Physics and Astronomy: Advanced Matter and Energy Physics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Engage in ground-breaking fundamental and applied research

Physics is an indispensable part of today’s society. Modern life would be entirely different without computer chips, lasers or MRI screening. In the Physics and Astronomy Master’s programme, you’ll engage in ground-breaking fundamental research and its applications, whether you’re interested in physical processes within cells, creating artificial photosynthesis or studying astroparticle physics.

Physics and Astronomy in Amsterdam is a joint degree between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. As a student, you will therefore benefit from the expertise, networks and research projects at both universities. UvA and VU jointly issue a degree certificate to graduates.

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Physics and Astronomy: Advanced Matter and Energy Physics

Within the Physics and Astronomy Master's programme, you’re sure to find an area suited to your individual talents and ambitions. There are six tracks to choose from:

1. Advanced Matter and Energy Physics
2. Astronomy and Astrophysics
3. Biophysics and Biophotonics
4. Gravitation, Astro- and Particle Physics
5. Science for Energy and Sustainability
6. Theoretical Physics

The two-year programme comprises compulsory and elective courses in your chosen track, plus two free elective courses. In your second year, you’ll join one of the many experimental or theoretical research groups affiliated with the two universities. Your research will culminate in a Master’s thesis and a final presentation.

VU and UvA score highly on the organisation of their curriculum, their working methods and their facilities such as the LaserLaB. Personal guidance plays an important role in the Master’s programme. You’ll remain in close contact with your tutor throughout, helping you get the best results you can.

VU and UvA are internationally renowned for their physics and astronomy research. Several winners of the Spinoza Prize – often called the Dutch Nobel Prize – are or have been professors of ours: Ed van den Heuvel (Astronomy, 1995), Robbert Dijkgraaf (Mathematical Physics, 2003), Michiel van der Klis (Astronomy, 2004) and Erik Verlinde (Theoretical Physics, 2011).

You’ll be working with leading international researchers in advanced laboratories. The Physics department has strong ties with Chemistry, Biology and Medicine, and is home to leading research groups working on physics of the cell, biophysics, physical chemistry and laser-related sciences. Through its participation in the National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef), the department is involved in experiments such as at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva. Our department also cooperates in projects at renowned institutes such as the Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF) and the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL).

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weiter: Karriere »

Physics and Astronomy: Advanced Matter and Energy Physics

Physics and Astronomy graduates are highly sought-after

As a graduate in Physics and Astronomy in Amsterdam, your training in physics research will make you highly sought-after in the market for PhD candidates and research groups. Your strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with your ability to design, set up, exploit and communicate successful experimental solutions to important scientific questions, will also make you highly attractive to the world beyond physics.

Our alumni have gone on to work in the knowledge-based sector (Philips, Philips Medical Systems, ASML, Océ, TNO, ESA), the financial sector, the IT and consultancy sector (KPN, McKinsey, ING, ABN AMRO), as well as in government (Dutch ministries of EZ, VROM, OCW). If you have strong writing and communication skills, you’ll be well prepared for a career with a newspaper, magazine or science-oriented non-profit organisation.

You can also pursue a science teacher degree. Science education is the foundation of innovations that improve our world. The shortage of certified science teachers, coupled with a knowledge-based economy, means you’ll be highly valued both in and out of the classroom. With a science teaching degree, you can get involved in improving science education as a teacher or in other educational positions. Practical and scientific knowledge of teaching methods and educational psychology can steer your career in many directions.

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Physics and Astronomy: Advanced Matter and Energy Physics

I have an international degree

Physics and Astronomy is a joint degree between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. All student administration and services for this programme are organized by the University of Amsterdam. Please follow the UvA application procedure for this programme.

I have a Dutch degree

Dutch students have unconditional admission to the Master’s programme in Physics if they have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (and Astronomy) from a Dutch university. The Examination Board may also admit students who do not meet these requirements. In those cases the Board will decide whether there are deficiencies that have to be made up for during the programme.

Once you have been admitted to a Master’s programme, you need to contact the programme coordinator for an introductory interview. At this meeting, you will discuss strategies for coping with any problems that might cause you to fall behind with your studies. You will also draw up a study plan, a copy of which will be sent to the study advisor. In the Master's programme, you will have to decide which courses (general, specialized and optional) you wish to take. It is essential that you discuss these choices at an early stage with the coordinator of the programme in which you will carry out your final project. Options other than those listed may also be possible.

Note: all students must contact the programme coordinator of the specific specialisation.

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Übersicht der Masterstudiengänge - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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