Physics, Particle Physics - Master Programme

In this programme, you will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the structure of the entire physical world, through the mathematical theories and experimental data that reveal the physics of the known universe. Among other things, the Master’s programme will provide you with specialised knowledge of the standard model of physics, including its fundamental potential to explain the basic principles of physics, as well as its limitations. You will gain insight into the research that strives for explanations outside the framework of the standard model, e.g. with regard to the universe’s dark matter. You will also get an opportunity to immerse yourself in research on the quark-gluon plasma, the extremely energy-dense matter which characterised the early universe.

These areas of knowledge are investigated at CERN, on the border between France and Switzerland. Lund University’s Department of Physics participates very actively in the research at CERN. As a student in the Master’s programme in particle physics, you will visit the facility to study the ongoing research in two of the laboratory’s largest experiments, ATLAS (on the standard model) and ALICE (on quark-gluon plasma). You will also participate actively in analysing fresh data from the experiments. Particle physicists at Lund University are also very active in setting up a new experiment: LDMX – Light Dark Matter eXperiment. Data collection is to begin in 2024 at SLAC in California and, only a few years later, LDMX will become one of the most sensitive experiments in the world searching for dark matter.

The Master’s programme has strong links to research, and provides you with extensive training in processing and interpreting large amounts of data. You will practise both oral and written communication and gain good experience of collaborating in groups. All teaching staff members are active researchers, so the courses are continuously adapted to current research. The proportion of teacher-directed learning is high. The language of instruction is English.

Programme structure

The programme includes two compulsory courses, one in quantum mechanics and one on quantum physics in research and society. During your first year of study, you will also choose between a number of other courses, for example in experimental tools, modern experimental particle physics or statistical mechanics.

During your second year of study, you will continue to build your expertise on the basis of your personal preferences. For example, you can take a course on theoretical particle physics. Your degree project will be equivalent to either 30 or 60 credits and will be done in a research group. During the degree project work, you have the opportunity to be an active member of an international research team and, in certain cases, to visit the experiments or take part in workshops and meetings.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme provides a good basis for research studies in particle physics and prepares you to work in the major international research laboratories. Both the research facilities in Lund – the MAX IV Laboratory and ESS (European Spallation Source) – also contribute to new opportunities on the labour market. A master’s degree in particle physics also prepares you well for a career path outside of academia; many graduates go on to jobs in fields such as information and communications technology, or e-science, where there is a need for expertise in advanced programming and modelling as well as the processing of large amounts of data.