Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy
Physics and astronomy is an extensive and interdisciplinary field. In addition to a thorough knowledge of physics and its analytical methodology, you will develop strong problem-posing and problem-solving skills. Another asset of physicists is their ability to conceptualize and their (mathematical and computer) modelling skills.
What
In today’s knowledge society, the importance of physics cannot be overestimated. Its influence is felt in many areas, but especially so in technology and medicine. The extensive physics and astronomy research field literally spans the entire cosmos, ranging from the so-called elementary particles to the vast expanse of the universe. At a national as well as an international level, physics has been the cradle of various important and innovative concepts, models and techniques, many of which have an interdisciplinary character. The existence of vibrant specialized fields such as medical physics and biophysics is an important testament to this. To such an extent have the principles and applications of physics and astronomy found their way from the lab into our knowledge society that it is highly reasonable to assume they will continue to do so in the future.
Remarks
We organize our study programme together with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). This allows both institutions to pool their expertise, and to offer students a wider range of elective course units, dissertation topics, … .
For whom
The admission requirements vary. Depending on your prior education, you are either able to enrol directly, or there are additional requirements.
Structure
The Master of Physics and Astronomy curriculum is built up according to the following principles: 30 ECTS-credits worth of compulsory general course units, 30 ECTS-credits allotted to the Master’s dissertation, 30 ECTS-allotted to the minor, and 30 ECTS-credits worth of in-depth elective course units. To facilitate a wide array of professional opportunities, there are two minors to choose from, i.e. the Research Minor or the Economics and Business Administration Minor.
The compulsory first-term course units provide an in-depth overview of all research areas for which Ghent University has the available expertise. These course units support you in your choice of research options.
From the second term onwards, you will spend a large part of your study time in one of the academic research groups. The Research Minor allows you to take on a total of 60 ECTS-credits worth of in-depth elective course units. At least 10 ECTS-credits of these must be spent on a work placement or course units at another university (college). It goes without saying that the Research Minor is an excellent preparation for starting a doctorate.
The Economics and Business Administration Minor offers 30 ECTS-credits introducing you into business and economics. Combining a scientific training with economics and business administration-related competencies is a solid preparation for a career in the business world or in regulatory and/or advisory bodies. This minor can be combined with 30 ECTS-credits worth of in-depth electives.
In addition to the (domain) Master’s programme described above, you can also choose a Master’s Programme in Teaching (in Dutch: Educatieve Master). For more information, go to (www.ugent.be/educatievemaster, 120 ECTS-credits).
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Labour Market
Physics and Astronomy graduates are widely employable in sectors such as academic research, education and research and development. Their main assets are their capacity for problem-posing and problem-solving thought, in addition to conceptualizing and modelling skills. All of the above is, of course, supported by a thorough knowledge of physics and its analytical methodology. Physicists are valued at home and abroad for their versatility, scientific approach and analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
Quality Assurance
At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality.
Ghent University continuously focuses on quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.
More information:
Unique Selling Points
- From the first year onwards, students gradually become acquainted with various scientific methodologies in physics and astronomy with a focus on critical thinking, multidisciplinarity and academic integrity.
- Step by step and by means of varied and innovative teaching and assessment methods, students (inter)actively delve into current themes (for example, why does the universe mainly consist of matter and not anti-matter?) and problems (for example, where do time and space come from?).
- Throughout the academic year there is accessible, tailor-made student guidance, including interim feedback, practice moments and practicals.
- Our students’ strong methodological background makes for a smooth study progress and flexible employability. Our graduates find employment in a highly diverse professional field, or start a PhD. The “golden triangle of physics” (i.e. theoretical modelling, data from experiments and computer modelling) results in a set of the technical skills adapted to jobs of the future.
- Our motivated and multidisciplinary team of lecturers has strong didactic professionalism. All of our lecturers are active experts in international research networks in physics and astronomy.
Strengths
- Throughout our programme, we optimize our students’ independence, giving feedback and support where necessary.
- When preparing their Master’s dissertations, students are embedded in a research group, where they can count on excellent content-related supervision.
- We communicate in a transparent manner on exam expectations and assessment criteria, for example by means of sample questions, the course sheet, and (additional) guidelines posted on the electronic learning environment.
- Our study programme can call on highly involved students in consultative bodies, student associations, alumni associations, and so on.
- We take to heart formal and informal feedback from all of our students, and act accordingly.
Challenges
- A wide range of existing initiatives notwithstanding, the Physics and Astronomy programme will continue to focus on sustainable alumni activities and broader communication regarding the final competencies and programme competencies, and employment opportunities after the Bachelor’s and Master’s programme.
- Outbound student mobility can be stimulated further, for example via internationalisering@home (e.g. international literature, involvement of lecturers in international networks, guest lectures) and by further optimizing and publishing work placement opportunities and opportunities to go on Erasmus.
- We will continue to focus on Ghent University’s policy choices: sustainability, entrepreneurship and civic engagement by structurally embedding these aspects into the curriculum.
This study programme is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch: NVAO). Accreditation was extended following the positive outcome of the institutional review in 2017. Programme quality was validated by a quality review, i.e. a screening of the Education Monitor by the Education Quality Board. The Quality Assurance Resolution (in Dutch) can be found here.
This information was last updated on 01/06/2021.
In case of questions or suggestions with regard to the publicly available information, please contact the study programme.