Masters Degree in Physics
Introduction
The Masters program consists of two semesters of lectures (60 credit points) and one semester of work on a Masters thesis (30 credit points), requiring typically a total of 1.5 years to complete. One may begin the Masters degree program in fall as well as in spring. Prerequisite for admission into the Masters degree program is a Bachelors degree in physics.
Admission to the Masters Degree Program
For admission into the Masters degree program, a Bachelors degree (usually, but not neccessarily, in physics) from a recognized university or institution is required. For applicants holding Bachelors degrees from other universities or for applicants holding other degrees that may be considered equivalent to a Bachelors degree, the admissions committe of the Faculty of Science will make a decision on a case by case basis. Please contact the admissions office for more information.
Masters application forms are to be submitted to the admissions office of the University of Basel. The university requires an application fee of CHF 100.--. For details on how to apply, including deadlines, please see the how to apply web page of the university.
International Students
The language of instruction of Masters courses, proseminars as well as department seminars and colloquia is generally english, though some courses may be taught in german, particularly the elective courses to be taken outside the Department of Physics. The scientific language used at our department is generally english, and participation in research projects will not require knowledge of german language. More information for international students is available here.
Currently, foreign Masters students staying in Switzlerland on a student VISA need to be enrolled full time and are not allowed to work, except for a very limited time. Further, University rules do not allow employment of Masters students at the Departments. Therefore, Masters Students need to bring the financial means to support themselfes while studying towards a Masters degree. Part-time employment, for exmaple as a student-aid, may in some cases be possible. However, funds earned in this way will not at all be sufficient to pay for the cost of living. Tuition at the University of Basel for Masters students is currently CHF 700.--, click here for details.
Requirements for a Masters Degree
| duration | requirements | credit points |
|---|---|---|
| two semesters |
specialized lectures (with exercises) Proseminar oral Masters exam Masters project preparation for the Masters thesis elective courses |
8 4 4 10 10 24 |
| one semester | Masters thesis | 30 |
| 3 sem. total | 90 cp total |
At least 16 CP of the elective courses have to be chosen from the masters program lectures offered by the Department of Physics or from 2nd and 3rd year lectures or masters program lectures offered by the Department of Mathematics. That means, up to 8 CP can be completed outside the Physics and Math departments. Since 2012, it is also possible to earn credit points through an internship at a secondary school in Basel-Stadt/Land. Detailed information is summarized in the agreement on school internships.
Masters Project
available topics linkA research project of 4 to 6 week duration to be conducted in one of the experimental or theoretical reserach groups needs to be completed, including a written report. This project will be graded by the project advisor. Before(!) starting work on a Masters project, the Masters project form has to be filled out and signed by the student, the project supervisor, and the head of the teaching commission. The original document is for the supervisor, copies are kept by both the secretary and the student. The supervisor will report the grade of the Masters project to the deans office.
Oral Masters Examination
An oral Masters exam has to be passed before work on the Masters thesis is begun. The course material of the specialized lectures (8 CP) will be examined. Please fill the form before the exam.
Masters Thesis
available topics linkThe Masters thesis is the most important part of this degree program. It has to be completed in 6 months time, plus and additional period of two months to prepare for the thesis before actual research begins. The topic of investigation shall be decided in consultation with the Masters thesis supervisor (available projects). The thesis will be evaluated by the supervisor and one additional expert. Before(!) starting work on a Masters project, the Masters thesis form has to be filled out and signed by the student, the thesis supervisors, and the head of the teaching commission in two copies: one for the supervisor (/secretary), one for the student. The supervisor will report the grade of the Masters thesis to the deans office using one of the forms. The thesis has to include the declaration of scientific integrity.
The final masters degree grade results from the Masters project (1/4 weight), the oral Masters exam (1/4 weight) and the Masters Thesis.
Download Forms
- Masters admission application forms
- Master project form
- Oral masters examination form
- Master thesis form
- Declaration of scientific integrity
- Agreement on school internships BS-BL (physics)
Available Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Important
The information on this web-site is not legally binding and may not be updated to reflect to most recent changes to the study regulations. To obtain more informaiton, please contact the chairman of the studies commission, .