Career prospects

Throughout the Master's program, you will be encouraged to explore which career path aligns best with your talents and interests. We offer guidance and support to help you focus your studies on acquiring the skills necessary for your chosen career trajectory.

Academic careers

Graduates of Utrecht University's Theoretical Physics Master's program have the opportunity to pursue PhD programs at Utrecht University, other institutions in the Netherlands, or around the world. Approximately two-thirds of our graduates continue on to doctoral research, either at Utrecht University or at prestigious institutions globally. PhD students in the Netherlands typically receive full funding for a four-year period. Those considering doctoral studies abroad should explore funding options at their chosen institutions.

Non-academic careers

Around one-third of our students choose to pursue careers outside academia. The Master's degree in Theoretical Physics provides a strong foundation for a variety of exciting career paths. To help guide these transitions, we offer Alumni Talks where former students share their experiences of moving into non-academic fields. Potential career paths outside academia include:

• Research positions at multinational companies such as ASML, Unilever, Shell, and Philips
• Consulting roles in information technology
• Financial analyst positions in banking or insurance
• Scientific journalism