Master's Programme in Physics – Mathematical Physics

120 credits

If you are eager to understand fundamental physics but are equally captivated by the elegance of mathematics, and if you enjoy performing explicit computations yet seek the underlying succinct patterns, then mathematical physics is the specialisation for you. Guided by world-renowned professionals, learn how to combine physical intuition with mathematical abstraction and rigour, and become a creator of the language that will drive future research.

Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Through mathematical physics, we develop adequate mathematical tools to boost efficiency and understanding in the existing research and to discover new physics. In this specialisation, within the Master’s Programme in Physics, you get an essential background in both physics and mathematics. With a balanced portfolio, you will be able to compete for the strongest PhD positions in physics and mathematics, at the overlap of the two and in the adjacent areas. You will also be highly sought-after in job sectors outside academia.

The programme is taught by world-renowned scientists affiliated with the Centre of Excellence for Geometry and Physics. Apart from regular classes, you will participate in research and literature seminars to become aware of the modern research frontline. By the end of your studies, you will complete a Master's thesis. You will have a supervisor during this time, where having one from the centre is a natural choice, but you are not limited to this option.

Student profile

You are expected to have a solid bachelor-level foundation in physics and mathematics and be willing to take responsibility for your education by choosing from the wide range of courses offered.

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).

At the beginning of your studies, we will meet with you to go over the possibilities of the programme and help you form your studies. You will also get the opportunity to select courses for the first semester that cover any gaps from your previous degree.

In the Mathematical physics specialisation, we follow the logic of splitting topics into three roughly equal parts.

Part one

The first part consists of “quantum” courses: advanced quantum mechanics and two courses in quantum field theory. Other subjects of theoretical physics are available optionally: general relativity, quantum chromodynamics, string theory, advanced topics in statistical physics and quantum field theory.

Part two

The second part is a well-established part of mathematical physics. You will study mathematical methods in physics II and geometrical methods in theoretical physics cover the material for differential geometry. You will continue with Lie groups and Lie algebras, elements of differential and algebraic topology, principal G-bundles and characteristic classes. There will be plenty of explicit examples and problems to solve, and applications to gauge theories, gravity, and condensed matter.

Part three

The third part consists of “algebraic” topics, which are required by modern research but rarely available within a physicist education. They are taught by the mathematical department. You will study algebraic structures (finite groups, fields, rings, modules, Galois theory), representation theory of finite groups, and homological algebra. Several other courses are available as an option, including algebraic geometry.

Master’s thesis

The fourth semester is dedicated to the degree project, where you will work on your Master's thesis under the supervision of a researcher.

We also offer a spectrum of programming courses (mathematica, python, deep learning) as well as a variety of project courses, ranging from 5 to 30 credits, that allow you to gain research experience or explore topics not covered in regular courses. It's even possible to complete your entire master's degree through project courses.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the specialisation.

The programme takes place in Uppsala and is taught in English. Our teachers are active researchers, and so the courses closely follow current developments in mathematical physics, theoretical physics, and mathematics.

With typically small classes, from a few students up to about 20, close contact between teachers and students is established and supervision proceeds in an informal atmosphere. You can expect around 8–16 hours of classroom time per week, depending on the load you chose to undertake. The rest of the time is reserved for studies on your own or together with your classmates.

Instruction methods vary, including lectures, tutorials, discussions, and problem‑solving sessions. Early courses use exams for assessment, while more advanced courses use continuous evaluation instead meaning you get your marks by doing homework assignments for which we endorse student-student cooperation.

Early involvement in research-related activities is encouraged, with opportunities to attend scientific seminars and undertake research projects. Towards the end of your studies the focus shifts entirely to research: the degree project is compulsory to accomplish your master. It offers a hands-on experience crucial for pursuing PhD positions.

With a Master’s degree in physics specialising in mathematical physics, you will become highly competitive in application for PhD studies in theoretical and mathematical physics and some branches of mathematics, in top universities worldwide.

An important factor for success, in addition to the excellence of your work, is the excellence of our researchers who will teach and supervise your degree project: The Centre of Excellence for Geometry and Physics comprises recognised leaders in their fields who collaborate with other research groups worldwide, which means you get a project in a competitive topic and your work becomes visible for prospective employers.

During your studies, you acquire key transferable skills: critical thinking, problem‑solving, group work, and efficiently dealing with complex systems—you train these qualities on an everyday basis as this is an integral part of being a scientist. We also teach you the techniques of presenting your results depending on the audience, format, and goals. Furthermore, you get a solid mathematical and programming background. This spectrum gives you perfect employment opportunities even outside of academia; in industry, research and development, software development, the financial sector, etcetera.

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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