Physics

The master's specialisation Physics and Science Communication and Society focuses on the interaction between science and society.

Increasingly, the general public wants to be and needs to be informed about scientific topics. At the same time, scientists need to show accountability to the general public about their research. In this specialisation you bridge the gap between experts and the public by combining high quality research in physics with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong physics background, or a physics researcher with a communicating mindset.

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Do you want to combine high quality physics research with professional science communication? Then, this master's specialisation is an excellent opportunity for you. You will be prepared for a career as a science or health communicator, policy maker, PR officer, science journalist, health officer, museum educator or a researcher with a communicating mindset.

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In the field of cosmology, we look for scientific answers to the most fundamental questions that one can ask: Where do we come from? How did the Universe start? How did it evolve and where does it go?

Cosmology is positioned at the interface between Theoretical Physics and Observational Astronomy. This specialisation is offered in collaboration with the also internationally well-known Leiden Observatory. It covers research subject like: observations of the universe with state-of-the-art telescopes on Earth and in space, supercomputer simulations of the origin of structure, Theoretical Physics study of the Hot Big Bang, the expanding universe, and inflation are providing a consistent picture of our universe that is quite precise, yet full of unknown physics waiting to be discovered.

Research in this area is moving fast, and requires familiarity with current theoretical ideas as well as a basic understanding of the data. The overall aim is to train you in this exciting research field, preferably in an integrated Cosmology master's and PhD degree programme.

If you are a theoretical-oriented student who would like to discover all aspects of modern astrophysics - which includes observation, interpretation, simulation and theory, this is the right specialisation.

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Theoretical Physics is at the core of our scientific enquiry into the fundamental properties of the physical world. It aims to describe and understand a broad range of physical phenomena.

The Research in Theoretical Physics master's programme is specifically designed at preparing you for a career in scientific research in fundamental physics. Its primary aim is to allow you to continue towards a PhD in a broad range of topics. Leiden University's MSc program stands out in that we emphasize an education focused on the core of Theoretical Physics used in widely differing subdisciplines from High Energy Particle Physics and Cosmology, to Theoretical Physics of Life Processes and Condensed Matter Theory.

The MSc student is free to tailor his/her study program to the specific directions of interest, while simultaneously learning the wide applicability of universal Theoretical Physics concepts in other directions.

Theoretical Physics is the study of choice if you want to obtain a thorough experience on the frontline of physics research and a practical training of communicative and computer skills required to function in any of the modern high demanding data oriented careers in industry, society and research. Part of the research will be developing theoretical models and simulations of physical systems across different length scales, from cosmology to quantum systems.

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In this specialisation, you will learn how fascinating material properties emerge from a combination of quantum mechanical confinement, electron-electron interaction, and the electron spin property.

The programme covers two themes:

* Condensed Matter Physics studies the electronic, optical and mechanical properties of quantum solids, typically on the nanometer scale and at low temperature. Research topics include superconductivity (discovered in Leiden), low-dimensional systems, molecular electronics, and strongly correlated materials. You will get familiar with the state-of-the-art experimental techniques that are at the core of the Leiden research programme.

* Quantum Optics studies the quantum properties of light, entanglement and its role in photon-matter interaction, again typically on the nanometer scale. Research topics include photon detection, plasmonics, cavity quantum electrodynamics and quantum nanomechanics with the goal to create, manipulate, control and understand quantum systems that are at the heart of future quantum technologies.

This is the right master's programme for you if you are interested in current research themes in quantum matter and optics and experimental approaches to expand our knowledge in these fields. You are curiosity-driven and intrigued by quantum mechanics and its appearance in many state-of-the-art experiments.

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In this specialisation you will focus on understanding the principles, which determine the characteristics of soft materials like foam, and that of biological processes occurring in cells and tissue.

Research within the Physics and Biological and Soft Matter specialisation is typically performed at the interface of medical, biological, chemical and physical sciences.

The programme covers two themes:

* Biological Physics is concerned with physical processes of biomolecules, the emerging properties that evolve in cells, and the control of cell function by signalling.

* Soft Matter Physics concentrates on the mechanical and geometrical properties of soft media such as granular matter or foam, and on self-assembly in soft-matter systems.

Biological and Soft-Matter Physics is the right master's programme for you if you are interested in experimental Physics and applied life-science research. This programme guarantees a thorough experience at the frontline of physics research with a practical training of communicative and computer skills.

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