Master in Theoretical Physics
Utrecht, Netherlands
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 23,765 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2024-2025: โฌ 2,530 Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) 2024-2025: โฌ 23,765
Key Summary
Introduction
Do you want to study the fundamental questions of the universe in order to comprehend the world? Explore different fields of theoretical physics, from the tiniest things to galaxies. Or be challenged to become the best physicist you possibly can?
The fascinating world of physics
The research Masterโs Theoretical Physics is your gateway to understanding the fascinating world of physics, ranging from the unimaginably small scales of elementary particles to the vast dimensions of our universe. Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to describe space-time and elementary particles as well as macroscopic and microscopic phenomena in quantum and soft matter.
Programme objective
Theoretical Physics provides students with a broad overview of methods and topics in theoretical physics and teaches them to work independently in a specific sub-discipline of the field. Students also learn to present and discuss their work both orally and in writing, and to take a critical attitude towards the existing literature.
Curriculum
Course part (70 EC)
4 compulsory courses (25 EC)
- Quantum field theory
- Statistical field theory
- Student seminar theoretical physics
- Theoretical physics colloquium
6 elective courses (45 EC)
Primary electives
These are programme-related electives. You must select 3 courses from the following pre-defined list:
- Advanced topics in theoretical physics 1 external link
- Advanced topics in theoretical physics 2 external link
- Cosmology external link
- Field theory in condensed matter external link
- Field theory in particle physics external link
- General relativity external link
- Gravitational waves theory & observations external link
- Modelling and simulation external link
- Soft condensed matter theory external link
- String theory external link
- Theory for technology external link
Secondary Electives
These electives can be chosen more liberally to give your programme a personal flavour. You must choose 1 mathematics course in the Masterโs Mathematical Sciences. The rest of the space you can use to choose more of the primary electives or courses from other programmes like Experimental Physics, Chemistry, Computing Science and History and Philosophy of Science.
In order to expand the thematic range of your Master's programme, you can also choose to do a profile in your (elective) course part. A profile is a coherent set of courses of 30 EC on a single theme that is usually not a standard part of the programme. Within this Master's you can choose from the following profiles:
Profile (optional)
- Communication profile
- Educational profile
- Science-based Entrepreneurship profile
- Complex systems profile
- Applied data science profile
Career Opportunities
Academic careers
Graduates of Utrecht Universityโs Theoretical Physics Masterโs programme have the opportunity to enrol in PhD programmes at Utrecht University, elsewhere in the Netherlands, or anywhere in the world. Roughly two-thirds of our graduates continue to conduct doctoral research at Utrecht University or institutions elsewhere in the world. Doctoral students in the Netherlands typically receive full funding for a four-year period. Graduates who decide to continue their education at prestigious institutions outside the Netherlands should investigate the funding options at these institutions.
Non-academic careers
One-third of students in the program decide to pursue a non-academic career. The Masterโs degree in Theoretical Physics offers a solid basis for many interesting careers. We provide our students with a broad overview of what is possible via Alumni Talks by former students of the program who have made the transition. Examples of career directions outside of academia include:
- research positionsย for multinationals such as ASML, Unilever, Shell, and Philips
- consultant in information technology
- financial analyst for banks or insurance companies
- scientific journalist
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at Utrecht University
Why in Utrecht?
- Access to cutting-edge research and leading instructors in the field.
- The ability to tailor your study programme to your interests with a broad set of courses across theoretical physics.
- Individualised supervision and a lively atmosphere.
- A full-year thesis research project.