M.A Astrophysics

Graduates of the Master of Science in Astrophysics have attained a degree of knowledge in a modern specialized area of physics at the highest international level. Because of the broad range of the course, they are able to apply their training to other areas and research topics in their subsequent professional careers. The Masters degree in Astrophysics enables the student to work independently as a physicist in research and university teaching, an industrial environment and the service industries. The professional qualification attained is applicable in fundamental physical research, applied research and development in natural science, technical, IT and medical areas as well as modern administration and service businesses.

The basis for admission to the Master’s program is proof of a higher education entrance qualification and a professional University qualification from a program in physics or astrophysics lasting at least six semesters.

In particular, the following entrance requirement is necessary:
an accredited Bachelor’s degree at a University in PHYSICS or Astrophysics!

The candidate cannot have failed the same Master’s program, or one with comparable content, irrevocably.

In addition to the successful completion of such a Bachelor’s program, admittance to the Master’s program of study in astrophysics is further dependent on the successful participation in an assessment procedure.

Assessment procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to determine whether the candidate, in addition to the attainment of the first degree, is suitably qualified to meet the needs of a Master’s course in astrophysics.

The qualifications necessary include knowledge from the first-degree course in PHYSICS or Astrophysics,
in particular in theoretical mechanics, theoretical quantum mechanics, theoretical electrodynamics, theoretical thermodynamics and statistics,
atomic and molecular physics, nuclear and particle physics, as well as mathematical-analytical skills and an ability to work scientifically.

1^st Semester

• Essentials of advanced Astrophysics (9 ECTS)
• Numerical or instrumental laboratory (9 ECTS)
• Lecture belonging to the field of statistics or the field of QM (winter or summer term) (6 ECTS)
• Modern Physics (6 ECTS)

2^nd Semester

• Astrophysical basic laboratory (9 ECTS)
• Advanced Seminar (“Hauptseminar”) (3 ECTS)
• Elective Lecture of Astrophysics with Seminar (summer or winter term) (6 ECTS)
• Elective Lecture of Astrophysics with Seminar (6 ECTS)
• Elective Lecture of Astrophysics with Seminar (6 ECTS)

3^rd and 4^th Semester

• Research project preparation phase (30 ECTS =  attendant courses (24 ECTS) + attendant lecture (6 ECTS))
• Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

The primary goals of the course are to impart expertise in current research topics on the basis of a deeper physical understanding. Here research methods, strategic planning, critical evaluation of the scientific results, independence as well as career-relevant qualifications are central. The ability to think astrophysically and to proceed methodically in both theory and practice are developed during the two year course of study. A mixture of lectures, exercises, seminars, colloquia, tutorials, practicals and field studies provides this training. Building on the knowledge gained in the first two semesters, these abilities will be strengthened during the year long research phase of the third and fourth semesters.

You can join one of the following careers:

• Research Analyst
• Research Director
• Healthcare Administrator
• Educationist
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Energy Manager