Master's programme in theoretical physics

This programme is for you who have a B.Sc. degree with major in physics and want to continue your studies in the direction of theoretical physics.

Physics is developing through an interplay between more and more sophisticated theories and models, and new high precision experiments and observations of matter, often under extreme conditions. It is the task of the theoretical physicist both to use and to improve on existing theories and models, and to find new ones to describe recently discovered phenomena, or shed new light on old problems. The theoretical physics groups at Stockholm University, and Nordita, the Nordic institute for theoretical physics that was recently relocated to Stockholm, study phenomena at all distance scales: the string theorists develop the fundamental theories of matter, the condensed matter researchers explore how the exotic quantum phenomena of  the deep cold might realize the quantum gates central for the work of the group in quantum information and quantum computing. Mesoscopic physics at the nano-meter scale, explores the fascinating frontier between the classical and the quantum world and with advanced statistical physics one can start to model the complex networks that regulate the living cells. General relativity describes the large scale physics of the universe, and is an essential input in the models developed by the theoretical cosmologists. The very large and the very small – string theory and cosmology -  meet in the quest to understand the dark matter and dark energy that make up most of our universe.  The recently formed Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics vouch for an active research and educational environment in these fields.

Although a main goal for the master’s programme is to prepare the student for Ph. D studies in theoretical physics, a master’s degree also opens many other career possibilities. The unique ability and training in the critical evaluation and analysis of complex new phenomena, often using sophisticated mathematical methods, is very useful both in other disciplines such as bio-informatics and applied mathematics, and  outside academia in finance, insurance, telecommunication etc.