelor's thesis) must be completed when registering for the Master's degree programme.

For further information about the application and admission please consult the admission's office.

Admission to a Master’s degree program generally requires a Bachelor’s degree with a total of 180 ECTS credits from a university recognized by the University of Zurich.

For further information about the application and admission please consult the admission's office.

The Admission’s Office individually evaluates bachelor’s degrees from foreign universities. Any documents must be handed in together with the application for matriculation at the Admission’s Office.
Bachelor's degrees from foreign universities are assessed individually by the faculty. The relevant documents must be submitted together with the application for enrolment to the Registrar's Office or to the Admissions Office for students with foreign qualifications. Depending on previous education, additional coursework may be required during the Master's programme.

If you need help or seek information about subjects like entering Switzerland, registering in Zurich, insurance, living , and accomodation you can contact the International Scholars Center. 

The International Scholars Center supports students at Master and PhD level before and during their stay at UZH on the following topics:

• Entry into Switzerland
• Moving after registration in Zurich
• Residence
• Health insurance
• Childcare and school
• Living in Zurich

Here you can find all the regulations for studying at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UZH.

The Guide to Physics Master Studies (PDF, 281 KB) provides comprehensive information about the Master's programs.