The first year of the programme consists mainly of courses. The following courses are compulsory:

• Statistical Physics and Condensed Matter Theory I (6 EC, first block)
• Quantum field theory (6 EC, second block)
• Quantum field theory extension (3 EC, third block)
• Academic skills courses (6 EC in total, throughout the first year)
• Student seminar Theoretical Physics (6 EC, first semester second year)

In addition, you choose an individually tailored set of elective physics and mathematics courses (21 EC in total), under compulsory guidance. At the end of the first year of the programme, you make a start with your Master's project, which will take most of your second year.

The University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have joined forces in the Physics and Astronomy Master’s programme. As a student you will benefit from expertise, networks and research projects at both universities and affiliated research institutes. Upon completion of the programme you will receive a jointly issued degree certificate.

The entry requirements and the application procedure for this Master’s programme depends on whether you have completed your prior education in the Netherlands or abroad.

If you lack the required knowledge and skills to be admitted to the Master’s programme Physics and Astronomy, you can close the gap in our pre-Master’s programme.

The pre-Master’s programme consists of second and third year Bachelor courses. Eligibility for the pre-Master’s is based on your knowledge and skills. The Admissions Board will review your application and select the necessary courses for you. 

The Master's programme Physics and Astronomy is a full-time programme and does not offer a part-time programme.

The application process and the deadline depend on whether you have completed your prior education in the Netherlands or abroad.  We strongly recommend to start the application procedure at least a week before the deadline. Getting all your documents ready and going through the process will take several days.