General description

The Fast-Track Master’s program in Physics targets outstanding students with an excellent Bachelor’s diploma seeking an academic career. Successful completion of the program results in a MSc degree in physics. Students in the Fast-Track program can already work on their doctoral thesis and participate in courses of the Graduate School which will shorten the following doctoral studies by about one year. Students deepen their knowledge in a chosen specialist area (physics of condensed matter, elementary particle physics, biological and medical physics, astrophysics and cosmology, theoretical physics). The Master's thesis on a current research project forms the basis for independent research activity, which will be continued in doctoral studies later.
Check also: http://www.physikstudium.uzh.ch/index.php?id=251

Admission requirements

The Fast-Track program in physics is a specialized Master’s program with specific additional admission requirements.
For admission to the program, the following conditions have to be met:
Bachelor's degree from the University of Zurich with a major grade of at least 5.5 or a corresponding recommendation from another university. Assessment interview with the student and the future leaders of the thesis in the presence of at least one other faculty member.
The Faculty may require additional requirements in the form of further assessments. The Faculty also decides on the recognition of studies and credit points acquired elsewhere.

Specific requirements

The Fast-Track study program in physics is a specialized Master’s program with specific additional admission requirements.
For admission to the program, the following conditions have to be met: Bachelor's degree from the University of Zurich with a major grade of at least 5.5 or a corresponding recommendation from another university. Assessment interview with the student and the future leaders of the thesis in the presence of at least one other faculty member.
The Faculty may require additional requirements in the form of further assessments. The Faculty also decides on the recognition of studies and credit points acquired elsewhere.

Educational goals

The fast-track program furthers students scientific education and fosters their abilities for independent research. Students will be prepared for careers in industry, at research institutes and at universities.

Career possibilities

After successful completion of the Fast-Track program, students are expected to enter the doctoral program in physics. This program is therefore intended for students who pursue an academic career.
The studies prepare physicists not only for scientific research. On completion of their degree they are also very much in demand in business, banks and insurance companies, as research managers or patent lawyers, in telecommunications and optical firms, etc., as system analysts and all-rounders. In addition, there is a great demand for physicists in teaching at secondary schools.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Physics

Program structure

At least 35 ECTS Credits are earned through research seminars, lectures, exercises and practicals in the chosen specialist area. Individual specialization is possible through optional modules. The Master's thesis (55 ECTS Credits) is presented publicly as part of the Master's exam.

Part-time studies

Part-time studies are possible on account of the modular structure of the course. However, part-time studies are not recommended.

Major/minor subject combinations

The specialized Fast-Track Master's study program in Physics 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor study program 30 at Master's level.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module.
Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient.
Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

English