Master in Physics at University of Ferrara
Two-year English-taught LM-17 physics master's at the University of Ferrara, with optional units in astrophysics, cosmology, medical, nuclear and solid state physics, a 35 ECTS research project and a double degree with Université Paris-Saclay.
Master
2 years
Ferrara
English
University of Ferrara
The Master in Physics at the University of Ferrara is a two-year, 120 ECTS laurea magistrale (LM-17) taught in English in Ferrara, with optional units from astrophysics to medical physics and a Paris-Saclay double degree. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in physics (Italian class L-30 or old class 25) or a certified equivalent foreign bachelor's degree.
- A background in calculus, geometry and algebra, classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and basic statistical mechanics.
- English at B2 level, shown by IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or another official certificate; native speakers and graduates of English-taught degrees can use a letter instead.
- An admission interview with the evaluation committee on your physics background and English.
- Legalised school diploma and bachelor's certificate with Italian translation, transcripts and a diploma supplement or syllabus; a declaration of value or CIMEA statement only if Unife asks.
About the programme
The Master in Physics is a two-year laurea magistrale (class LM-17) worth 120 ECTS and taught fully in English by the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences of the University of Ferrara. Teaching is face to face at the Scientific-Technological Campus in Ferrara, and students work in close contact with the department's research groups.
It is the natural next step after a bachelor's in physics. The course aims at a deep and flexible understanding of modern physics, theoretical and experimental, with room to lean towards fundamental research or applied physics.
What you will study
Everyone takes six first-year courses that extend bachelor-level physics, then builds the rest of the plan from optional units in astrophysics, cosmology, medical physics, archaeometry, nuclear and subnuclear physics, solid state physics and technology, and theoretical and computational physics. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics and Mathematical Methods of Physics
- Fundamentals of Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Experimental Particle Physics
- General Relativity and Gravitational Waves, Observational Cosmology and Experimental High Energy Astrophysics
- Solid State Physics, Magnetic Materials and the Laboratory for Solid State Technologies
- Physics of Medical Imaging, Ionizing Radiation Physics and Computational Methods for Medical Physics
- Physics and Technology of Solar Energy, Environmental Radioactivity and Artificial Intelligence
- A traineeship (3 ECTS), a research project (35 ECTS) and a dissertation (10 ECTS)
How the programme is taught
The second year is built around research: the research project and final dissertation together carry 45 ECTS, so most students spend much of the year inside a research group. A double degree with Université Paris-Saclay (formerly Paris-Sud) is open to all students: after a selection, a limited number spend one year in Ferrara and one in France, choosing among several French master's tracks, and graduate with degrees from both universities.
Career paths
The university describes three main routes. In private companies, graduates take R&D roles that call for modelling and designing complex systems and handling new technologies. In research, the thesis gives a first real research experience and prepares for a PhD. The degree also opens the way to teaching in secondary schools and, after further study, at university.
Fees and scholarships
Unife sets fees on family income (an ISEE, or an income document for income earned abroad) and on credits earned. For 2026/27 the yearly amount ranged from €156 to about €2,250, paid in four instalments. Students with an ISEE up to €27,000 and those found eligible for the ER.GO regional scholarship are listed for a total exemption, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. ER.GO also handles student housing.
How to apply from outside the EU
Physics checks every applicant's background through an admission interview with an evaluation committee, held online on set dates through the year. You apply on apply.unife.it (a one-time €20 fee) and must also pre-enrol on Universitaly for Ferrara, or your file is not assessed.
For 2026/27 the window for this master's ran from 12 January to 30 April 2026, and late applications were rejected. Keep the originals of your legalised diplomas and translations for arrival. Unife asks for a declaration of value or CIMEA statement only on request. Admitted students then apply for a type D study visa.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the Master in Physics taught in English?
Yes. The course is fully taught in English, and applicants need English at B2 level, shown by IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or another official certificate, or a letter confirming an English-taught degree.
Which bachelor's degree do I need?
A bachelor's in physics or a certified equivalent. The committee expects a solid base in calculus, classical and modern physics, quantum mechanics, lab techniques and basic programming.
Is there an entrance exam?
There is no written exam, but every applicant has an online admission interview with an evaluation committee. It checks your physics background and English, and helps shape your study plan.
Can I get a double degree?
Yes. After a selection, a limited number of students spend one year in Ferrara and one at Université Paris-Saclay, earning a master's degree from both universities.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 dates are not published yet. For 2026/27, non-EU applicants applied on apply.unife.it from 12 January to 30 April 2026, paid a €20 fee and pre-enrolled on Universitaly.
How much does it cost?
For 2026/27, Unife fees ranged from €156 to about €2,250 a year, based on family income and credits earned. Students with an ISEE up to €27,000 or ER.GO scholarship eligibility are listed for a total exemption.
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