Master of Science in Physics

The Master’s Degree Programme in Physics provided by the Faculty of Mathematics and Science is a two-year (120 ECTS) full-time programme taught in English.

Applications for this master's degree programme can be submitted once a year in January, and once accepted, your studies will begin in September. From this programme, you will graduate with a Master of Science degree.

Why this programme?

You have four options to direct your studies:

• The Physics of Quantum Materials option provides expert skills in material science.
• The Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics option provides competence in nuclear and radiation physics for research and applications.
• The Particle and Quark Matter Physics and Cosmology option provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of matter and the universe.
• Finally, the Physics Applications in Technology and Society option provides physics know-how to build a career in R&D and innovations.

Employment prospects have traditionally been excellent since the programme provides a skill set valued in industry and academia alike. Studies also emphasise project management and communication skills.

Student profile

After completing the present degree, you will master the four strengths of a physicist.

1. Skills in identifying the essence of natural phenomena and using relevant modelling to solve complex problems.
2. Ability to use computers, experimental apparatuses, and mathematical and computational tools in problem-solving.
3. Expertise in teamwork and written and oral science communication.
4. Experienced in learning and producing brand-new knowledge.

We are looking for students with a suitable higher education degree (BSc in Physics or similar) and adequate proficiency in the English language. Basic skills in mathematics (especially calculus and linear algebra) are required, and experience in programming (e.g. Python) is beneficial. Suitable fields of the degree include Physics, Applied Physics, or other related fields.

Information about the degree structure and study contents of the Master's Degree Programme in Physics.
The program requires completion of 120 ETCS within 2 years, including the MSc thesis.

The compulsory studies include a minimum of 60-80 ECTS of physics courses, depending on your specialization. In addition, language, communication, and working life skills courses are included in the program.

Students are free to choose optional courses across the University subject to course-specific prerequisites. Optional courses include preparatory or advanced-level language courses in various languages offered by the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication, the Basic Business Studies module by the Jyväskylä School of Business, and the Creating Careers Lecture Series, just to mention a few examples.

During the degree studies, you will strengthen your expertise in material science, nuclear science, particle physics and cosmology, or physics applications. Since the principles of physics are independent of language, culture, or the state of the economy, this expertise secures an advantage for graduates in the global job market. After graduation, you can design and lead projects within the international atmosphere and communicate fluently about science.

Students graduating from the programme can find employment in universities, research institutes, high-tech companies, defence forces, the finance sector, game and software industry.

After graduation, you may also have the opportunity to apply for doctoral studies in natural sciences.