There are many good reasons to study at the University of Konstanz and here is why:
At the Department of Physics, you can take advantage of our excellent conditions to study physics in our three-year bachelor's programme. Use this opportunity to lay the foundation for a master’s degree in physics or a related programme such as nanoscience. If you are considering a teaching career, you can begin your training at either the bachelor's or master's level.
We strive to provide each student with excellent and individual mentoring. We reach this target by providing student mentoring by professors and by creating small tutoring groups for students. This has been honoured with top marks in different rankings, in particular in the areas of study conditions and supervision.
If you would like to find out whether physics is the right subject for you, you can try numerous online tests. Or have a look at the information resources offered by the university.
If you would like to find out more, we are happy to help. Feel free to contact us either by phone or meet us in person at the university.
Why physics?
Physics is a broad scientific field that focuses on understanding the forms of matter ranging over all size scales in combination with fundamental forces of nature. Physicists typically use fundamental phenomena to develop new measuring methods and theoretical concepts as well as to model complex processes with computers. The field is generally divided into “experimental physics” and “theoretical physics”, which includes the fast growing field of “computational physics”. Physics plays a crucial role in forming our future, since it both lays the foundation for other natural sciences and supplies ideas for new technologies.
Physics graduates are in demand in various fields. Your career options range from "traditional" work in basic and industrial research to teaching at schools and universities and working in manufacturing, marketing, planning, analysis, management, consulting, support and controlling. Nowadays, physicists work in nearly every setting that requires analytical and systematic skills - in businesses, research institutes, consulting companies, and patent management. You will have a lot of options, after you have honed these skills step-by-step in the course of your studies.
Unique features of the physics programme in Konstanz
Our physics programme has numerous special features:
- Our mentoring programme connects you with our lecturers right from the start. Our lecturers have an open door policy so you may contact them as needed. Everybody, from tutors to professors, is happy to assist you.
- In semesters 1 to 4, we combine, interlock and coordinate the contents of both experimental and theoretical physics in an “integrated course”.
- Additional practice tutorials are carried out in groups of about ten participants by specially trained tutors. Our seminars are organised the same way, which enables us to provide particularly in-depth support to our students.
- From the beginning of the study programme, students can receive training in how to use computers to solve physics problems. At the same time, seminars are offered on scientific computer usage, programming as well as electronic and control technology.
- In the course of the bachelor's programme, most exams can be taken soon after the corresponding seminars. A wide range of possible minors help students to obtain broader training as well as to prepare for specific master’s programmes.
- We draw on our numerous contacts with research institutes and industrial laboratories in Germany and abroad to provide a wide spectrum of options for completing your bachelor's thesis outside the department. Our aim is to give you the opportunity to gain experience outside of the university without extending your period of study.
- Students in our teacher education programme visit several seminars on the didactics of physics which supplement their scientific knowledge with practical classroom skills. We collaborate with the "Studienseminar" in Rottweil and visiting lecturers from schools in Konstanz in order to do so.
- Students planning a study abroad stay have a variety of options. The department itself participates in EU student exchange programmes specifically with the universities of Uppsala , Grenoble and Granada. In addition, the university can facilitate exchanges with other universities in the USA and many other countries.
- Students are encouraged to take part in our regular lectures and events on career topics, patents etc.
- Doctoral researchers can also carry out their research at a variety of international locations. We have close contacts with universities in France, Israel, the USA, and Switzerland, for example. Furthermore, the department's international Research Training Group provides doctoral researchers with additional options for study abroad.
- Another significant advantage, is that our 24-hour library also has an extensive amount of textbooks, a comprehensive selection of current specialist literature, an easy lending procedure, attractive reading spaces and special work rooms.
- Our university hosts about 10,000 students of the natural sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, social sciences and humanities in a single campus location. This guarantees short distances between laboratories, library and canteen and facilitates contacts between different departments, for example, through easy access to supplementary language courses, lectures from different scientific fields or the wide range of university sport options.
How to apply?
If you would like to join one of our physics study programmes, simply apply online. Find out more about applying to a bachelor's programme from the Division of Student Affairs and Teaching.
Application periods
You may apply starting mid-May (mid-December) for the winter and summer semesters respectively. You may even apply up to the start of the semester. The current deadlines are listed on the Student Affairs and Teaching pages.
Language skills
International applicants need to provide the Department of Physics with documentation of their German language skills. We require level DSH-1 or TestDaF 3 or an equivalent language test. Since the University of Konstanz does not offer its own preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams, you must submit the required proof of your German language skills along with your application.
Further information
The Student Affairs and Teaching website provides detailed information on the application and enrolment process. If you have any further questions, you can contact either Student Affairs and Teaching or the Department of Physics at any time.