Introduction

The Master's programme in Physics focuses on the study of fundamental research and its applications. You learn to test, explain and develop theories on physical phenomena and to analyse and solve problems using scientific methods. You benefit from a well-rounded education that combines a broad understanding of physics with in-depth knowledge of specific areas and the ability to think and work at an academic level.

Studying Physics at the University of Amsterdam

The Master of Science in Physics is a two-year Master's programme taught entirely in English. You can choose a specialised track within the field of physics according to individual interests.

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is internationally renowned for its physics research activities. UvA professors Robbert Dijkgraaf (Mathematical Physics) and Michiel van der Klis (Astronomy), for example, were awarded the Spinoza Prize - often called the Dutch Nobel Prize - for their work in 2003. The Master's programme is housed at the Science Park Amsterdam, where it forms part of this international centre of knowledge. Other institutes, such as the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef), in which the UvA collaborates, are also situated here.

The Master's programme in Physics offers five tracks. You are advised to select one of these tracks early on and to register for the track of your choice as soon as possible. The tracks are:

Professional specialization within the Master’s programme

In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research.

 There are three professional specializations available:

• Science Communication (in Dutch)
• Teaching (in Dutch)
• Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.

European Master's AtoSiM

The UvA also collaborates with the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Lyon (France) and Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) in offering the ‘European' AtoSiM Master. AtoSiM is offered within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus programme and is designed for students who are highly motivated and have an excellent academic record.

The AtoSiM can also be taken as a track within the Master's programme in Chemistry. For more information regarding AtoSiM, please see the link below.

Ranking Centre for Higher Education Development's (CHE)

The University of Amsterdam received high marks in the Centre for Higher Education Development's (CHE) ranking of leading European graduate programmes. This ranking system was specially developed for the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. The UvA's Chemistry and Physics programmes were awarded CHE Excellence Group status. The purpose of this ranking system is to assist prospective Master's and PhD students in finding the European university most suited to them.