Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy
Physics and astronomy is an extensive and interdisciplinary field. In addition to a thorough theoretical knowledge of physics and its analytical methodology, you will develop strong problem-solving skills. Another asset of physicists is their ability to conceptualize and their (mathematical and computer) modelling skills.
What
The importance of physics in today’s knowledge society cannot be overstated, and its influence can be found in numerous fields, particularly in technology and medicine. The research domain of physics and astronomy is vast and extends from the world of the very smallest (the so-called elementary particles) to the study of the very largest (the universe). A defining feature of physics is that these subjects are addressed in a highly theoretical way, in close interaction with experiments and computational modelling. Both on a national and international level, physics is the cradle of many important and innovative concepts, models, and techniques. Many of these innovative physical concepts and techniques have an interdisciplinary character, as clearly illustrated by the existence of dynamic specialized fields such as solid state physics, medical physics and biophysics. Not only the principles but also the applications of physics can be found in many aspects of our knowledge society. A great number of scientific advancements in physics and astronomy have made their way from the laboratory to technological applications in our society. There is no reason to assume that this will be any different 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 may vary. Depending on your prior education, you can either enrol directly or there may be additional requirements.
Structure
The curriculum for the Master’s program in Physics and Astronomy is based on the following principles: 36 ECTS credits for compulsory general courses, 30 ECTS credits for the master’s thesis, and 54 ECTS credits for elective courses. Given the wide range of career opportunities, you can use these 54 ECTS credits to specialize (at least 30 credits in the domains of astronomy, solid-state physics, nuclear and particle physics, theoretical physics, or interdisciplinary electives) and/or broaden your knowledge by selecting socially and/or economically relevant courses.
You will also choose one or more courses in the domain of professional skills, which may include internships in an industrial or research setting. The compulsory courses in the first semester provide an in-depth overview of all research fields in which Ghent University has strong expertise. These courses help you make an informed choice from the broad range of research opportunities.
From the second semester of the first master’s year onward, you will spend a significant part of your study time within an academic research group, through elective courses and the master’s thesis, and optionally also with project work. You can deepen your knowledge in a particular direction by selecting from a wide range of elective courses.
You will conclude your academic journey by writing your master’s thesis. This offers you the opportunity to further refine your research skills and to actively participate in one of the research groups, allowing you to go deeper into a specific field.
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).
Labour Market
Graduates of the Master’s program in Physics and Astronomy have a broad range of career opportunities and can find employment in scientific research, education, and various companies where research and development are core activities, as well as in domains that seem less connected to physics and astronomy, such as data science and artificial intelligence.
Their key strengths include their ability to identify and solve problems, as well as their skills in conceptualization and modelling. All of this is, of course, supported by a deep theoretical understanding of physics and its analytical methodologies. Physicists are highly valued both nationally and internationally for their versatility, scientific approach, and strong 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 research training.
- 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.
Accreditation
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.