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
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 1 September 2025
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is:
- 60 credits in mathematics;
- Complex Analysis and either Mathematical Methods of Physics or Partial Differential Equations.
In addition, one of the following two requirements must be met:
- 10 credits in quantum physics. 10 credits covering two of the following: Hamiltonian mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetic field theory, statistical mechanics.
- Quantum physics. Electromagnetism. Linear algebra (including spectral theory, dual spaces, and tensor products). Calculus of variations. Algebraic structures. .
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
- Fees
-
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2025
- Application code
- UU-M1367
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
About the programme
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).
Content
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.
Learning experience
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.
Career
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.
Register your interest
Keep updated about the application process.
Programme syllabus
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2024
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2023
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2022
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2021
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2020
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2019
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2018
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2017
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2016, version 2
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2016, version 1
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2015
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2014
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2013
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2012
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2011
Contact
- For programme-specific information, please contact our study counsellor:
- studievagledare@geo.uu.se
- +46 18 471 25 07
- For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
- masterprogrammes@uu.se
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.