Programme outline

This programme is designed for students with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Physics. Applicants should have an interest in the profound interplay between mathematics and theoretical physics, specifically in areas like quantum theory (quantum field theory, string theory) and its impact on modern mathematics (e.g. knot theory, low dimensional topology, moduli spaces).

The programme's first year curriculum consists of two core courses in theoretical physics, both of which have a strong mathematical component, and two mathematics courses with links to theoretical physics. Students also participate in several elective courses which should include at least one physics course and one mathematics course. The first year concludes with the student's active participation in seminars and/or projects.

Research training takes the form of a project carried out mainly in the second year. The project consists of a seminar presentation and the Master's thesis. Communication and presentation training is also a core requirement for students enrolled in this Master's programme.

For more information regarding curriculum and specific research areas, please see the link below to the online UvA Course Catalogue.

Profiles

The Master's programme in Mathematical Physics is a research-oriented programme in which students are required to choose a specialist profile. Each profile includes theoretical core courses, a research project resulting in a Master's thesis (Major), literature thesis and colloquium, plus elective courses and training.

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. In that case you will follow the programme of your chosen scientific discipline during the first year of your Master’s, and the programme of the specialization during the second year.
You will graduate as a Master of Science. 

There are three professional specializations available:

• Science Communication
• Teaching
• Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship. 

A note to readers who don’t speak Dutch: Only the specialization Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship is described in English, because the other two specializations are only taught in Dutch.

Degree requirements

A Master of Science in Mathematical Physics is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Detailed course information

For detailed information regarding the curriculum and courses, please see the UvA Course Catalogue via the link below.