Physics

A research-oriented master's programme at Leibniz University Hannover structured around four active research specialisations — Solid State Physics, Gravitational Physics, Quantum Optics, and Radioecology & Radiation Protection — with half of all credits dedicated to original research work including an independently supervised research internship and master's thesis project.

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The Master's programme in Physics at Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover is a research-oriented consecutive programme that prepares graduates for independent scientific work and doctoral study. The programme is built around four established research areas active at the faculty — Solid State Physics, Gravitational Physics, Quantum Optics, and Radioecology & Radiation Protection — giving students early exposure to internationally relevant research questions. The curriculum divides into two broad phases. The first phase covers advanced coursework and specialisation: students deepen their theoretical and experimental foundations through specialised lectures, laboratory courses, and a mandatory seminar. A compulsory interdisciplinary elective (16 ECTS) draws from a broad catalogue including Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Philosophy, and Economics, broadening the graduate profile beyond pure physics. Students who study primarily in English may substitute this elective with German language courses. Transferable skills are developed through dedicated key competency modules drawn from the university's language centre, IT services, and quality assurance offerings. The second phase is fully devoted to research. Students complete a substantial research internship and project planning module, followed by the master's thesis project — together accounting for 60 of the programme's 120 ECTS. This structure means that students spend the equivalent of a full year embedded in active research, working closely with faculty supervisors in one of the programme's specialisation areas. The programme is available in both German and English, and can be studied full-time or part-time, providing flexibility for those managing parallel commitments. An optional industrial internship can be integrated into the coursework phase as an alternative to part of the standard lecture and practical requirement, offering a pathway into applied industry contexts while remaining within the academic framework.