The Master's

Students participating in the Master of Physics programme will prepare a Master’s thesis in a research domain related to e.g. nuclear physics, solid state physics, soft matter physics, or theoretical physics, closely related to one or more of the research units of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

My profile

The programme aims to train physicists capable of working in research institutes or corporate environments. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will have acquired:

• Thorough knowledge of physics in general as well as more in-depth knowledge of a specialist area
• The ability to make sound judgments informed by current research
• The ability to gain new insights and results and to develop new methods
• The ability to solve physical problems using the most appropriate experimental and/or theoretical methods and to report on research findings
• The ability to structure and analyse specific problems in different situations
• Strong teamwork skills
• The ability to communicate findings and insights
• A critical understanding of the role that physics plays in society

Assets

The Department of Physics and Astronomy aims to explore physical realities by means of mathematical, computational, experimental, and observational techniques. Fifteen teams undertake internationally competitive research. Publishing research results in leading journals and attracting top-level scientists are key priorities. The department is not only dedicated to the study of new physics and the development of innovative techniques, but it also maintains close links with industry (e.g., consulting, patents) and society (science communication). Additionally, the department is responsible for teaching basic physics courses in several study programmes.

Study programme

The Master of Physics consists of 120 credits (European Credit Transfer System – ECTS), spread over two years. In the first year, theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while students develop their research skills by undertaking a research project. The second year includes the Master’s thesis, i.e. an extensive written report of research conducted in one of the department’s physics research groups.

Career prospects

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at K.U.Leuven is a research-based institute that generates substantial research funding. Consequently, many research positions are available, and more than half the students obtaining a Master’s degree in Physics eventually start a PhD programme in one of the department’s research groups. A number of graduates prefer to pursue a second Master’s degree, with medical radiation physics, environmental sciences and statistics being the most popular subjects. There are also excellent career opportunities in industry (e.g., ICT, material research, electronics), consulting, government, banking (statistics) and higher education. Unemployment is nonexistent among newly graduated physicists.

Application and Admissions

Detailed information on application procedures and admission requirements depends on your preceding qualifications, etc.

• You will find more information on application matters here.

Physics - Impressionen vom Masterstudium

Übersicht der Masterstudiengänge - KU Leuven

• Adapted Physical Activity
• Advanced Business Studies
• Advanced Medical Imaging
• Advanced Studies in Economics
• Advanced Studies in Linguistics
• Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion
• American Studies
• Archeology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Bioethics
• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Sciences
• Business Economics
• Canon Law
• Chemical Technology
• Chemical Technology (Engineering Rheology)
• Chemistry
• Conservation of Monuments and Sites
• Criminology
• Cultural Studies
• Cultures and Development Studies (CADES)
• Earth Observation
• Economics
• Economics and Management of Network Industries
• Educational Studies
• EIT-KIC Energy
• Electrical Engineering
• Endodontics
• Energy
• Estudios Ibéricos e Iberoamericanos
• European Social Security
• European Studies:Transnational and Global Perspectives
• Financial and Actuarial Engineering
• Financial Economics
• Food Technology
• Forensic Odontology
• Geography
• Geology
• Human Settlements
• Information Management
• Junior programmes in European Culture and Society (PECS)
• Langue et Littérature françaises
• Law
• Laws (LLM)
• Laws in Energy and Environmental Law (MEEL)
• Laws in European and International Taxation (MEIT)
• Linguistics and Literature: English
• Literary Studies
• Master of European Politics and Policies (MEPP)
• Materials Engineering
• Mathematics
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies
• Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Erasmus Mundus)
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oral Health Research
• Orthodontics
• Paediatric Dentistry and Special Dental Care
• Periodontology
• Pharmaceutical Research
• Philosophy
• Philosophy (MPhil)
• Physics
• Quantitative Analysis in the Social Sciences
• Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
• Restorative Dentistry
• Safety Engineering
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Social Policy Analysis (IMPALLA)
• Society, Law and Religion
• Space Studies
• Statistics
• Sustainable Territorial Development
• Theology and Religious Studies
• Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling
• Tropical Natural Resources Management
• Urbanism and Strategic Planning
• Water Resources Engineering
• Western Literature