Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Franco-German University
First and second semester: English
Third and fourth semesters: English or French, depending on the selected courses
The Master's thesis at Institut Polytechnique de Paris will be written in English.
The regular application deadline is 30 June during the first year of the Master's programme. If you plan to apply for Erasmus funding in parallel, please submit your application by 10 March.
Besides the standard application, we also offer the possibility of an early application. The deadline for the early application is 30 June before starting the Master's studies. Candidates will apply in parallel for the Master's programme in Physics of Freie Universität Berlin (deadline for the winter semester: 15 August) and the Master's double-degree programme.
Applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree from outside Germany should apply six weeks ahead of these dates in order to allow for processing of their applications by uni-assist.
For more details on application, please see our website.
A joint programme of Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Freie Universität Berlin
Graduates of the physics double-degree programme will receive degree certificates from both the Freie Universität Berlin and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Over the last 10 years, dozens of our physics students have benefited from this double-degree programme, which is certified by the Franco-German University.
Key facts:
French-German Master's Double-Degree Programme
First year – advanced phase in Berlin
Students spend the first year at Freie Universität Berlin and complete several modules of their choice. The Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics module is mandatory.
Second year – research phase in Palaiseau/Paris
Students spend the second year of the programme at Institut Polytechnique de Paris. During the first six months, they will take compulsory modules (mostly lectures on physics) as well as one module on French language and cultural literacy. Double-degree students also engage in a cohesive research phase of twelve months within one of the research groups at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, preparing for their Master's theses.
Flyer for the "Double-Degree Programme in Physics"
We are strong in biophysics, quantum physics, nanophysics and ultrafast physics.
The Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin is strong in both theoretical and experimental physics, with groups focused on molecular biophysics, nanosystems, ultrafast physics, and quantum physics. The department is also home to research centres dedicated to nanoelectronics, quantum computing, photosynthesis, and catalysis as well as the Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems.
Deep Insights into German and French Scientific Communities
The aim of the programme is to prepare students for international careers in advanced research and industries that heavily rely on research. These career paths require a comprehensive and profound understanding of modern physics as a fundamental requirement. As a Master's student of physics, you will be involved in ongoing projects and will be a part of our diverse scientific community.
French-German Master's Double-Degree Programme
Advanced Phase in Berlin (starts on 1 October)
The advanced phase serves to deepen and broaden students' knowledge of physics and related disciplines. It also aims to bring students up to the level of current topical research. As a compulsory component of the study programme, we teach the advanced fundamentals of modern experimental and theoretical physics. Within this part, the following modules are to be completed:
Modules at the Department of Physics at the Freie Universität Berlin
In addition, students must choose one of the following modules (10 ECTS):
In an elective part of the studies, students can choose from a broad range of modules on selective topics in physics, among others:
Research Phase in Paris (starts on 1 September)
In the research phase, students learn to work independently in a specialised field of physics. This includes carrying out research and presenting it in the form of a Master's thesis.
No additional internship is necessary.
In total, the semester contribution amounts to 304.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use public transportation in Berlin for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 63 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 950 to 1,200 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.
The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship allows students at Freie Universität Berlin of all nations and all parts of society to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you have to be already enrolled within the standard time to degree during the funding period or have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.
Additionally, the Franco-German University provides double-degree students with a monthly support of 350 EUR for ten months during their stay abroad.
Academic admission requirements include a professionally-qualifying German or equivalent non-German degree at the university level in physics, corresponding to the Bachelor of Science in Physics at the Freie Universität Berlin.
English – B2
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not acquired their qualifying degree at an educational institution where English is the language of instruction will need to present certification of their proficiency in English at or above level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Verification of English language proficiency can be provided by generally recognised language tests.
German and French – A2 and higher
Students must have a good command of German and French. The proficiency of one of these languages must be higher than the A2 level, and the other can be on a A2 level. German and French language knowledge has to be demonstrated upon application.
The regular application deadline is 30 June during the first year of the Master's programme. If you plan to apply for Erasmus funding in parallel, please submit your application by 10 March.
Besides the standard application, we also offer the possibility of an early application. The deadline for the early application is 30 June before starting the Master's studies. Candidates will apply in parallel for the Master's programme in Physics of Freie Universität Berlin (deadline for the winter semester: 15 August) and the Master's double-degree programme.
Applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree from outside Germany should apply six weeks ahead of these dates in order to allow for processing of their applications by uni-assist.
For more details on application, please see our website.
Double Application
Applications have to be submitted online via the online portal of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and, at the same time, by e-mail to: doublemaster@physik.fu-berlin.de.
There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.
The student support service at the university, called studierendenWERK Berlin, and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, ads in local newspapers, and notice boards on campus.
You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.
If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.
Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.
The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.
The International Student Support team at FU Berlin regularly offers information events that include Q&A sessions. While personal office hours aren't available due to team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries or the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counseling for complex concerns. The team also enhances expertise in international affairs, contributing to FU Berlin's internationalisation process.
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