Experimental Physics

Are you curious how to build materials atom-by-atom and use these materials to reveal novel quantum physics? Why physics is essential to observe and understand complex soft matter and biological systems, such as viruses? How our knowledge of both the smallest and largest structures in the universe helps us to better understand the fundamental properties of space and time? Or how to develop and apply advanced optical techniques to study and manipulate quantum, bio- and nanomaterials?

The research Master’s Experimental Physics covers many aspects of modern physics, from cutting-edge experiments to advanced computer simulations and machine learning. In this Master’s you will be working together with researchers in interdisciplinary environments. This gives you the opportunity to experience modern physics research first-hand and gain hands-on experience with the latest experimental, computational, and theoretical methods.

From fundamental to applied physics

This Master’s is a broad program, which covers physics on length scales ranging from the subatomic to the astronomical scale.  You can learn how state-of-the-art experiments reveal the fundamental building blocks of matter or how the detection of gravitational waves tells us more about the structure of the cosmos. You can explore  exotic quantum states of matter, such as Bose Einstein condensates, or learn how modern data analysis allows us to see through opaque materials like skin or paper.  You can study how to design nanoparticles that self-assemble into new materials, to make e.g. semiconductors for visible light or improved solar cells. If you are interested in biology, you can learn about the physics of DNA and the biological processes that happen inside living cells.

Work in state-of-the-art facilities

Together with our researchers you will work in state-of-the-art facilities like the Electron Microscopy Square situated at Utrecht University, the large ion collider experiment (ALICE) project at CERN, as well as local advanced computer, biophysics, quantum and photonic labs.

Why in Utrecht?

• You can choose which areas of physics you want to explore and set your own balance between computer simulations, theory, experiments. This Master’s offers three unique specialisations. You can choose one or two specializations that best fit your interest. 
• As a student, you will have the chance to work closely with (international) researchers from other fields like climate physics, chemistry, biology and computer science. The courses of the programme have a strong link to research carried out by experimental research groups in the Department of Physics at Utrecht University. 
• During the Master’s you will have the opportunity for internships with our industrial partners, at (inter)national research centres or governmental agencies. This will allow you to make a well-motivated choice for the first steps of your future career.