Master of Science (MSc) in Physics

In the Astrophysics specialisation, you get access to observations from the world’s most powerful ground- and space-based telescopes. You learn about large-scale simulations and instrumentation. You also get a deep knowledge of theoretical astrophysical theories that describes galaxies and the structures in which they are embedded, exoplanets, and star and planet formation.

You will be well qualified to work in private and public companies or organisations, both nationally and internationally, that require a high degree of expert knowledge in astronomy/astrophysics. You may also progress to a PhD programme. 

Study Track

It is a good idea to use your elective and restricted elective courses to design a study track that allows you to study a subject area in depth during the specialisation. You can follow a recommended study track in astrophysics – or you can customise your programme with a mixture of courses and projects relevant to you. 

If you're already enrolled at the Physics programme, you can find the recommended study tracks on Study Information at KUnet:

Study Track Information at KUnetProgramme Overview

The specialisation can be structured in different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if you start in September or February with a thesis worth 45 ECTS.

See the full programme overview, and a description of the competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Physics >>

Example 1: Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description. 

• Advanced Methods in Applied Statistics
• Astronomical Data Processing
• Computational Astrophysics
• Exoplanets and Astrobiology
• Fundaments of High-Energy Astrophysics and Particle Astrophysics
• General Relativity and Cosmology
• Gravitational Dynamics and Galaxy Formation
• Interstellar Medium and the Formation of Stars and Planets

In the Biophysics specialisation, you learn how physics has formed our modern lives when it comes to medical treatments and understanding of how diseases spread. You learn about fundamental research to explore the secrets of life processes. You work with cutting-edge technologies to explore physical processes within cells, DNA folding, cell mechanics, tissue engineering, and structures in soft matter.

Graduates have an understanding of the physical characteristics of life's molecular building blocks. You have also learned to develop testable mathematical-physical models of how the individual parts interact to form working feedback systems.

Furthermore, you have built up a solid academic grounding in the border zone between physics and molecular biology. You have insight into both biophysical and molecular biological experimental techniques e.g., single-molecule techniques and super-resolution microscopy.

Study Track

It is a good idea to use your elective and restricted elective courses to design a study track that allows you to study a subject area in depth during the specialisation. You can follow a recommended study track in biophysics – or you can customise your programme with a mixture of courses and projects relevant to you. 

If you're already enrolled at the Physics programme, you can find the recommended study tracks on Study Information at KUnet:

Study Track Information at KUnetProgramme Overview

The specialisation can be structured in different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if you start in September or February with a thesis worth 45 ECTS.

See the full programme overview, and a description of the competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Physics >>

Example 1: Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description. 

• Applied Statistics: From Data to Results
• Complex Physics
• Continuum Mechanics
• Diffusive and Stochastic Processes
• Experimental X-ray Physics
• Neutron Scattering
• NMR Spectroscopy
• Physics of Molecular Diseases
• Physics of Nonequilibrium Systems
• Radioactive Isotopes and Ionizing Radiation

In the Computational Physics specialisation, you apply simulations and advanced data analysis to address the ever-increasing demand for optimized and systematic use of data and for predictive capacities.

You learn computational tools to search for optimal solutions, perform advanced simulations, and use articifical intelligence. You can apply these methods in climate science, astrophysics, industrial applications, forecasting, and in information technology.

You will use your physical understanding to develop advanced statistical methods and algorithms, and to work with simulation and data analysis on a high scientific level. You learn a number of methods enabling you to find the physics behind the data.

The specialisation allows you to solve a wide range of problems numerically. You learn to choose the optimal solution method and evaluate the fidelity of the result.

Computation physics spans courses within e.g., machine learning and data management, parallel computing, and distributed systems. You can also follow courses with a computational focus within a physics topic such as astrophysics, biophysics, or geophysics.

Study Track

It is a good idea to use your elective and restricted elective courses to design a study track that allows you to study a subject area in depth during the specialisation. You can follow a recommended study track in computational physics – or you can customise your programme with a mixture of courses and projects relevant to you.

If you're already enrolled at the Physics programme, you can find the recommended study tracks on Study Information at KUnet:

Study Track Information at KUnetProgramme Overview

The specialisation can be structured in different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if you start in September or February with a thesis worth 45 ECTS.

See the full programme overview, and a description of the competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Physics >>

Example 1: Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description. 

• Advanced Computational Geophysics
• Advanced Methods in Applied Statistics
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Applied Machine Learning
• Applied Statistics: From Data to Results
• Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
• Biophysics of Cells and Single Molecules
• Complex Physics
• Computational Astrophysics
• Continuum Mechanics
• Diffusive and Stochastic Processes
• Dynamical Models in Molecular Biology
• Earth and Climate Physics
• High Performance Parallel Computing
• Signal and Image Processing
• Theoretical Astrophysics

In the Earth and Climate Physics specialisation, you study the fundamental physical processes that formed the Earth, and you learn about ice and climate research that pioneer our understanding of the Earth’s climate system.

You learn about complex climate system models, how Earth observations data are analyzed to study climate change, the structure of Earth and planets, and how to apply the knowledge in support of the green transition of our society.

Earth and Climate Physics students choose courses and thesis topics in areas including:

• the physical, chemical, and dynamic processes in the atmosphere, oceans, ice caps, and the climate system in general, as well as their history and mutual interactions
• analysis of ice cores in order to understand the history of the Earth's climate and its change
• the Earth's internal structure and gravitational field
• the development of mathematical methods for analysing geophysical data
• surface processes, mineralogy, and the climate on Mars
• studies of moons and other terrestrial planets in the solar system.

Geophysicists often gain international experience during their MSc programme or thesis, either directly by studying abroad, or by participating in the department's international networks. Geophysics research is very international, and the department is part of several international projects, including deep-drilling projects in Greenland and Antarctica, Earth-orbit satellites, and space missions to Mars.

In order to promote interdisciplinary working methods and approaches, the specialisation is flexible. It forms the basis for a variety of jobs in research, teaching, and communications.

Study Tracks

It is a good idea to use your elective and restricted elective courses to design a study track that allows you to study a subject area in depth during the specialisation. You can choose between two recommended study tracks:

• Climate Dynamics
• Geophysical Data and Simulations

However, you can also customise your programme with a mixture of courses and projects relevant to you.

If you're already enrolled at the Physics programme, you can find the recommended study tracks on Study Information at KUnet:

Study Track Information at KUnetProgramme Overview

The specialisation can be structured in different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if you start in September or February with a thesis worth 45 ECTS.

See the full programme overview, and a description of the competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Physics >>

Example 1: Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with a reserved access to the programme. Read about reserved access here [LINK]>>

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description. 

• Advanced Computational Geophysics
• Applied Statistics : From Data to Results
• Climate Change Mechanisms and Tipping Points
• Climate Models and Observations
• Computational Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
• Continuum Mechanics
• Exoplanets and Astrobiology
• Paleo-Climatology
• Scientific Computing

In the physics of complex systems specialisation, you learn the most advanced concepts and numerical methods needed to understand phenomena arising from the interaction of many components. This requires approaching the system as a whole. Examples from the emerging field of complex physics range from quantum phase transition, development of new materials, self-organized behaviour in biological or physical systems, and financial market modelling.

The first course on the specialisation is "Complex Physics", where you learn to describe and analyze non-linear complex systems and physical phenomena using simple quantitative computer-based models.

Programme Overview

The specialisation can be structured in different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS, and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if you start in September or February with a thesis worth 45 ECTS.

See the full programme overview, and a description of the competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Physics >>

Example 1: Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 52.5 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 52.5 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description. 

• Advanced Computational Geophysics
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Advanced Methods in Applied Statistics
• Applied Machine Learning
• Applied Statistics: From Data to Results
• Biophysics of Cells and Single Molecules
• Climate Change Mechanisms and Tipping Points
• Climate Models and Observations
• Computational Astrophysics
• Computational Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
• Condensed Matter Experiments
• Condensed Matter Physics 2
• Condensed Matter Theory 1
• Condensed Matter Theory 2
• Continuum Mechanics
• Diffusive and Stochastic Processes
• Dynamical Models in Molecular Biology
• Earth and Climate Physics
• Experimental X-ray Physics
• Gravitational Dynamics and Galaxy Formation
• Inverse Problems
• Neutron Scattering
• Observational Astrophysics
• Physics Implementation of Quantum Information Systems
• Physics of Molecular Diseases
• Physics of Nonequilibrium Systems
• Quantum Nanoelectronics
• Scientific Computing
• The Interstellar Medium and the Formation of Stars and Planets
• Theoretical Astrophysics

In Quantum Physics, you study the fascinating world of physics ranging from the small scales of elementary particles to the vast dimensions of the universe.

The high-ranking quantum physics programme at The Niels Bohr Institute provides you with knowledge and skills to describe space-time and elementary particles as well as macroscopic and microscopic phenomena in quantum and soft matte. It also prepares you to apply your knowledge in modern quantum technology.

The specialisation begins with a course in advanced quantum mechanics. It gives you a solid foundation for a deeper insight into a specific branch of physics of your choice.

Study Tracks

It is a good idea to use your elective and restricted elective courses to design a study track that allows you to study a subject area in depth during the specialisation. You can follow a recommended study track within these fields:

• Condensed Matter Experiments
• Condensed Matter Theory
• High Energy Theory and Cosmology
• High Energy Physics
• Quantum Optics

However, you can also customise your programme with a mixture of courses and projects which are relevant to you.

If you're already enrolled at the Physics programme, you can find the recommended study tracks on Study Information at KUnet:

Study Track Information at KUnetProgramme Overview

The specialisation can be structured in different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if you start in September or February with a thesis worth 45 ECTS.

See the full programme overview, and a description of the competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Physics >>

Example 1: Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 52.5 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 52.5 ECTS
Elective courses: 15 ECTS
Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description.

• Advanced Methods in Applied Statistics
• Advanced Quantum Optics and Photonics
• Applied Machine Learning
• Applied Statistics: From Data to Results
• Complex Physics
• Condensed Matter Experiments
• Condensed Matter Physics 2
• Condensed Matter Theory 1
• Condensed Matter Theory 2
• Elementary Particle Physics
• Experimental X-ray Physics
• Fundaments of High-Energy Astrophysics and Particle Astrophysics
• General Relativity and Cosmology
• Introduction to String Theory
• Modern Methods for Particle Scattering
• Modern Particle Physics
• Nanophysics 1 - Quantum Nanoelectronics
• Neutron Scattering
• Physics Implementation of Quantum Information Systems
• Quantum Field Theory 1
• Quantum Optics
• Scientific Computing

Please note: The MSc in Physics with a minor subject is only for applicants with a Danish Bachelor’s degree in Physics including the required courses from the minor subject. The minor subject consists of courses taught in Danish, where the first part is compulsory in the Bachelor’s degree, and the remaining is part of the MSc.

You can study physics with a minor subject if you want to acquire the competences to teach or disseminate both subjects. This enables you to teach in Danish upper secondary schools.

Furthermore, you will be qualified to work within other kinds of teaching and communication, or you can find jobs in a wide range of areas – for instance, in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, or financial industry, in high-tech or software companies, or with research and development in sustainable technical solutions. You will also have the prerequisites for further studies e.g., a PhD programme.

See the full description of the admission requirements, as well as the knowledge, competences, and skills you obtain in the curriculum for Physics with a Minor Subject >>

The programme can be structured in different ways depending on whether your minor subject is within or outside the field of science, and whether you start in September or February. Below, you will find course tables showing the study structure if the minor subject is within the field of science with study start in September or February.

Example 1: Study Start in September, Minor Subject Within the Field of Science

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 30 ECTS
Minor subject: 45 ECTS
Master's thesis: 30 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Example 2: Study Start February, Minor Subject Within the Field of Science

Study start in February is only for students with legal right of admission to the programme. Read about legal right of admission.

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS
Restricted elective courses: 30 ECTS
Elective courses: 45 ECTS
Master's thesis: 30 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS. The table is primarily for guidance and may be subject to revision.

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the lists below. Click on each course for a detailed description.

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Applied Statistics: From Data to Results
• Biophysics of Cells and Single Molecules
• Complex Physics
• Computational Astrophysics
• Condensed Matter Experiments
• Continuum Mechanics
• Diffusive and Stochastic processes
• Earth and Climate Physics
• Elementary Particle Physics
• Experimental X-ray Physics
• General Relativity and Cosmology
• Inverse Problems
• Neutron Scattering
• Scientific Computing
• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Turbulence

What My Job Involves

“I work as a trial programmer. This means that I process the data we collect when we conduct clinical trials of new medications to meet regulatory requirements. I also have a project manager role, coordinating the collaboration between doctors, data managers – who check for errors in data, and medical writers – who write the final report when we are done.

Right now I’m working with data from a clinical trial of Semaglutid, a drug that can lower blood glucose levels in type-2 diabetics. We tested Semaglutid against a placebo, i.e. one group of patients received the drug and another the placebo, and then we measured which patients had the lowest blood sugar level. When analysing the data, I don’t know which patients received the drug and which the placebo. This is to avoid me being biased and thereby influencing the result."

How I Got The Job

"Towards the end of my bachelor’s programme, I realised that complex systems were what I was passionate about in physics. I had thought that I would do a PhD after my master’s degree, but I dropped that idea while writing my master’s thesis. I felt it was a very independent and sometimes lonely way of working that I did not want to continue doing. So I knew for certain that I wanted to get a job in the sector.

My supervisor drew my attention to a vacant position at Novo Nordisk, and I immediately applied for the position. I also applied for a job as an IT consultant with Net Company, and was fortunate enough to get a job offer from both of them – on the same day, a Friday, so it was a really good weekend!

I chose the job at Novo Nordisk because it gives me some connection to the scientific world. I also like the fact that my work involves a lot of data analysis."

My Passions

"In general, I’m motivated by being part of a team and delivering high-quality work. It’s great that there are people who follow up on my work, ask questions about it and appreciate it. It’s a good feeling to have responsibility and contribute to something bigger.

I like the fact that I can wear headphones for part of my day while immersed in writing code. If I get bogged down in the code, I can go out and answer emails and do some coordinating. It’s great when I get a tough assignment, where I get to think and challenge myself and perhaps even learn to use new tools."

How I Use My Degree In The Job

"On my degree programme, I learned to familiarise myself with complex material and build expertise very quickly. Physics has also taught me how to think systematically and optimise work processes. This has helped me when working on projects with many other people.

I also learned how to programme. I probably wouldn’t have been offered this job if I hadn’t had programming experience. When I started at Novo Nordisk, I didn’t know the programming language being used here, but I learned it quickly, because of my programming skills."

What I Want To Work With In The Future

"I’m not a fan of doing the same job twice. I prefer to remain in a state of learning. Novo Nordisk offers good opportunities for development. We’re actually encouraged to change jobs, because it can be good for the company that employees with expertise in one area transfer to other contexts.

For me, the next natural step would be to work as a statistician. Statisticians describe how the clinical trials should be conducted, which analyses to perform and how to handle missing data in a trial. Statisticians and programmers work together – my department is a mix of statisticians and programmers."

What I Did To Promote My Career Prospects While Studying

"Getting involved in student life on the Physics programme (which is amazing!) has since turned out to be one of the best things I’ve done for my career. Through my involvement in student life I built up a huge network. For example, I was contacted by professors who drew my attention to PhD positions, and it was due to my network that I landed my job with Novo Nordisk and now work with my old supervisor. 

I also think one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to work with something outside your field. Try things out. Many physicists are highly skilled in their field, so if you only compete on those parameters, it can be very difficult to land one of the really good jobs. If you have other things to offer, you are in a stronger position.

During my master’s programme I did an internship in Panama, where I worked with sales for a company that installed navigational equipment on ships. I’ve also been captain of a football team, and have privately tutored students in physics. I have subsequently appreciated this, because I developed skills in communicating with people who may not always understand complicated physics material. And I’ve been a waitress. This taught me to maintain a professional composure in various situations. You should never underestimate the fact that all jobs add something to your skill set.”

Since this interview Cilie has got a PhD in Statistics and Computer Science at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). She is now working as a Senior Data Scientist at McKinsey & Company.

Alison Man, from Hong Kong, was studying Astrophysics at the time of this interview.

I spent a year in Denmark as an exchange student and I wanted to stay. So I applied for a Danish grant and got it, which enabled me to do my master in astrophysics here. And this September I am going to start my PhD in Denmark.

I really appreciate studying at the University and getting to know Denmark and the Danes, who are an open minded, hospitable nation once they have opened up to strangers. There are three reasons why I wanted to see the world and leave Hong Kong to study at the University of Copenhagen: Good teachers, an international atmosphere, and the opportunity to stand on my own two feet. Back in Hong Kong family and friends are very important, but in many ways it limits your openness towards the world. And you spend most of your spare time doing homework.

In Denmark I have attained a balance between my studies and having a life as well. As for my courses, well, Denmark is famous for Niels Bohr and the knowledge of space. It is a very relaxed course where the students can communicate and discuss things with the teachers. A really good atmosphere with good supervisors and far from the hierarchy separating teachers and students. And I do a lot of group work with students from Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Poland, for example.

We also meet up in the bar at the institute and chill out on Fridays after the week's classes. My stay in Denmark has made me aware of other cultures and given me the opportunity to try lots of stuff that I would never have done back home in Hong Kong. Like, I've joined an NGO! "Energy Crossroad Denmark" works on climate and environmental issues. Via this organisation I took part in COP15 in December. It was a great personal experience which taught me a lot.

I really like Copenhagen as a city and the Danes as a people. One thing I have noticed that puzzles me is the Danish men. I have never before seen men pushing prams around and taking care of the kids. And what's more, private employers, the state and organisations actually pay them so they can go on paternity leave, as it's called here. It's a fantastic system!

If I have to say anything bad about Denmark it is that the shops aren't open round the clock like they are in Hong Kong. But then there are so many good things about Denmark. For example, I am going to summer school in Sweden, with all expenses paid! At summer school I'll have the opportunity to meet other people with the same interests and subject as mine: understanding how galaxies arose and evolved.

Alison went on to do a PhD in Astrophysics at University of Copenhagen. She is now Assistant Professor at University of British Columbia in Canada.