Master in Physics

Master in Physics 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 8,700 a year. 6 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students. The same programme title is offered at 3 institutions, so compare the content, campus and requirements before you choose.

The MSc in Physics at the University of Copenhagen is a two-year programme taught in English at the Niels Bohr Institute. You choose one of six specialisations and build most of your first year from restricted electives and electives, then write a 45 or 60 ECTS thesis in your second year.

What you study

You pick one specialisation when you enrol: Astrophysics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, Earth and Climate Physics, Physics of Complex Systems, or Quantum Physics. The first year is graduate coursework within that field. Most courses are restricted electives or electives, so you can shape the programme around your interests. Teaching mixes lectures, calculation exercises, and lab or computer-based exercises in small groups, with written examinations and reports. Many courses include colloquiums and seminars, and there is a tradition of discussion and cooperation in the department.

In the second year you write your Master's Thesis (45 or 60 ECTS). You develop a thesis contract with your supervisor that sets out the topic and a completion date. The page gives examples of thesis topics: measurement based on ultracold atoms in optical frequencies, numerical simulation of a cyclone, analysis of data from particle accelerators such as CERN, production of equipment for synchrotrons, modelling of low-mass protostars, using x-ray radiation to determine protein structures, solid state physical realisation of quantum computers, spatial structures and regulation in biological systems, mathematical theory for turbulence in flowing fluids, and estimating the thickness of the ice caps on Mars.

If you hold a Danish Bachelor's degree in Physics, you can also study Physics with a minor subject.

How the programme is organised

The academic year is split into four nine-week blocks. Courses are small and highly specialised, so you often work in small groups and get to know your instructors. You can use elective courses for a project in practice in Denmark or abroad, for example with a company or institution. Before starting, you need a supervisor who approves the host company and guides you through the project and the final oral examination, which is based on a written project report. You can also study abroad for one or two semesters or a shorter period such as a summer school, and passed courses can be credit transferred. The Faculty of Science has around 100 Erasmus+ exchange agreements plus more than 100 university-wide agreements with non-European universities.

Who it suits

This programme suits you if you want depth in a specific area of physics and are ready to steer your own course choices. The small courses and close contact with instructors reward students who take part in discussion and group work. It also fits you if you want to try research through a substantial thesis, or gain workplace experience through a project in practice without leaving the programme.

Admission, language and next steps

You apply through the application portal. A bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Copenhagen gives you a legal right of admission, guaranteed if you apply by the deadline, and you can wait up to three years to use it. Natural Science and IT with a specialisation in Physics from UCPH automatically meets the academic requirements if you also meet English B. Other Danish or international degrees are assessed against basic requirements (mathematics including linear algebra and differential equations, min. 20 ECTS; classical mechanics, min. 10 ECTS; thermodynamics, min. 10 ECTS; electromagnetism, min. 10 ECTS) and advanced requirements (min. 30 ECTS in advanced physics within quantum physics, modern physics, geophysics, biophysics, medical physics and/or astrophysics), with a combined minimum of 120 ECTS. The university does not offer pre-assessment. If there are more qualified applicants than places after legal right applicants are placed, applicants are ranked by total ECTS in physics courses and then by grades in physics courses. Deadlines differ: 1 March for applicants from within the EU, EEA and Switzerland (September start), and 15 January for applicants from outside. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge; other students pay a fee set by the institution. The next intake starts 1 September 2027, with application by 15 January 2027.

Master’s applications go straight to University of Copenhagen, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. The register shows 15 January 2027 as the next deadline for this programme. Intake, as the register states it: Starts 1 September 2027 (apply by 15 January 2027). 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.