Career prospects
During the Master’s programme, you will be challenged to determine which career perspective best fits your talents and interests. We will guide and support you to focus your programme on obtaining all the skills required for a certain career path.
Academic careers
Graduates of Utrecht University’s Theoretical Physics Master’s programme have the opportunity to enroll in PhD programmes at Utrecht University, elsewhere in the Netherlands, or anywhere in the world. Roughly two-thirds of our graduates continue on to conduct doctoral research at Utrecht University or at institutions elsewhere in the world. Doctoral students in the Netherlands typically receive full funding for a four-year period. Graduates who decide to continue their education at prestigious institutions outside the Netherlands should investigate the funding options at these institutions.
Non-academic careers
One-third of students in the program decides to pursue a non-academic career. The Master’s degree in Theoretical Physics offers a solid basis for many interesting careers. We provide our students with a broad overview of what is possible via Alumni Talks by former students of the program that have made the transition. Example career directions outside of academia include:
- research positions for multinationals such as ASML, Unilever, Shell, and Philips
- consultant in information technology
- financial analyst for banks or insurance companies
- scientific journalist
Career Services
UU Career Services offers training related to career orientation and job application skills; examples include writing an application letter and CV and conducting a job interview. You can find more information about career services on UU Career Services for Dutch students or UU Career Services for international students.
Careers Day
Once a year Utrecht University organises a Careers Day. The Careers Day offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair. It’s also possible to join a job application training or have your resume checked.