University Observatory Munich

Faculty of Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University

deutsche Version

Basic requirements for admission to the Master of Science program in Astrophysics

The basis for admission to the Master's course is proof of a higher education entrance qualification and a professional University qualification from a course in physics or astrophysics (or another mathematical/scientific field) lasting at least six semesters.
In particular, one of the following entrance requirements is necessary:

• An accredited Bachelor's degree at a University in physics or astrophysics.

• A diploma degree of a University or equivalent in physics.

• The equivalent of an accredited Bachelor's degree in physics or astrophysics (or another mathematical/scientific field) conferred by a University or equivalent body.

In the last two cases the examination committee for the Master's degree in Astrophyics will determine any additional qualifications needed (this regards in particular missing lectures in theoretical physics: Theoretical Mechanics, Theoretical Quantum Mechanics, Theoretical Electrodynamics, and Theoretical Thermodynamics and Statistics). In individual cases these can also include the waiver of subject specific qualifications in the Masters course when they have already been attained in the breadth and depth necessary for the Master of Science degree. The candidate cannot have failed the same Master's course or one with comparable content irrevocably.

In addition to the successful completion of such a Bachelor course (or its equivalent in Germany or abroad), admittance to the masters course of study in astrophysics (or physics) is further dependent on the successful participation in an assessment procedure.

Assessment procedure

Purpose of the assessment
The purpose of this procedure is to determine whether the candidate, in addition to the attainment of the first degree, is suitably qualified to meet the needs of a master's course in astrophysics. The qualifications necessary include knowledge from a first degree course in physics or astrophysics, in particular in atomic and molecular physics, nuclear and particle physics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical physics as well as mathematical-analytical skills and an ability to work scientifically.

Application for admittance to the assessment procedure
The application for admittance to the assessment procedure must be submitted to

Subject: Master of Science in Astrophysics
University Observatory Munich
Scheinerstr. 1,
D-81679 München,
Germany

(or: AstroMaster@usm.lmu.de - to send the required documents just via mail is sufficient for the assessment procedure of the Master of Science in Astrophysics, but if the first degree course was not taken at a University in a country of the European Union the original documents are required to obtain the Acceptance Letter!)

by the 15th July for the following winter semester and the 15th February for the following summer semester.
The following documents should accompany the application (in German or English):

1. a short curriculum vitae;

2. a copy of the first degree certificate (or, if not yet available, an equivalent document) and the transcript of records
   (we are looking for students who have excelled in their undergraduate physics studies and also have done well in their other studies);

3. an essay of at most 1000 words explaining the candidate's interest in and abilities pertinent to the study of astrophysics at the masters level, including a description of his/her achievements in the first degree course
   (students with some prior research experience are especially strong candidates);

4. applicants whose first degree course was not taken at a University in a country of the European Union should provide verification of their expertise in the form of "Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores" in physics or mathematics;

5. a questionnaire, provided by the faculty of physics, completed and signed by the candidate.

Results of the assessment
The assessment procedure will be carried out by a selection committee of the faculty of physics and the candidates will be informed of the results in writing. Individual candidates can be invited to interview.

General information
Teaching language:
In case one of the students is not familiar with the German language, the teaching language is English!
Cost of education:
The cost of education at our University is 500€ per semester.
Scholarship:
Our University provides no Scholarship for Master's students.