M.Sc. in Physics
Astana, Kazakhstan
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Scholarships
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Introduction
The two-year 120 ECTS MSc Program in Physics is designed to train students as competent physicists who would continue either with their Ph.D. studies for future academic appointments or turn to professional careers in the industry within research and development companies, or in the public sector.
The students will gain profound systematic knowledge of physics and develop the ability to identify and use theoretical knowledge in the context of real-life phenomena and engineering applications in technology innovation and entrepreneurship. The graduates are expected to acquire advanced analytical, mathematical, computational, and experimental skills corresponding to the subjects of their Master's projects.
Students are expected to become exposed to the international research environment.ย Graduates of the program will have advanced research skills that will enable them to make significant ongoing contributions in technologically diverse environments.
General information
- Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
- Language: English
- Delivery mode: Full-time, on-campus
- Duration: 2 years
- Total ECTS credits: 120
School of Sciences and Humanities
The academic staff at Nazarbayev Universityโs School of Sciences and Humanities comprises scholars with doctoral degrees from leading universities around the world. We also have researchers involved in various studies, and our scientists in the natural sciences conduct research in about 90 laboratories. Some of our faculty members even specialize in Eurasian studies. Admitted students of NUSSH can rest assured of tapping from our facultyโs wealth of knowledge and experience, both inside and outside the classroom.
We keep our classes small so students can readily receive one-on-one attention from their instructors. Moreover, instructors can tailor classes to the need of each student for the best learning experience owing to our student-centered learning. Our professors can work with the weaknesses of every student and improve their strengths. Laboratory experience and research involvement are not spared from this approach: our students get practical laboratory experience and collaborate with their colleagues or their professors in research.
Strategic partner
University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)
Other strategic partners of Nazarbayev University
- Duke University, Fuqua School of Business (USA)
- The National University of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore)
- The University of Pennsylvania (USA)
- The University of Cambridge (UK)
- Colorado School of Mines (USA)
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (USA)
- The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA)
- The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (USA)
Admissions
Curriculum
The 1st year of the program consists of compulsory core courses designed to give a solid fundamental knowledge. Students choose elective courses at the beginning of 2nd year to specialize in the area of their interest. The focus of the last semester is Thesis work. Initial Placement Test. Students take the initial test after admission to the program which evaluates the students and advises them on the course materials to follow. Tests basic Physics knowledge (Classical mechanics, Classical electrodynamics, Quantum mechanics, Statistical physics).
- 24 ECTS credits of MSc-level basic physics courses: Classical mechanics, Classical electrodynamics, Quantum mechanics, Statistical physics (These courses can be partially or fully substituted by research and/or specialized elective courses).
- 24 ECTS credits for electives: taken from Physics or other electives of SSH.
- 6 ECTS credits for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- 36 ECTS credits for research courses, i.e. seminar, research project, and thesis proposal development.
- 30 ECTS credits for the Master's thesis.
Career Opportunities
A career in physics is exciting because physicists are trained to be natural problem solvers and creative thinkers. Economy is undergoing a transformation that reflects worldwide trends โ the know-hows and technical innovations become the most important asset. In order to develop the necessary underlying technologies to support this transformation, highly skilled physicists and engineers are required.
If you like the freedom of active discovery, the power of invention, the language of mathematics, and a goodsized paycheck, then physics is a great career choice. The students will gain profound systematic knowledge in physics and develop the ability to identify and use theoretical knowledge in the context of real-life phenomena and engineering applications in technology innovation and entrepreneurship. The graduates are expected to acquire advanced analytical, mathematical, computational and experimental skills corresponding to the subjects of their Master projects. Students are expected to become exposed to the international research environment.
Program Outcome
The students will gain profound systematic knowledge of physics and develop the ability to identify and use theoretical knowledge in the context of real-life phenomena and engineering applications in technology innovation and entrepreneurship. The graduates are expected to acquire advanced analytical, mathematical, computational, and experimental skills corresponding to the subjects of their Master's projects. Students are expected to become exposed to the international research environment. The program is designed to take advantage of the faculty expertise and the laboratory resources of the School of Sciences and Humanities, and Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System.