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| Application Deadline: | Septemeber: April 1; Non EU: February 1; February: December 1; Non EU: October 1 | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 1,713 ≈ € 12,000 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | February, September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Education Variants: |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Amsterdam
Is Theoretical Physics the study for me?
The programme is looking for students who:
- are interested in unravelling the laws of science and understanding how they work
- want to analyse why matter is what it is and how that affects the world around us
- you intend to contribute to other disciplines of science by grasping the concept of matter at the fundamental level.
- are fascinated by physics
- have a high ability for abstraction
- enjoy elaborating mathematical models
- are willing to dig deep to find solutions for theoretical physics problems.
Can I join this programme?
You need a profound knowledge of the special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, electro dynamics, calculus and linear algebra. Solid basic knowledge of condensed matter and particle physics is preferred.
What can Theoretical Physics offer me?
In this Master's track you will reflect on current research topics such as quantum systems, quantum information and soft matter as in the physics of living matter. Further more you will focus on particle physics; string theory, cosmology and the standard model.
The programme is firmly embedded in the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) which provides a comprehensive introduction into the world of well respected research groups. Because of the unique combination of expertise from several departments of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the VU University Amsterdam(VU), this Master's track provides a broad spectrum of research areas. There is also close collaboration with institutions such as the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI) and the The National Institute for Nuclear Physics and High Energy Physics (Nikhef).
Contents
Theoretical Physics offers a wide range of advanced courses which provide extensive training in all aspects of the field. Courses in, for example, quantum field theory, statistical physics and condensed matter theory form the backbone of the programme. Students can also take optional physics and mathematics courses in, for example, string theory, computational methods, quantum optics, group theory, general relativity, and nonlinear dynamics and chaos.
Student seminars and other informal meetings attempt to capture some of the original creative and imaginative spirit of the field, and help train students to explain their ideas to others (based on the notion that `If you can't explain it, you don't understand it').
The Master of Science programme in Theoretical Physics is a two-year programme. The first year consists primarily of courses, while the second year is devoted to a major research project completed under the supervision of a faculty member from the Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Degree requirements
A Master of Science in Physics is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.
Track
This programme is a track of the Master's programme in Physics.
Research training
The programme's research training takes the form of a major research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member from the UvA/VU Theoretical Physics Institutes. It concludes with a Master's thesis. The results of the research project are presented in a colloquium.
Students in the Theoretical Physics track can choose to complete the programme with a focus on research, communication and education skills or society-oriented skills.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
Specific entry requirements
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics. This Master's programme is a regular study programme for Dutch Master's students, but has also been adapted to accommodate international students with a relevant Bachelor's degree or suitable science major from a foreign university.
English language requirements
All our international programmes are conducted in English. Non-native English speakers need to submit proof of their proficiency in the English language before enrolling in one of these programmes.
Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. The test result should be received by the International Office of the Faculty of Science before May 1st of the year of application.
The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:
- Internet-based test (iBT): 90
- Computer-based test (CBT): 235
- Paper-based test (PBT): 580
Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam is: 8628.
The minimum score on the IELTS test is 6.5.
A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of CAE A or B will also be accepted. For the CPE test a minimal score of B is required.
Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the NESO, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.
Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade A (Score: 80) |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 580 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 230 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 90 |
Accreditation
Theoretical Physics is a track of the Master's programme in Physics. The Master's programme in Physics has been legally accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a legally accredited Master's degree in Physics and the title of Master of Science (MSc).
Funding details
Huygens scholarship
The Dutch government has allocated a vast amount for excellent students coming to the Netherlands under the HSP Huygens Programme. The Nuffic is administrating the Huygens scholarship. Please find all all necessary information about application and selection on their website.
! The Faculty deadline for receiving Huygens scholarship requests is: 31 December 2010. On the online application form please mention the Huygens scholarship request by thicking the relevant box.
The International Office will make a first selection of most excellent students. For this students we will write a nomination letter. Applicants that are part of this selection will receive the nomination letter by e-mail before 1 February 2011 which is the Nuffic deadline for application.
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
The Faculty of Economics and Business provides a limited number of scholarships for excellent students in the Master's programmes. There is no fixed number of available scholarships. The actual number will be determined by the amount that will be allocated to the Faculty.
Selection procedure
1) Applicants should write an AMS motivation letter (tell us in not more than 300 words your motivation to get the scholarship).
2) Applicants should upload the AMS digital motivation letter to their online application for the MSc programme before March 1st 2011.
3) Before the end of May 2011 we will inform all applicants about the results by e-mail.
Ahold Scholarship Programme
Ahold, an international food retailing group based in the Netherlands offers scholarships for non-EU students in the MSc in Accountancy and Control programme. Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and have special interest in retail and the intention to work and live in the USA or Europe after graduation. All non-EU applicants accepted to the MSc in Accountancy and Control programme will receive supplementary information on this Scholarship.
Colfuturo Scholarship
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
Ford Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships are provided for students from a selection of countries worldwide. For more information see the Nuffic website.
Netherlands Fellowship Programmes
This programme provides funding for women and members of priority groups or marginalized regions. For more information see the Nuffic website.
Other scholarships
Further information on scholarships can be obtained from Nuffic, please refer to their website. Click on the link 'Grantfinder' to search for Dutch scholarships for foreign students.
Studentgrant
In certain cases it is possible for EU students to receive a monthly studentgrant from the Dutch government (i.e. IB Group). Please check their website for further information.
Contact
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