MSc in Physics - Research in Physics, Classical/Quantum Information

Leiden University

This master’s programme combines Physics with Data Science. You will learn how physics has its own tricks to deal with big data and how techniques from machine learning and deep learning can be applied to classical and quantum data. The first focus of attention is on classical data, including data mining, machine learning and statistical analysis of large data sets. Additionally, students will learn how to investigate quantum data and quantum information, a topic that is expected to be very important in the near future.

What does this master’s programme entail?

• Physics studies the laws of nature from the largest to the smallest scale, from cosmic strings to DNA strands, from the structure of the universe to the relations between elementary particles, and from granular materials to quantum dots. Experimental research often builds upon sophisticated experiments and data acquisition. Theoretical research often involves elaborate theories and challenging computer simulations. In many cases, data analysis is a core element, making the combination of Physics with Data Science particularly fruitful.
• Data Science is an interdisciplinary discipline at the border of computer science and statistical science, aiming at discovering knowledge from typically large sets of data. To achieve this goal, data scientists use methods from data mining, machine learning, and statistical data analysis, all of which rely on computer science foundations. This includes computational aspects of data analysis, deep learning, network analysis, and text analytics.

The specialisation consists of 120 European Credit Transfer System (EC) points and includes mandatory courses and electives (60 EC) and two research projects (60 EC).

Programme overview

The two-year Master of Science programme is divided approximately 50/50 between experimental research and theoretical courses. The curriculum of the Physics and Classical/Quantum Information specialisations consists of:

• Mandatory courses (30 EC)
• Electives (30 EC)
• Two research projects (60 EC total)

At the start of the Master’s programme, you are required to create a study plan: this plan includes a complete list of planned courses and projects for two subsequent academic years in consultation with the Study Advisor Physics.

Career

After completing the Physics master's programme you will have a broad array of career prospects. All students with a Master of Science in Physics are admissible to a PhD programme. If you have the desire to apply your knowledge of Physics outside the university, there are ample job possibilities in high-tech industry, software and consultancy companies worldwide, or a career as a teacher, science communicator or science policy maker.