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Master Year 1 Physics

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.

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:

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
Physics of elementary particles

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
Advanced Particle physics

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

Registration fees are available here

Find out more about scholarships

Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator

François Hache

Program office

Nouria Gabelli

General enquiries

master-admission@ip-paris.fr

Description

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.

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:

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
Physics of elementary particles

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
Advanced Particle physics

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

Registration fees are available here

Find out more about scholarships

Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator

François Hache

Program office

Nouria Gabelli

General enquiries

master-admission@ip-paris.fr