Master's Programme in Physics – Physics of Sustainable Energy and Complex Systems

At the beginning of your studies, we will meet with you to review the programme structure and help you create a study plan that best matches your background and goals.

In the first semester, alongside an introduction course for the programme and a course in the subject energy physics, you choose from a range of courses to address any gaps from your previous degree and prepare for more advanced study.

In later semesters, your course selection should reflect your research interests. Graduation requires a total of 120 credits, of which at least 30 must be devoted to the degree project. It is also possible to undertake additional (non-degree) projects, allowing you to complete a substantial portion of your Master's through research rather than coursework.

Base physics courses are essential for understanding energy generation, conversion, and transport, coursed are:

• Electromagnetic Field Theory
• Statistical Mechanics
• Nuclear Physics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Plasma Physics

As practical applications rely on a solid understanding of complex systems, their analysis and control using modern computational tools—including AI—the following courses are essential in this specialisation offered are:

• Dynamical Systems and Chaos
• Modelling Complex Systems
• Advanced Deep Learning in Physics and Engineering (2 courses)
• Statistical Methods in Physics and Engineering

Numerous other courses contain a variety of programming tasks as a rule, he language to use is Python. An introductory programming course in Python is available in period 1 for students without prior experience.

As this is a physics-based programme, we study Nuclear Physics. Sweden, and Uppsala University, are traditionally strong in Nuclear Physics research. Relevant courses within Primary Energy Source include:

• Nuclear Reactor Physics (covering fission as an energy source)
• Fusion Energy and Plasma Technology

These courses offer an applied perspective. Students interested in a more fundamental viewpoint take the courses:

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Advanced Nuclear Physics

You may also choose to focus on either wave power or solar cell technology, the field of Second Energy Source. These courses are jointly taught with the engineering programme and emphasise the design of efficient systems.

At the end of the Master's programme, each student will complete a degree project on a research topic of their choice. The project may span either 30 credits (1 semester) or 45 credits (3 periods).

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the specialisation.

Study Abroad

If you would like to complete part of your studies abroad, we can offer you many exchange programmes around the world. We can help you find suitable courses that match your interests.

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

Instruction consists of lectures, teacher-supervised tutorials, 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.

During a typical week, you will have about 8–16 hours of scheduled classroom time, depending on the load and course selection. 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.

With the exception of the first semester, classes are typically small, ranging from a few students up to about 20. This enables close contact between teachers and students is established and supervision proceeds in an informal atmosphere.

Our teaching is in English as the student group is international.

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 energy-related reserach in Uppsala is often carried out in collaboration with external stakeholders such as industry and government agencies which may become your future employers upon graduation.

Overall, the number of players in the international energy market keep 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.

During your studies, you will develop essential critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and systems management skills — core elements of scientific training. You will also learn to communicate results effectively to different audiences in various formats. Alongside your physics studies, you will gain a solid foundation in mathematics and programming, opening up career paths in industry, research, software development, finance and more.

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.