Master's Programme in Physics – Energy Physics

120 credits

The reliable supply of energy at low cost and with low environmental impact is one of our time's crucial challenges. The world is in high demand for professionals to tackle it, both in academia and industry. As a student in the Master's Programme in Physics specialising in Energy Physics, you will get prepared by learning energy conversion processes on their physics, such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.

This specialisation is now named Master's Programme in Physics - Physics of Sustainable Energy and Complex Systems. See the new page for the specialisation.

Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Physics at Uppsala University covers the entire length scale from subatomic strings to the whole universe, with forefront research across all sub-branches of physics. It ranges from research on elementary particles and materials, the structure of the earth and its atmosphere, to space and the properties of the universe

Today's increasing demand for energy sources with low-carbon dioxide emissions requires new developments concerning exploitation of these sources as well as energy conversion and storage. Engineering progress in these fields depends on profound knowledge of the underlying physics. By studying this, you can make important contributions to our future.

During the programme, you can expect to:

  • study a wide range of energy sources and conversion processes, from wind and hydropower to nuclear fusion,
  • get a personal mentor to guide your course selection,
  • position yourself as a theorist or on the experimental side.

You can tailor your Master's programme; Take courses in Advanced Nuclear Physics or Advanced Quantum Mechanics if you are interested in the theoretical description of the physical laws governing nuclear fission or fusion. Maybe take courses in geology and earth sciences if you are interested in the prerequisites for renewable energy. You will be assigned a mentor to help you make informed decisions towards your degree and your future career.

The programme offers the possibility to position yourself as a theorist as well as on the experimental side, covering the whole range between natural sciences on the one hand and engineering on the other.

Student profile

You have a good theoretical foundation in both physics and mathematics. Furthermore, you have experience in using the foundation to analyse data or create computer-based tools to solve problems.

A PhD education is a distinct possibility in your future so you would value coming in close contact with current research and prominent researchers in the field. So, if you are searching for the answer, a Master's degree in physics from Uppsala University might be exactly what takes you there.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Physics as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

The default duration of the programme is two years, with a minimum research work of 30 credits. A one-year option with a degree thesis of 15 credits is also available. (Please note that this choice does not affect your application.)

The first semester is partly utilised to level out the differences in knowledge between students with different backgrounds and partly to provide non-introductory courses in quantum and/or macroscopic physics.

In the last year, courses are closely connected to present-day research. The obligatory independent project work (degree project) is performed either during the last semester or during the whole last year in parallel with other courses.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the specialisation.

During the two-year programme, you will apply your background in physics to the field of energy physics. No prior knowledge in astronomy is required and you choose from a wide range of courses according to your interests and career plan.

Our teachers are active researchers and the courses closely follow current developments in energy physics.

During a typical week, you will have about 8-10 hours of scheduled classroom time. The majority of time is thus spent studying on your own or in a study group outside the classroom. You can also choose to conduct research projects. They are a lot like thesis work, only shorter in duration, and are an excellent way into a new research field and research group.

Classes are typically small, ranging from a few students up to about 20. This gives you close contact with the teachers as well as your fellow students. Our teaching is in English as the student group is international.

Instruction consists of lectures, teacher-supervised tuition, and guidance in conjunction with laboratory work. The forms of examination vary depending on the course content and design. Final exams are more common for theoretical courses, although many tutors have continuous examinations during the course, such as group discussions and hand-in exercises.

The employment and career opportunities are promising for graduates of this specialisation, both in academia and in the public and private sectors.

As far as academia is concerned, you will be well prepared to pursue PhD studies, which is the next step on the career ladder in science.

Outside of academia, the number of players in the international energy market is increasing, leading to a high demand for qualified professionals within industry and authorities. Physicists are well prepared for these challenges since they combine mathematical skills with programming competencies and the ability to capture complex situations in quantitative models. You will be well-trained to gain these capabilities during your studies.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

Contact

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