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.

Master's Programme
2 year 120 credits
Faculty of Sciences
Dutch
About the programme
Programme summary
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Off to a good start
After graduation

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.