Physics (master)
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Programme structure

The Master's programme Physics is a two-year full time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.

The programme has the following structure:

  • Theoretical curriculum, 60 ECTS credits
  • Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits

The programme has 7 programme options:

Programme structure for students who attended this study programme Autumn 2017 or earlier.

Course of study

Two possible courses of study are shown in the tables below.

Example 1

4. semester FYS5960 – Physics. Master Thesis
3. semester
2. semester Master's course Master's course Master's course
1. semester

Master's course,

HSE-courses and Writing Science

 Master's course Master's course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

 Example 2

4. semester FYS5960 – Physics. Master Thesis
3. semester Master's course FYS5960 – Physics. Master ThesisFYS5960 – Physics. Master Thesis
2. semester Master's course Master's course Master's thesis
1. semester

Master's course,

HSE-courses and Writing Science

 Master's course Master's course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

The Master's programme is regulated by the rules of The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

It is possible to carry out the programme part-time. In such a case it must be discussed with an advisor at the Department of Physics      

Theoretical curriculum

The following guidelines regard the composition of the theoretical curriculum with a total of 60 ECTS credits:

  • at least 40 ECTS credit courses on the 4000/5000-level. 20 of these 40 ECTS credits need to be within the fields of physics or mathematics.
  • up to 20 ECTS credits of advanced bachelor`s courses from other fields may be included.
  • up to 10 ECTS credits may be special curriculum, or other professional training with the approval of the programme commitee.

The theoretical curriculum should be completed and passed in the next to last semester. If this is difficult to complete the porgramcoordinator needs to be contacted in advance. 

Choosing master courses for the theoretical curriculum

Which courses are included in the theoretical curriculum is dependent on which program you have chosen and the topic of your master's thesis. The structure is also dependent on if you choose a thesis with experimental, theoretical or computational focus, as well as your own professional interests. As the study program has a large academic breadth, you can customize a schedule that fits your interests as well as the academic recquirements you need to complete the master's thesis. The final structure of your master's study, including courses and potential special curriculums, are done in cooperation with your student advisor(s). As soon as you have started you should make a guidanceappointment with the contact person for your study programme.

Please see the structure for each individual study programme for a more detalied description of the theoretical curriculum. 

Choosing the special curriculum

The special curriculum is a series of lectures, books, overview articles etc. which has a natural connection with the Master`s thesis. It should not include literature you should have read anyway in order to get familiarized with the problem area of the research task.

Mandatory HMS-courses

There are mandatory courses in Health, Safety and Environment, HSE, in the beginning of the first semester:

HMS-courses do not give credits. If you have previously passed equivalent courses at the University of Oslo, you will not need to re-apply these.

Master's thesis

As a master’s student you get to specialize within your programme option. You must find your supervisor and a Master’s thesis in the first semester. In addition to writing your master's thesis, the work with the thesis will also include familiarizing yourself with what others previously have done within your field of study, define issues and research questions for the thesis, find expedient research methods, complete experiments, simulate, analyze and