Physics

Application procedure

Applications for admission to the master’s programme, and the application fee payments must have been received by VU University no later than:

Important: All students must contact the programme coordinator of the specific specialization.

Advanced Matter and Energy Physics
Dr. Rick Bethlem
Phone: +31 (0)20 598 7951
E-mail: h.l.bethlem@vu.nl

Particle and Astroparticle Physics
Dr. Henk-Jan Bulten
Phone: +31 (0)20 598 7902
E-mail: h.j.bulten@vu.nl

Physics of Life and Health
Dr. Davide Iannuzzi
Phone: +31 (0)20 598 7577
E-mail: d.iannuzzi@vu.nl

Science for Energy and Sustainability
Dr. John Kennis
Phone: +31 (0)20 598 7212
E-mail: j.t.m.kennis@vu.nl

Theoretical Physics
Prof. dr. Piet Mulders
Phone: +31 (0)20 598 7863
E-mail: p.j.g.mulders@vu.nl

Admission requirements

Students from the Netherlands

• Students have unconditional admission to the Master’s programme in Physics if they have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (and Astronomy) from a Dutch university.
• The Examination Board may also admit students who do not meet these requirements. In those cases the Board will decide whether there are deficiencies that have to be made up for during the programme.
• Students from VU University Amsterdam who have not yet completed the Bachelor’s programme can be admitted to the Master’s on condition that they have finished their Bachelor’s thesis and that the Bachelor’s subjects yet to be completed account for no more than 12 ECTS. Students with more Bachelor’s subjects outstanding may attend lectures but are not allowed to participate in examinations or guidance-intensive activities.

Once you have been admitted to a Master’s programme, you need to contact the promme coordinator for an introductory interview. At this meeting, you will discuss strategies for coping with any problems that might cause you to fall behind with your studies. You will also draw up a study plan, a copy of which will be sent to the study advisor.

In the Master's programme, you will have to decide which courses (general, specialized and optional) you wish to take. It is essential that you discuss these choices at an early stage with the coordinator of the programme in which you will carry out your final project. Options other than those listed may also be possible.

Students from abroad
The Examination Board can admit students on the basis of a diploma (Dutch or foreign) which is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. These students are also required to demonstrate a sufficient command of English.

Pre-Master’s programme and assessment

Applicants who are not eligible for admission to the Master’s programme may be eligible for admission to a pre-Master's programme (60 credit points maximum) to bring their knowledge up to Master's entry level. If the pre-Master’s is not enough, the applicant is advised to take a Bachelor’s programme in Physics. In such cases, students can often obtain exemptions from certain parts of the Bachelor’s programme. Other opportunities are open to Dutch higher professional (HBO) graduates who wish to join the Education profile of the Master’s programme in Physics.

Language proficiency requirements

VU University Amsterdam requires all international applicants to take an English test and to submit their score as a part of the application. Exceptions are made for students who have completed their education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia or who have obtained an international Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma.

Further information on the minimum English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE) is available under the section: How to apply?

Further information

Further information on the subjects below is available on the central VU website under the section: How to apply?

• Required documents
• Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students
• Visa requirements
• Application procedures