Master's Degree Programme in Exact Sciences: Theoretical Physics
Turku, Finland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
21 Jan 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 12,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* application period: January 2026
** free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €12,000/academic year
Key Summary
Introduction
Discover all degree programmes of the University of Turku
Understanding the laws of nature from the bottom to the top!
The Theoretical Physics track introduces the student to the intriguing diversity of physical theories and gives means to understand the world.
The Master's Degree Programme in Exact Sciences: Theoretical Physics specialisation track incorporates topics from quantum physics to the theories of gravity. Problems of fundamental quantum physics, quantum information, quantum field theory and theoretical cosmology are at the heart of the studies in this track.
Upon graduation, you will be able to use the diverse set of skills acquired as part of this track, including theoretical and numerical techniques to produce and analyse new physical projects.
Academic Excellence & Experience
The aim of the Master’s education is to support you in becoming an independent expert who can evaluate information critically, plan and execute research projects to find new knowledge and solve scientific and technological problems independently and as a part of a group.
At the University of Turku, the research in theoretical physics puts the emphasis on various fields at the forefront of European and international research such as quantum technologies, fundamentals of quantum physics, quantum information and optics, quantum field theory and cosmology. You will learn rigorous mathematical and numerical methods to model physical phenomena and solve physical problems with several possible interdisciplinary applications also outside physics. Examples are the studies of complex systems, data science, and machine learning.
Specialisation Tracks
Theoretical Physics is one of the six specialisation tracks of the Master's Degree Programme in Exact Sciences. Other tracks of the programme are:
Meet programme staff, current students, and study advisors:
Admissions
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The structure is modular. All modules have 20 ECTS. Each specialisation track has two obligatory modules that contain the core material of the field. In addition, there is one thematic module that may be chosen from the other modules offered within this programme or other programmes at the University of Turku. The fourth module consists of freely chosen courses and an obligatory Finnish language and culture course (5 ECTS). An MSc thesis (30 ECTS) in addition to the seminar, internship, and project work (10 ECTS) are also required, details of which depend on the specialisation. See the figure below.
Examples of different modules in different specialisations are:
You can replace possible project work by participating in a Capstone project (15 ECTS) organised by the Department of Future Technologies. We recommend this for those students who aim to work in the industry after graduation.
In the Theoretical physics module 1, you will learn the basic theories of physics by attending lectures and doing exercises in courses on quantum physics, statistical physics and quantum field theory. In the Theoretical physics module 2, you deepen your understanding and develop your skills in more specified topics of theoretical physics, such as fundamentals of quantum physics, quantum information and optics, quantum field theory and cosmology.
The Thematic module consists of courses offered by the department, mathematics etc. according to your will agreed with the theoretical physics subject. Courses in relevant topics of mathematics, physics and astronomy are recommended. These studies can be used to form a minor. Possible minors are e.g. mathematics, physics, astronomy, and computer science.
In the Other Studies module, you can choose any courses you want from the entire offering of the university in addition to the obligatory Finnish for foreigners.
Master's Thesis & Topics
The programme includes a compulsory thesis component (30 ECTS), which corresponds to six months of full-time work. The thesis is to be written up as a report based on a combination of a literature review and an original research project that forms the bulk of the thesis.
The thesis is an independently made research project, but the project will be carried out under the guidance of leading researchers in the field at the University of Turku. It is expected that you will be embedded within an active research group or experimental team, which will provide you with an ample opportunity to discuss results and exchange ideas in a group setting.
The large variety of the recent thesis titles in theoretical physics includes:
- Decoherence and dissipation of a quantum Brownian particle
- Non-Markovian dynamics of the spin-boson model
- Quantum Zeno- anti-Zeno transition for a dynamically decoupled system
- Superconductivity and superfluids
- Quantum field theory and particle production on curved space-time
- Time-loop formalism and the thermalisation of the neutrinos in the early universe
- The Boltzmann equations in cosmology
- Automorphisms and coexistence of quantum effects
- A search algorithm for symmetric, informationally complete sets of positive operators
- Ontological models and contextuality
Program Outcome
Competence Description
The Master of Science degree provides the skills to work in many different kinds of positions within areas such as research and development, education and management, and industry. In particular, MSc in theoretical physics offers a deep understanding of the physical world, its structure and functioning as well as practical abilities to work with various other topics.
MSc in theoretical physics prepares the student for an academic career but it also gives excellent skills in using mathematical tools, physical models and computational techniques. These provide the ability to work in various positions from the finance sector to data science and machine learning. Moreover, they form the students to new jobs in the emerging quantum technology industries. So, the MSc in theoretical physics prepares you either for a career in research and development in industry or for a follow-up PhD study.
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Turku supports merited and motivated students with generous scholarships. The university offers these scholarships to students pursuing Master's level studies who are subject to tuition fees.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, and you can apply for a scholarship by simply answering “yes” to the corresponding question in the online application form when you apply for the programme.
One type of scholarship covers whole tuition fees for two years for Master’s degree programmes. In addition to that, there is a scholarship for the best applicants that covers tuition fees and includes an additional grant of €5,000.
Approximately 30 % of the admitted students are awarded a scholarship by the University of Turku.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Job Options
The prospects for employment at relatively senior levels are excellent for those trained in this programme. Thanks to its broad scope, the skills and knowledge you will develop will provide you with many employment opportunities in different areas.
Our recent graduates have been employed in a wide range of professions, in addition to an academic career, such as the finance sector, medical imagining, quantum technology, game development, and data mining.
Career in Research
The Master’s degree also provides eligibility for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. The University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) has a Doctoral Programme in Exact Sciences that covers the disciplines of this Master’s degree program.
Doctoral studies incur no tuition fees, and PhD students often receive either a salary or a grant to cover their living expenses.