MSc Physics
The Department of Physics aims to provide a Master programme with a broad selection of courses, covering all major aspects of modern physics. The Master programme should encourage breadth, but it should also enable students to specialise further, if they choose to do so.
The "Master of Science ETH" qualification provides graduates with a solid basis for entering the professional life. This qualification is also a pre-requisite for Doctoral studies. The Master's stage takes typically one and a half years, the last half year of which is devoted to the Master thesis.
The admission criteria to the MSc studies in Physics are either a BSc degree in Physics from ETH or an equivalent preparation from another curriculum at ETH or a comparable higher-education institution. The details are outlined in the appendix of the Download programme regulations. (PDF, 410 KB) Applications should be sent to the Admissions Office.
As a student of the MSc curriculum you enjoy great freedom in your choice of courses. The courses will be a combination from a few categories:
Core courses
- Theoretical core subjects: these complete the theoretical courses already begun at the Bachelor stage on an advanced level.
- Experimental core subjects: analogous to the theoretical courses these complete the experimental foundations on an advanced level.
For a list of courses offered, please visit this page.
Elective courses
- Elective subjects from Physics or Mathematics: the available courses are closely related to the research activities at the Departments of Physics and Mathematics. They are also a good preparation for a Master thesis.
- General elective subject: you may complement your Master's curriculum with some general courses given by other departments. For details consult the regulations (especially Art. 30).
For a list of courses offered, please visit this page.
Science in Perspective
- Elective Compulsory Subject from the offer of "GESS Science in Perspective" in the Course Catalogue.
Proseminars and semester lab work
Proseminars (Theory) and Semester Lab Work (Experiment or Theory): these are individual projects much like a small version of the Master thesis. They allow to become more proficient in research under the supervision of an assistant.
Master thesis
The master thesis completes the curriculum, typically in the third semester. You will show your ability to conduct research on your own and in a well-structured way on an advanced level.
Exceptionally qualified students can directly apply for a PhD position within the direct doctorate programme.
The programme consists of two parts. The first part comprises a complete MSc programme in Physics and the second part encompasses the actual doctoral studies. During the MSc studies, you receive a full merit-based scholarship and the tuition fees are waived. During the doctoral studies a salary is paid.
The direct doctorate programme features additional requirements. Students have to:
- earn a minimum of 44 CPs within two semesters, including three core courses (30 CPs), a semester project or proseminar (8 CPs) and at least one elective course (6 CPs);
- reach a minimum grade average of 5.25 in the three core courses;
- conclude and request the MSc degree within 2 years after starting the programme.
If these requirements are not fulfilled, students drop out of the direct doctorate and lose their funding. Students can finish the MSc degree according to the regulations.
The details regarding the direct doctorate are regulated in a directive of the rector and Download the appendix of the MSc degree regulations (PDF, 271 KB).
For a successful application, a confirmation of the future supervisor is needed. It has to state that he/she will provide financial support in the form of a merit-based scholarship for the Master's programme and funding for the subsequent doctorate. Furthermore, an outstanding academic record is required in addition to the regular MSc application.