Quick Facts
- Duration of study: 4 semesters
- ECTS credit points: 120
- Academic degree:
Diplom-Ingenieurin
orDiplom-Ingenieur
(Dipl.Ing. or DI), equivalent to the Master of Science (MSc) - Language of instruction: English
The Master's Programme
You will build on your bachelor's programme in physics in the Master's Degree Programme in Technical Physics, expanding your physical and mathematical problem-solving skills and addressing research and practical issues.
A unique feature of this degree programme is the wide range of specialisation areas, which include:
- Nano and Quantum Materials for the development of novel functional structures as well as concepts that can be applied to create materials that will be used in the future – even artificial skin,
- State-of-the-art laser spectroscopy for the investigation of physical processes on atomic-length and -time scales,
- Computer simulations that can be used for many purposes, from basic research to targeted material development.
All of the degree programme modules include a “research laboratory” in which students acquire a deeper understanding of specific subjects by carrying out practical exercises. In these labs, they have access to high-end equipment and laboratory facilities, including a measuring instrument with atomic resolution that is found nowhere else in the world (!), a femtosecond laser laboratory and state-of-the-art computer clusters.
In addition, a student-run laboratory, the PhiLab, provides an open makerspace for students and their projects (e.g. drones, Tesla coils).
Focus Areas
The following compulsory modules provide you with a broad basic education:
Statistical and Computational Physics: You will acquire knowledge of statistical physics and quantum statistics and learn the most important computer simulation methods.
Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Atom Physics: You will study the principles of advanced quantum mechanics and the composition of angular momenta, identical particles, scattering theory and the interactions between radiation and matter.
Advanced Solid-State Physics and Radiation Physics: You will explore areas of radiation physics, including radiation detection and dosimetry, radiation protection and the application of ionizing radiation. You will gain a basic understanding of crystalline solids.
Business and Entrepreneurship: You will learn more about the structure, organisation and management of companies and learn methods used during the innovation process.
In addition, you can specialise in three advanced Technical Physics modules, choosing from among 13 advanced modules.
You can also choose one or more elective subjects from among the courses offered in the Master's Degree Programme in Physics .
Technical Physics gives you tools not only to see the world but also to understand it. Physics goes beyond the visible world.
TU Graz has opened doors that were closed to me before. In addition, all of the professors are so understanding and helpful. They have an honest and profound interest in their subject and they are fascinated by their specialist field.
The university has a large number of laboratories with great facilities that enable you to combine theory with practice. TU Graz also has numerous interesting connections to companies.
With a degree in Technical Physics, you’re in high demand and can find a job easily in both research and industry.
In one of my first professional positions, I worked in software development at KNAPP AG. After my paternity leave, I conducted research in the field of lithium-ion batteries as part of my dissertation work at the University of Leoben.
Right now, I am a research assistant at the Institute of Thermal Engineering at TU Graz, where I am conducting research on renewable energy. I am currently focussing on storage technology and the integration of renewable energy into heating networks.
Collaborations and Networks
International exchange that takes place on a scientific level, e.g. as part of the Physics Colloquium, is assigned great importance in the master's programme. In addition, internationally renowned professors are invited to visit TU Graz for several weeks and provide insight into their research areas.
Students benefit from the cooperation with international research institutions such as CERN or the Max Planck Institute for Fusion Plasma Physics, as well as from collaboration with international universities. It is also possible for students to gain practical insights and conduct master’s thesis work with renowned companies, such as ams, AVL, EPCOS and Infineon, due to their long-term partnerships with TU Graz.
Physics graduates and students have the opportunity to build worldwide networks by joining the IAPS - International Association of Physics Students. As members of IAPS, for example, they can visit conferences, undertake excursions to research institutions (e.g. CERN, JET, Gran Sasso), attend summer schools, or join exchange programmes.
Admission
The prerequisite for admission is a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
Additionally, you need to provide evidence of competence in the English language.
1. Admission Procedure
For the academic years 2022/23 and 2023/24 there will be no admission procedure.
You can go directly to the next step (2. Admission).
2. Admission
- Admission and deadlines for international students
- Admission and deadlines for Austrian students who are registering to study at TU Graz for the first time
If you have already been admitted to a degree programme at TU Graz, or have studied at TU Graz before, please come to the Registrar's Office in person to complete your admission during the admission period.
Information and Advice
Contact study@tugraz.at
Career Prospects
Professional Fields
Technical physicists are regarded as universal problem solvers in innovative sectors of industry. They work as highly qualified specialists in scientific and technical fields in industry, business and science, both in Austria and abroad.
Graduates have a wide range of career options and are primarily active in the following sectors:
- Universities and other educational and research institutions
- Data processing
- Electronics and electrical engineering
- Precision mechanics and optics
- Mechanical engineering and vehicle construction
- Health and public service
- Service sector and business services
Technical physics forms the basis of all engineering sciences and therefore offers graduates a variety of fields of application in industry.
I am particularly fascinated by the representation of complex systems of reality through mathematical models, the simulation of these virtual models by means of numerical methods and the verification of the simulation results through experiments. All these topics are discussed in the master’s degree programme
Technical Physicsand the required specialist knowledge is imparted.
In the master’s degree programme in Technical Physics at TU Graz, I learned how to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems and to cooperate constructively and fruitfully with researchers from all over the world. Thanks to these skills, I also got a wonderful opportunity to participate in an experiment on the International Space Station as part of my dissertation work.
More about Peter Pichler and his work at the Institute of Experimental Physics
Understanding scientific and technical principles and using this knowledge to solve complex problems – that motivated me to start studying physics and also during my studies. Because I wanted to take a hands-on work approach, I chose to conduct experimental work for my degree theses. Now I work in a high-tech company that depends heavily on vertical integration. Exactly this kind of motivation and these types of skills are needed to work efficiently in an interface function on a wide range of topics.
