Course content

The importance of physics in our knowledge-based society can hardly be overestimated. In particular, technology and medicine have highly benefited from advances made in physics. The research domain of physics and astronomy is very wide, and extends from the world of the smallest (the elementary particles) to the study of the largest objects (the cosmos).

Both at a national and international level, physics is the cradle of numerous important and innovative concepts, models and techniques, many of which have an interdisciplinary character. This is clearly illustrated by the existence of specialised disciplines of present interest, such as “medical physics”, “biophysics”, “econophysics”, etc. Not only the principles but also the applications of physics can be found in many aspects of our knowledge based society. A large number of scientific developments in Physics and Astronomy found their way from the laboratory to the technological applications which color our daily lives. There is not a single reason to assume why this would be any different in the future.

Programme

This study programme is aimed at the study of the fundamental aspects of physics and astronomy and aspires to train physicists and astronomers through the balanced combination of courses. The expertise of this discipline is divided in two departments:
- Physics and Astronomy
- Solid State Sciences

Course structure

DEGREE STUDENTS

The curriculum for the Master of Physics and Astronomy is based on the following principles: five general courses for 30 credits, 30 credits for the master thesis, 30 credits for deepening or broadening elective courses, 30 credits for specialised elective courses. In light of the wide range of career perspectives one can choose between two minors: the minor research and minor in economics and business.

In the first semester of the master programme the student completes the five general courses. These five courses provide a deepening overview of the research expertise at Ghent University. After this semester a deliberate choice is made between the range of research opportunities. From the second semester of first year master on, a large part of the study time is spent in one of the academic research groups.

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

The exchange programme contains a preferred list of English courses taught at UGent of the Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy.
For example: physics and chemistry of nanostructures, nuclear methods in material research, plasma physics, capita selecta solid-state physics, atomic and molecular physics, etc.

Career perspectives

The graduates of the Master of Physics and Astronomy can go for a job in scientific research and in many companies where research and development are a core activity. Your strengths are your problem solving mind, next to conceptualizing and modelling skills. All this of course supported by a thorough knowledge of physics and the physical methodology. Physicists are valued for their polyvalence, scientific approach and analytical thinking and reasoning abilities.

Admission requirements

diploma

• For non-Flemish degrees:

the course is open to students with at least a Bachelor degree in the field of physics with minimum 180 credits.

• For Flemish degrees:

the list of degrees giving access to this master can be consulted in the online course catalogue.

language

Check the language requirements for English taught programmes.

Application Procedures

DEGREE STUDENT

International students who want to obtain a diploma or degree at Ghent University apply and enroll as regular students on the basis of a diploma obtained abroad.

EXCHANGE STUDENT

International students who temporarily live in a foreign country and attend courses or are involved in other academic activities, have to follow the procedure of exchange students.