Master in Physics and Technology (MSc)

Master in Physics and Technology (MSc) is one of 7 English-taught Physics programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 6 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 8,000 to EUR 17,300; this programme lists EUR 17,300 a year. 6 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

This master's at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense is about why and how technology works. You take that knowledge into optics and nanotechnology: faster optically based computers, new optical methods for diagnosing cancer, or sensors sensitive enough to pick up a few molecules of narcotics or explosives.

What you study

The programme builds on your physics, technology and mathematics background and goes deeper into advanced optics, quantum physics, material physics, molecule physics, nanophysics and the fabrication of nanostructures. You also learn to measure and analyse signals, with a focus on highly sensitive sensors and intelligent data analysis.

Optics here means the science of light and colour, not glasses and contact lenses. You cover how light is produced in lasers, how it scatters in different materials, and how it exchanges energy with matter. One example from the programme: laser light on a nanostructured noble metal is confined to the metal surface, so nanometre thin gold wires can guide light.

Your master thesis is done inside one of the university's research areas tied to the profile. Nanooptics is one: light can be intensified millions of times when it interacts with tiny gold particles, and tuning that process can give single-molecule sensors that detect pesticides on fruit and vegetables.

How the programme is organised

You join a project based and problem based study environment and work in project groups. You and your fellow students plan and carry out the project and hit the deadlines yourselves. Project outlines usually come from companies, and the problems are meant to be real world problems.

Who it suits

It suits someone who wants to work at the academic frontier across physics and technology, and who likes group work with a company problem attached. The teaching is in English. The degree title is Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Physics and Technology), and the specialisation is Science in Engineering.

Admission, language and next steps

You apply directly to the University of Southern Denmark for a master's; undergraduate applications go through optagelse.dk. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge. Other students pay a fee that the institution sets. Check the programme page for the exact entry requirements and documentation.

Master’s applications go straight to University of Southern Denmark, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.