Master Year 1 Physics
| Year | Master Year 1 |
| Program | Physics |
| ECTS Credits | 60 |
| Language | French or English depending on the major selected |
| Orientation | Research |
| Location | Palaiseau Campus |
| Course duration | 12 months, full time |
| Course start | September |
| Degree awarded | Master’s degree obtained on completion of a second year of Master |
WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
Asset n° 1
Gain solid experimental and theoretical scientific training in physics relating to current R&D challenges
Asset n°2
Acquire practical experience by completing a research internship
Asset n°3
Prepare for a PhD
Physics is a broad subject that ranges from pondering the origins of the universe to designing better electronic memory devices. The first-year Physics Master’s program is designed for students who want to obtain high-level training in experimental and theoretical physics, paving the way to enter a PhD program or build a career in industry.
The topics developed in this Physics Master correspond to the main lines of research in our laboratories, renowned for their excellence in various fields including theoretical physics (high energy physics, condensed matter theory and theoretical plasma physics), mathematical physics, particle physics (theoretical and experimental) and astrophysics, experimental condensed matter physics, nanosciences, optics and plasma physics, atomic physics and the physics of cold atomic gases, the conception and use of major research equipment.
The first year of the Master’s program is divided into four majors:
For students wishing to discover elementary blocks of matter and associated fundamental forces driving the evolution of our universe. Note that in contrast to the Master of High Energy Physics for which the 2nd year takes place at ETH Zurich, the 2nd year of the Major HEP takes place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris
For students interested in the interaction between light and matter, atomic optics and quantum optics
For students interested in condensed matter physics, nanoscience, mesoscopic physics or soft matter with the opportunity to specialize in experimental condensed matter physics or condensed matter theory.
For students interested in new quantum technologies, a variety of devices on which they are implemented, as well as the challenges to come.
The Master can be customized by including courses of different majors. In this case, the project of Master Year 1 must be submitted and approved by the coordinator.
Students can also apply for a Double Degree Master's Program with FU Berlin University :
The mutually developed program allows students to take part of their studies at the partner university and to obtain a double degree in "Master of Science in Physics" from both universities : Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Freie Universität Berlin.
Students stay one year at each partner university.
Students will begin their studies at their home universities in the winter semester and complete the study program in part at the partner university.
The students attending Master or Engineering studies at IP Paris fulfill the first year of graduate studies there and register afterwards to Freie Universität Berlin to complete the second year of the program.
The students starting at the Freie Universität Berlin complete the first two semesters there and register afterwards into the second year of the Master's program in Physics at IP Paris.
The master degree as a whole consists of 120 ECTS credit points.
Study and exam credits acquired at a partner university will be accredited by the other partner university in their entirety. During their 12 months stay at IP Paris, students must complete 30 ECTS credit points of course work and 30 ECTS credit points for research work and Master thesis.
Students spending their second year at IP Paris have to fulfill the requirements of the Master Year 2 or PhD Track program they are enrolled in.
Students have the possibility to collaborate with both universities while writing their Master's thesis.
English is the official language of this Master's program at both partner universities.
However, there are options to attend courses in German and French at the respective partner universities.
Housing
For housing in the partner University a personalized support will be provided to students and the Partner University will assist them in their housing search.
Funding
There are three kinds of scholarships available:
Students must submit their application through IP Paris website and through FU Berlin website.
- Apply on FU Berlin Website
- Apply on IP Paris Website
Objectives
The first year of the Master’s program aims to:
- Provide students with a high level of experimental and theoretical scientific training based on a broad spectrum of research topics in physics
- Gain experience through immersion in research laboratories including a long research internship at the end of the academic year
Students who successfully complete the first year can enter one of the following second-year programs:
- Master Year 2 "Quantum, Light, Materials and Nano Sciences"
- Master Year 2 Quantum Devices
- Master Year 2 Materials Science and Nano-Objects
- Master Year 2 International Centre for Fundamental Physics
- Master Year 2 High Energy Physics
- Master Year 2 Grands Instruments
- Master Year 2 Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Master Year 2 Research Track in Physics
On graduation, students will be equipped to:
- Further their education by entering a PhD program in fundamental or applied physics
- Build a career in research or research & development in the higher education system or a public research institute
- Work in the private sector e.g. research engineer in a company requiring high-level scientific knowledge or using methodology inspired by the scientific domains
- Teach in higher and secondary education
The academic year of M1 physics is divided in three periods. During quarters 1 and 2 students will follow courses and participate to Research Projects in the laboratories of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. During quarter 3 students will complete a research internship in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories or in an external institute (which could be in France or abroad).
Quarter 1
Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site).
Core courses
|
Mandatory Relativistic field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Astrophysics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mandatory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Cosmology |
5 ECTS English |
|
Group theory |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Relativistic field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Astrophysics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
|
Atomic and molecular physics |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Cosmology |
5 ECTS English |
|
Material design |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
|
Physique des objets biologiques |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Surfaces molles |
5 ECTS Français |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Material design |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Relativistic field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mandatory Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
|
Atomic and molecular physics |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Group theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Material design |
5 ECTS English |
Quarter 2
Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site).
Core courses
|
Mandatory Perturbative quantum field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mandatory |
5 ECTS English |
|
General relativity |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Experimental high energy physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Black holes |
5 ECTS English |
|
General relativity |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Quantum optics II: photons |
5 ECTS English |
|
Optoelectronics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Thermonuclear fusion |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mesoscopic and topological matter |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Experimental high energy physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Black holes |
5 ECTS English |
|
Non-linear optics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Spintronic |
5 ECTS English |
|
Trends in material science |
5 ECTS English |
|
Physics of the environnement |
5 ECTS English |
|
Nuclear reactors |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum information |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Optoelectronics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mesoscopic and topological matter |
5 ECTS English |
|
Nanomaterials |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Complex systems |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Polymers, membranes and cells |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Semiconductors |
5 ECTS Français |
Elective courses
|
Spintronic |
5 ECTS English |
|
Trends in material science |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum information |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Mandatory Quantum optics II: photons |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mesoscopic and topological matter |
5 ECTS English |
|
Semiconductors |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum informatics |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Spintronic |
5 ECTS English |
|
Trends in material science |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum information |
5 ECTS English |
Quarter 3 - Internships
During the third quarter, students will follow one of the internships proposed by the program associated with the corresponding major. These internships of 4-6 months will take place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or other institutions of excellence abroad. The internship is worth 20 ECTS.
- Fields and particles
- Astrophysics and cosmology
- Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Semiconducting devices
- Soft Matter, complex fluids and biomechanics
- Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Semiconducting devices
- Quantum technologies and quantum materials
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
Completion of a Bachelor of Science in physics aligned with the prerequisites specified in the Master 1 Majors, in France or abroad.
Language prerequisites
Specified in each Master Year 1 major (French or English).
How to apply
Applications can be submitted exclusively online. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Transcript
- Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months of the closing date for the application session.
Fees and scholarships
Fees for 2023-2024 are :
- EU/EEA/Switzerland students: 243€
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students: 4130€
- Engineer students enrolled in one of the five member schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis): 159€
- Special cases: please refer to the "Cost of studies" section of the FAQs
Find out more about scholarships
Applications and admission dates
Coordinator
Program office
General enquiries
Physics is a broad subject that ranges from pondering the origins of the universe to designing better electronic memory devices. The first-year Physics Master’s program is designed for students who want to obtain high-level training in experimental and theoretical physics, paving the way to enter a PhD program or build a career in industry.
The topics developed in this Physics Master correspond to the main lines of research in our laboratories, renowned for their excellence in various fields including theoretical physics (high energy physics, condensed matter theory and theoretical plasma physics), mathematical physics, particle physics (theoretical and experimental) and astrophysics, experimental condensed matter physics, nanosciences, optics and plasma physics, atomic physics and the physics of cold atomic gases, the conception and use of major research equipment.
The first year of the Master’s program is divided into four majors:
For students wishing to discover elementary blocks of matter and associated fundamental forces driving the evolution of our universe. Note that in contrast to the Master of High Energy Physics for which the 2nd year takes place at ETH Zurich, the 2nd year of the Major HEP takes place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris
For students interested in the interaction between light and matter, atomic optics and quantum optics
For students interested in condensed matter physics, nanoscience, mesoscopic physics or soft matter with the opportunity to specialize in experimental condensed matter physics or condensed matter theory.
For students interested in new quantum technologies, a variety of devices on which they are implemented, as well as the challenges to come.
The Master can be customized by including courses of different majors. In this case, the project of Master Year 1 must be submitted and approved by the coordinator.
Students can also apply for a Double Degree Master's Program with FU Berlin University :
The mutually developed program allows students to take part of their studies at the partner university and to obtain a double degree in "Master of Science in Physics" from both universities : Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Freie Universität Berlin.
Students stay one year at each partner university.
Students will begin their studies at their home universities in the winter semester and complete the study program in part at the partner university.
The students attending Master or Engineering studies at IP Paris fulfill the first year of graduate studies there and register afterwards to Freie Universität Berlin to complete the second year of the program.
The students starting at the Freie Universität Berlin complete the first two semesters there and register afterwards into the second year of the Master's program in Physics at IP Paris.
The master degree as a whole consists of 120 ECTS credit points.
Study and exam credits acquired at a partner university will be accredited by the other partner university in their entirety. During their 12 months stay at IP Paris, students must complete 30 ECTS credit points of course work and 30 ECTS credit points for research work and Master thesis.
Students spending their second year at IP Paris have to fulfill the requirements of the Master Year 2 or PhD Track program they are enrolled in.
Students have the possibility to collaborate with both universities while writing their Master's thesis.
English is the official language of this Master's program at both partner universities.
However, there are options to attend courses in German and French at the respective partner universities.
Housing
For housing in the partner University a personalized support will be provided to students and the Partner University will assist them in their housing search.
Funding
There are three kinds of scholarships available:
Students must submit their application through IP Paris website and through FU Berlin website.
- Apply on FU Berlin Website
- Apply on IP Paris Website
Objectives
The first year of the Master’s program aims to:
- Provide students with a high level of experimental and theoretical scientific training based on a broad spectrum of research topics in physics
- Gain experience through immersion in research laboratories including a long research internship at the end of the academic year
Students who successfully complete the first year can enter one of the following second-year programs:
- Master Year 2 "Quantum, Light, Materials and Nano Sciences"
- Master Year 2 Quantum Devices
- Master Year 2 Materials Science and Nano-Objects
- Master Year 2 International Centre for Fundamental Physics
- Master Year 2 High Energy Physics
- Master Year 2 Grands Instruments
- Master Year 2 Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Master Year 2 Research Track in Physics
On graduation, students will be equipped to:
- Further their education by entering a PhD program in fundamental or applied physics
- Build a career in research or research & development in the higher education system or a public research institute
- Work in the private sector e.g. research engineer in a company requiring high-level scientific knowledge or using methodology inspired by the scientific domains
- Teach in higher and secondary education
The academic year of M1 physics is divided in three periods. During quarters 1 and 2 students will follow courses and participate to Research Projects in the laboratories of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. During quarter 3 students will complete a research internship in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories or in an external institute (which could be in France or abroad).
Quarter 1
Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site).
Core courses
|
Mandatory Relativistic field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Astrophysics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mandatory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Cosmology |
5 ECTS English |
|
Group theory |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Relativistic field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Astrophysics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
|
Atomic and molecular physics |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Cosmology |
5 ECTS English |
|
Material design |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
|
Physique des objets biologiques |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Surfaces molles |
5 ECTS Français |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Material design |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Relativistic field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum optics I: Lasers |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mandatory Quantum physics of electrons in solids |
5 ECTS English |
|
Atomic and molecular physics |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Numerical physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Group theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Material design |
5 ECTS English |
Quarter 2
Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site).
Core courses
|
Mandatory Perturbative quantum field theory |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mandatory |
5 ECTS English |
|
General relativity |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Experimental high energy physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Black holes |
5 ECTS English |
|
General relativity |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Quantum optics II: photons |
5 ECTS English |
|
Optoelectronics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Thermonuclear fusion |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mesoscopic and topological matter |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Experimental high energy physics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Black holes |
5 ECTS English |
|
Non-linear optics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Spintronic |
5 ECTS English |
|
Trends in material science |
5 ECTS English |
|
Physics of the environnement |
5 ECTS English |
|
Nuclear reactors |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum information |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Optoelectronics |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mesoscopic and topological matter |
5 ECTS English |
|
Nanomaterials |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Complex systems |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Polymers, membranes and cells |
5 ECTS Français |
|
Semiconductors |
5 ECTS Français |
Elective courses
|
Spintronic |
5 ECTS English |
|
Trends in material science |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum information |
5 ECTS English |
Core courses
|
Mandatory Quantum optics II: photons |
5 ECTS English |
|
Mesoscopic and topological matter |
5 ECTS English |
|
Semiconductors |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum informatics |
5 ECTS English |
Elective courses
|
Spintronic |
5 ECTS English |
|
Trends in material science |
5 ECTS English |
|
Quantum information |
5 ECTS English |
Quarter 3 - Internships
During the third quarter, students will follow one of the internships proposed by the program associated with the corresponding major. These internships of 4-6 months will take place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or other institutions of excellence abroad. The internship is worth 20 ECTS.
- Fields and particles
- Astrophysics and cosmology
- Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Semiconducting devices
- Soft Matter, complex fluids and biomechanics
- Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Semiconducting devices
- Quantum technologies and quantum materials
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
Completion of a Bachelor of Science in physics aligned with the prerequisites specified in the Master 1 Majors, in France or abroad.
Language prerequisites
Specified in each Master Year 1 major (French or English).
How to apply
Applications can be submitted exclusively online. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Transcript
- Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months of the closing date for the application session.
Fees and scholarships
Fees for 2023-2024 are :
- EU/EEA/Switzerland students: 243€
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students: 4130€
- Engineer students enrolled in one of the five member schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis): 159€
- Special cases: please refer to the "Cost of studies" section of the FAQs
Find out more about scholarships