Prospective students
What you will learn
During your Bachelor’s studies you will learn the foundations of everything an astrophysicist or theoretical physicist should know – not only in theory but also in practice. The courses fall into three groups: physics, mathematics and astrophysics.
- The physics courses are built on classical and theoretical physics. They cover everything from classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and special relativity to quantum mechanics. The practical part consists of three further lab courses in which you explore the laws of physics experimentally.
- The mathematics courses give you the tools you need to work with physical theories: mathematical analysis, algebra and geometry.
- The astrophysics courses take you from the very basics to preparing for your own research. They give you a broad overview of astrophysical topics and introduce you in depth to the cornerstone of astrophysics, the structure and evolution of stars.
Practical research skills are also emphasised. You will gain a theoretical basis for astronomical observations as well as hands-on observing experience. Data-processing methods, an integral part of modern astrophysics, are covered in the astronomical lab courses.
You will also need to pass exams in programming and English, supported by the courses Python for Physicists and English for Physicists I and II. Later, when choosing your Bachelor’s thesis, you will be able to pick your research specialisation.
Bachelor’s study
The entrance examination for the Bachelor’s programme Physics is written. It consists of the Test of Study Potential and/or a subject test. You can apply for a waiver of the entrance examination if you meet one of the criteria listed in the admissions brochure.
Master’s study
The entrance examination for the follow-up Master’s programme Physics is written. For applicants from directly related Bachelor’s programmes with good results (Bachelor’s grade average up to 2.0), the exam may be waived and replaced by successfully passing the state final examination, provided it is taken in the regular term of the semester immediately preceding the start of Master’s study. For applicants from MU Bachelor’s programmes without a direct link (and for students of directly related programmes without the required grades), the test taken as part of the Bachelor’s state examination serves as the entrance examination, provided the state examination is passed in the regular term of the semester immediately preceding the start of Master’s study. For all other applicants, the admission procedure consists of a written test of the same type and scope as the Bachelor’s state examination test; the comparative literature for General Physics may be used.
Careers
Most students continue a research career after their Bachelor’s degree, enrolling in Master’s and then doctoral studies. Doctoral study is more like a job: PhD students receive a stipend and funding from the grants they work on. After the PhD come postdoctoral and faculty positions.
You can, however, always leave academia and work as a physicist elsewhere. It has long ceased to be true that physicists only find jobs at universities or academic institutes. Physicists are increasingly in demand on today’s job market, and our graduates are often preferred to graduates of engineering programmes thanks to their deeper understanding of physics and their ability to solve complex problems independently. Our graduates regularly find jobs at companies such as Honeywell, Meopta, ON Semiconductor, TESCAN, Thermo Fisher Scientific and others.
Graduates who want to become science communicators are welcomed by most organisations with a Bachelor’s degree.