BSc in Applied Physics
Groningen, Netherlands
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 19,300 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Dutch, EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students
** for Non-EU|for EU/EEA EUR 2,530
Introduction
Physics is concerned with describing and predicting natural phenomena. Applied physics is concerned with applying physics in technical solutions. Design and construction are important aspects of this.
Applied physics is at the heart of society. It forms the basis for many of the products we use in daily life. The program has a strong interdisciplinary orientation, with an emphasis on combinations of subjects: physics with design studies, nanotechnology, new materials and systems, and control engineering
Applied physics involves studying not only how phenomena come about, but also how to use them for technical solutions. The program focuses on theory and practice.
Critical appraisal skills
Applied physics is an academic subject, which means that you acquire not only knowledge but also skills such as presentation, working in a team, and setting up and conducting research. We teach you critical appraisal skills, which you will learn to apply to your own and other's work.
Tough subject
Applied physics can certainly be described as a 'tough' subject. In order to study it, you need to have an affinity for sciences and you need to have an enquiring and creative mind that wonders how things work.
Why study this program in Groningen?
- In Groningen, you can study Physics alongside Applied Physics, and you don't have to choose between them right away. Groningen is the only university in the Netherlands to offer a broad Bachelor's program that allows you to explore various natural sciences.
- In Groningen, you will be taught by researchers who have gained a worldwide reputation. The linked Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials is ranked in the top 15 of its kind worldwide.
Curriculum
Courses
- Calculus 1 & 2
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Linear Algebra
- Mathematical Physics
- Mechanics and Relativity
- Physics Laboratory 1 & 2
- Physics of Modern Technology
- Python for Physicists
Curriculum
The Groningen science and engineering program stand out for their academic excellence. The work pace in the first year is generally high and the course contents demanding. The first-year curriculum concentrates on laying a sound basis for our engineering and natural science disciplines. This allows our students to choose their specialization tracks already in their second Bachelor's year.
Credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.
Study abroad
- Study abroad is optional
- Maximum of 30 EC
Exchange: All our science and engineering programs offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, the UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange program has a typical duration of one semester and counts toward your final degree.
Internship: This program offers you the opportunity to carry out a research project of a variable number of months at a company in the Netherlands or abroad, as part of your thesis. Our choice of industry partners ranges from large multinationals (such as Shell, Philips, Unilever) to dynamic small and medium enterprises in the Groningen area.
Admissions
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Job prospects
Applied Physics is a broad Bachelor's program, after which you can specialize with a Master's degree program. You can then continue in the academic world or opt for a career in the business world. Many applied physics graduates find work developing new products.
Business
Many applied physics graduates choose a job in the industry, contributing to technical innovations and product development. In the SME sector, consultancy and engineering firms are also increasingly looking for applied physicists.
Research and advising
When you have your Master's degree you can carry out Ph.D. research at a university. You could also work for a research institute such as TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) or the NLR (National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands). Other openings include managerial and policy positions in a range of fields, for example in environmental protection or the service sector.
Not quite the same as the technology
Applied physicists, like 'ordinary' physicists, are sought after by large organizations such as banks and insurance companies, which value their analytical skills. Management consultancy firms frequently recruit applied physicists too.
Job examples
- Analyst
- Consultant
- Researcher
- Technical innovator