Physics, General - Master Programme
Attracted by the idea of a professional life with plenty of scope for your curiosity? On this programme, it is possible for you to design your own physics degree. You can specialise in atomic physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, nanophysics and solid state physics.
Start
Autumn 2027
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
At the Department of Physics, you can find an outlet for both your curiosity and your creativity. We study everything from the tiniest elementary particles to the boundary between living cells and electronics, as well as how physics can be used to address challenges in areas such as medicine, the environment, and technology.
During your time in the programme, you will choose from a broad range of specialised courses to deepen your knowledge in the areas that interest you. The Master’s programme has strong links to research. The courses are continuously adapted to reflect current research, and you will come in contact with many different research teams.
As a Master’s student, you will be part of a vibrant organisation at the forefront of research, with access to internationally outstanding facilities, including CERN and FAIR. The Department of Physics is characterised by dynamic research environments closely linked to two world-leading research facilities in Lund: the MAX IV Laboratory and the forthcoming neutron source ESS (European Spallation Source).
The full programme is taught in English, and you will study in a very international environment. You will practise both oral and written communication and gain valuable experience of working collaboratively.
Two compulsory courses are included in the programme: one on quantum mechanics and one on physics communication. During your first year of study, you will also choose from a number of other courses, such as statistical mechanics, computational physics, general relativity, experimental tools, spectroscopy and the quantum description of matter, or advanced electromagnetism.
During the second year of study, you will continue to develop your expertise according to your own preferences. The degree project is equivalent to either 30 or 60 credits and is usually carried out in a research group.
The Master’s programme provides you with a good basis for research studies in physics. A large fraction of those who complete the programme go on to doctoral studies in a wide range of subfields of physics, but many also pursue a career outside academia.
Physicists develop strong skills in programming, modelling, data analysis and problem solving. These skills are valuable in many different sectors, including information and communication technology, energy production, engineering, technology development, and research.
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. English course 6/English level 2 (advanced proficiency).
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”).
Specific documentsAdditional prerequisites:
Computers in the programme
The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
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
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM
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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
A wide range of courses in physics and astronomy
The Department of Physics offers a stimulating study environment where students, lecturers and researchers come together to explore the many facets of physics. Here, you will study in close proximity to lecture halls and experimental facilities. Your lecturers are active researchers who can link the course material to the latest research. It was no coincidence that Anne L’Huillier got aware of her Nobel Prize (2023) just as she was teaching atomic physics.
