Physik / Physics (B.Sc.)

Physics at JLU: Gain an understanding of the fundamental laws of nature and develop the analytical thinking skills that are in demand in both research and high-tech industries.

Titelbild — Foto: Roman Sigaev/123rf.com

Overview

Within the Bachelor’s in Physics, you will learn to understand and explain the fundamental phenomena of matter and energy, and to use this knowledge to develop technical innovations. You will work on both the theoretical-mathematical and experimental aspects of the subject, and become familiar with both approaches. As a fundamental science, physics paves the way for advanced technologies ranging from microelectronics to nanotechnology.

Applying for admission

Start of studies

Winter semester

Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

6 semester

Workload

180 credit points (CP)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Language of instruction

German

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Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

What is physics? The following definition from the German Physical Society provides an initial insight:

"The subject Physics is concerned with the observation and understanding of all basic phenomena in the categories of matter and energy. In this respect it forms the basis of all the other natural sciences right up to life sciences and medicine. It is also the basis for engineering and technology. In state financed laboratories or laboratories funded by industry, physicists work on basic and on practically oriented problem areas. The subjects range from cosmology to particle physics (mainly dealt with in large international working groups), it continues through the physics of condensed matter and materials and goes on to innovative technology. Physics is the starting point for very promising high technologies, from micro-electronics to nanotechnology and without its regular contributions, effective long term cooperation on solutions to energy and environment problems is unimaginable."

What will I learn?

By studying physics, you will develop the ability to understand and explain natural phenomena. Technical innovations resulting from advances in physics are also part of your work in this field. If you are focusing on theoretical physics, a talent for theoretical mathematics is particularly important. Skills in the field of design and experimentation will help you to focus more closely on experimental physics. Both areas of expertise always play a part throughout the course of study.

What skills and interests should I have?

An interest in science subjects (particularly physics and mathematics) and a good grounding in these subjects, the ability to think analytically and logically, and a knowledge of English should be in place at the start of the degree programme.

There is a corresponding pre-course offer for all first-year students of this degree programme. Participation is highly recommended.

How is the programme structured?

In the six semester course of studies students are first given a broad basic training in experimental Physics, Theoretical Physics and Mathematics. This forms the foundation for the broad spectrum in which the professional life and work of the physicist will lie. Based on that a differentiation of the three main aspects of physics is offered after the 5th semester:

Applied, Experimental and Theoretical Solid State Physics
Experimental and Theoretical Hadron, Nuclear and Particle Physics
Experimental Atomic and Molecular physics.

The elective (Wahlpflichtfach – WPF) which is selected from the 1st semester on can be chosen from among the following: Chemistry, Informatics, Numerical Mathematics, Economics, Business Administration.
The non-scientific elective can be selected from among Economics, Business Administration and languages. In the course 180 credit points must be gained, 128 of these in the mandatory section, 30 in the electives, 10 in the study project/special classes and 12 with the Bachelors thesis.

Study Plan

1st semester	2nd semester
Experimental Physics I	Experimental Physics II
Experimental Physics I practical course	Experimental Physics II practical course
Mathematic methodology for Physics	Higher Mechanics
Mathematics for physicists I	Mathematics for physicists II
Elective I	Elective II

3rd semester	4th semester
Experimental Physics III	Experimental Physics V
Experimental Physics III practical course	EDP/ measurement technology
Quantum Mechanics	Electrodynamics
Mathematics for physicists III	Computational Physics
Experimental Physics IV	Experimental Physics VI

5th semester	6th semester
Advanced practical course (in the winter semester)	Advanced practical course (in the summer semester)
Thermodynamics	Theoretical Physics
Scientific presenting	Experimental Physics
Elective III (non-physical)	Study Project
Elective IV (natural science)	Bachelor's Thesis

Examples of possible compulsory elective modules for the compulsory elective subjects I-IV can be found here:

Spcial order 1a) (in German)

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Career Options

Which options for further study does JLU offer?

The following consecutive Master’s degree programmes are offered:

A Doctorate is possible with a Master's degree.

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

Physicists are needed and work in parts of

industry,
research institutions,
administration,
banks,
consulting firms and
patent offices,

all of which have a particular need for analytical, systematic and synthesizing skills.

Most physicists find employment in industry, service sectors and universities and tertiary institutions.

Industrial physicists in big firms mainly work in research and development. However, they can also find work in production, sales or management.

Areas of employment in middle-sized firms have not yet been opened up. Particularly in recent years physicists have become very highly regarded as independent "problem solvers" in the area of communications, in information technology and even in banking. The traditionally broad professional field of the physicist is continually moving through the development of science and technology.

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Application and Enrolment

Requirements

A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.

From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin) .

Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.

Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency .

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Language requirements

English language skills at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required for the degree programme. Proof of this must be provided by

a) the Abitur certificate,
b) upper secondary school reports or proof of at least four years of schooling in English,
c) proof of successfully completed language courses totalling at least 120 hours of instruction,
d) specialised reports or lector examinations on language skills acquired through stays abroad, university language courses or self-study,
e) proof of a UNIcert level I qualification or
f) a TOEFL test (computer-based score of at least 43, written test with at least 550 points) or an equivalent language test (IELTS, DEP, PET etc.).

Proof must be provided within the first two semesters of study.

Application deadline

Winter semester 2026/27

Opening of application period

1 June 2026

Application deadline

for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

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👉 Apply now More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Study programme flyer

B.Sc. Physik (PDF in German)

Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 23 June 2005.

Where can I find more information about the faculty?

Links

Faculty 07 – Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography
Faculty 07's Deanery
Examinations office of Natural Sciences
Student representatives

Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 07

Advanced Materials
Angewandte Informatik / Applied Computer Science
Angewandte Mathematik / Applied Mathematics
Angewandte Physik / Applied Physics
Data Science
Geographie / Geography
Mathematik / Mathematics
Physik / Physics
Physik und Technologie für Raumfahrtanwendungen / Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications

Is this course right for me?

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hochschulinformationstagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies: