Faculty of Science

Degree Programs

Master's in Physics

The master's degree program provides general training in applied, experimental and theoretical Physics or Astronomy, enabling students to undertake independent academic work.

As part of the master's degree program, students specialize in one of the fields of work in Physics/Astronomy (Applied Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Experimental High Energy Physics, Climate and Environmental Physics, Theoretical Physics, Space Research and Planetary Sciences). The master's thesis also serves to deepen students' knowledge, this being undertaken within one of the four institutes (Institute of Astronomy, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Applied Physics, Physics Institute). Completion of the master's thesis provides evidence that graduates are able to work independently on a physical/astronomical problem.

The master's degree program extends the basic knowledge acquired in the bachelor's degree program, enabling students to specialize in a particular field. Specialization can be in Astronomy, Experimental Physics, Applied Physics or Theoretical Physics.

Students learn to understand physical problems and find solutions under supervision. In this respect, the master's degree program is research-oriented training that often extends beyond current knowledge in Physics. The master's degree program is taught in English as students for this course increasingly come from abroad. The master's thesis constitutes the largest part of the master's degree program. This enables creative involvement in exciting and current research topics in one of the many work groups. The master's thesis is a written piece of work which is examined, thus completing the master's degree program.

Erdkugel/Puzzle/Sand-Pendel
Basic information
Degree: Master of Science in Physics, Universität Bern
Number of credits: 90 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Mono 90 ECTS credits:
    • Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy 
    • Theoretical Physics    
       

Minor offered for other degree programs:

  • Physics 30 ECTS credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Languages: 100% English 
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The master’s programs are offered as majors and as minor 30 ECTS credits.

Mono Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy (90 ECTS credits) 
Mono Theoretical Physics (90 ECTS credits)  
Minor Physics (30 ECTS credits)  

The Physics and Astronomy departments' websites contain all the information regarding the individual degree programs:

Scheme of program

The master's degree program follows on from successful completion of the bachelor's degree program. It comprises 90 ECTS credits, including a master's thesis earning 45 ECTS credits. The standard duration of study for full-time students is usually 3 semesters. RSL Article 7 applies regarding options to extend this.

The detailed program structure can be found in the appendix to the plan of studies. Anhang zum Studienplan August 2018 (PDF, 371KB) (Document in German)

Deadlines

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Physics (mono):

a) Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university with a major in the branch of studies Physics.
b) Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university
  • comprising at least 90 ECTS credits in Physics/Astronomy and 30 ECTS credits in Mathematics or
  • at least 60 ECTS credits in Physics/Astronomy and 60 ECTS credits in Mathematics. * 
c) Bachelor's degree from a recognized foreign university with an equivalent qualification
  • comprising at least 90 ECTS credits in Physics/Astronomy and 30 ECTS credits in Mathematics or
  • at least 60 ECTS credits in Physics/Astronomy and 60 ECTS credits in Mathematics. *
* Admission requirements of up to 60 ECTS credits, which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program, may be required. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minors as presented in the plan of studies.

The degree used for assessment purposes may not be more than ten years old.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M Sc in Physics, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Degree

Once you have met the specific requirements for the degree, you can apply for your degree to the Dean's Office. You will find more information on the graduation process here.

After your master's

Physicists work in a broad spectrum of professions. Areas of work range from basic research to research in industry and the development and production of equipment and complex systems. Physicists work in technical sales and technical and administrative planning, they assume roles of responsibility in companies and also manage businesses. Many physicists also become teachers in various types of school and many embark upon a university career. The increasingly broad professional field for physicists is constantly changing and being extended as a result of the many new developments in science and technology.