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Physics, X-ray and Neutron Science - Master Programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

A whiteboard with blue letters that says "the big question"

Description

Do you want to join a unique Master’s programme that makes you an expert on the latest technology in the field of X-ray and neutron science? The programme has a particular focus on research at two unique facilities: the MAX IV Laboratory and the neutron source, ESS (European Spallation Source).

The Master’s programme provides you with knowledge of how to generate and use X-rays and neutron beams. Thanks to their unique properties, they enable researchers to investigate materials in a broad range of different research fields, from fundamental issues of physics, quantum physics and materials sciences to studies in biology, geology, medicine and archaeology. As a student at Lund University, you will have access to two world-class research facilities. The MAX IV Laboratory is the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron radiation source, while ESS will become the world’s most powerful neutron source.

During your studies you will learn how to use X-rays to investigate materials, catalysis and crystal growth using spectroscopy, diffraction and microscopy. You will also learn how neutrons can be used to investigate proteins, magnetism and superconductivity. You will receive training in the practical use of both accelerator facilities. The programme has a flexible structure enabling you to combine theory, computation and experimentation.

The programme will enable you to be part of a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment whose activities are characterised by international collaborations with experimental research teams. The programme has a high proportion of teacher-directed learning. All teaching staff members are researchers, so the courses are continuously adapted to current research. You will practise both oral and written communication and gain good experience of collaborating in groups. The language of instruction is English.

Programme structure

The programme includes two compulsory courses that can usefully be scheduled in the first autumn semester, one in quantum mechanics and one on quantum physics in research and society. During your first year of study, you will also choose between courses on accelerators and free electron lasers, synchrotron radiation-based research, modern X-ray physics and spectroscopy and the quantum description of matter.

During the second year of study, you have the opportunity to take a course on experimental methods and instruments for synchrotron radiation as well as a course on modern neutron physics. The degree project done in a research group is usually equivalent to 60 credits, although a 30 credit project also can be done.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme provides a good basis for research studies in X-ray and neutron science. The MAX IV Laboratory and ESS research facility contribute to new opportunities on the labour market for both researchers and entrepreneurs. Staff are also in demand to run the facilities. You can also choose a career path outside academia, in fields such as information and communication technology where there is a need for expertise in advanced programming and modelling, as well as statistics and the processing of large amounts of data.

Applications will open on the
2024-10-15

Application opportunities

This programme will be open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.

Contact

Programme coordinator

Jesper Wallentin

Email: jesper [dot] wallentin [at] sljus [dot] lu [dot] se

Study advisor

Email: studievagledning [at] fysik [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in physics or the equivalent. The degree must include at least 90 credits in physics. 

Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

 

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, particularly qualifying courses, and a statement of purpose for the application (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2025

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027

Application

Will open for applications 2024-10-15

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 

Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Programme-specific documents

In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a 'Summary Sheet' when you apply for this programme.

Summary Sheet for the Master's programmes in Physics (PDF, new window)

Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 340 000

First payment: SEK 85 000

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations