Introduction

Interaction between the fields of general relativity and differential geometry and between quantum mechanics and functional analysis during the first half of the early twentieth century has led us, today, into a new golden age of Mathematical Physics.

The Master's programme in Mathematical Physics investigates the intersection of Mathematics and Physics on the basis of noncommutative geometry, string theory, quantisation theory, operator algebras, quantum groups, critical phenomena, conformal field theory, integrable systems, Lie theory, algebraic geometry, applied analysis and other topics.

Focus on Research: mathematician Eric Opdam

On exciting symmetries and the inaccessible mathematical reality. 'A girlfriend once said to me, "So, you spend the whole day thinking up exercises, and then you solve them yourself?" But that's not what mathematicians do with their lives.

Studying Mathematical Physics at the University of Amsterdam

The Master's programme in Mathematical Physics represents a unique combination of Mathematics and Physics, made possible by the coordination of two strong research institutes: the Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics and the Institute for Theoretical Physics. Another defining component of the programme is its collaboration with the University of Utrecht and the Radboud University Nijmegen through its participation in the Geometry and Quantum Physics research cluster.

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.

What our students say

Click the link below to read a testimonial by Mathematical Physics student Bram Mesland.

Science in Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) works closely with the VU University Amsterdam in most Master's tracks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Both universities have excellent international reputations and are home to several research groups that play leading roles in various fields of science. Their collaboration has produced a range of high-quality Master of Science programmes. As a result of this cooperation, students benefit from the combined expertise of two universities as well as their existing networks and collaborative projects such as those in the particle accelerator laboratory of the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN in Geneva, the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef) and the FOM-Institutes for Plasma Physics Rijnhuizen and for Atomic and Molecular Physics (Amolf).