Physics (Condensed Matter Physics)

The development of novel functional materials and components is just one of many application areas of condensed matter physics. Its subject is the understanding and control of material systems, interfaces, and nanostructures. Students of the Master’s degree program in Physics (Physics of Condensed Matter) (M.Sc.) learn to theoretically and experimentally develop, describe, and utilize their properties.

The program teaches current research approaches and new developments in condensed matter physics, focusing in particular on advanced solid state physics, soft matter physics, nanoscience physics, quantum optics, and nanophotonics, as well as experimental techniques for approaching them. Students explore the details of materials physics and learn how materials can be tailored at atomic, molecular, and nanometer scales. They deal with ultrafast processes in atoms and molecules on time scales of atomic and femtoseconds, with hard and soft materials, and with concepts and components used in modern condensed matter physics. Based on the knowledge gained, they open up a wide range of possible applications for functional materials, such as sensors and detectors, photovoltaic and catalytic cells, or metallic, superconducting, magnetic, spin-electronic, and semiconductor-based circuits.

Graduates of this degree program are ideally qualified for both basic and applied research in the field of condensed matter physics. They are experts in the research and application of innovative functional materials and their use to solve problems, particularly in energy, IT, and materials science. They are, therefore, ideally suited for further scientific work as well as for a responsible position in the industry.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Physics (Condensed Matter Physics) (PDF, German)

The Master’s program in Condensed Matter Physics offers a high degree of flexibility when creating your own study and competency profile. With the help of a mentor, you can organize your study program in the first year of studies individually.

The degree concludes with the master's thesis.

• Overview Degree Program Structure

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more 
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
Application period for summer semester: 01.09. – 30.11.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

The minimum requirements for a Master's degree at TUM are a first recognized university degree (e.g. a Bachelor's degree) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment process. In this process, the School assesses your individual aptitude and motivation for the respective degree program.

In detail: 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Information on the Aptitude Assessment