Career prospects

Graduates will find typical proefessional fields in the following areas:

• Basic and industrial research
• Teaching in schools and higher education
• Software industry
• Consulting, financial sector
• Automobile sector, chemistry, electrical engineering, photonics
• Medical technology, mechanical engineering, engineering offices

Students who are opting for a career in science, research and teaching will continue with a master’s programme and can then aim towards gaining a doctorate.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Graduate studies

To qualify further the University of Konstanz offers the Master’s Programme in Physics as well as Master of Education programme in Physics.

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

The bachelor's programme consists of 4 semesters basic studies and 2 semesters advanced studies including bachelor's thesis (Study plan).

The programme has a modular structure. It consists of basic and advanced modules in the department of physics as well as basic modules in mathematics and minor subjects. You will be able to gain practical experience in the laboratory especially during the internships in your early and advanced study phases. You can choose between 2 directions of study which differ in the types and amounts of mathematics and minor subject modules:

• Option 1 (mathematical orientation): This direction of study focuses not only on your education in physics but also on mathematics. You will attend the same lectures in mathematics as the students studying for the bachelor's degree in mathematics, and you will complete more performance assessments in mathematics than in Option 2. At the same time the proportion of other minor subjects is smaller than in Option 2. You will usually attend 2 lectures in these minors.
• Option 2 (applied orientation): If you choose this direction of study you will attend lectures in mathematics which are specially tailored to the needs of physics. However, this does not mean that they are less demanding than in Option 1, but the proportion of mathematics here is slightly smaller than in Option 1, and you will attend around 4 more lectures in other minor subjects.

Minor subjects
You can choose minor subjects from these areas: mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, business economics, economics, philosophy. Students can choose their minor subject courses from a wide range of courses offered by other departments. You can find more detailed information here.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

• Module guide
• Examination regulation

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

• GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
• Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
• Language courses at the Language Institute
• Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

• Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
• Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
• qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz

• Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
• Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
• Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service

Internship
An internship outside the university is not mandatory. Nevertheless, the department or the Career Service will be happy to support you in your search for a suitable internship.

Stay abroad
A period of study abroad is always highly recommendable. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and other exchange programmes. You can find out more about the different ways to go abroad during your studies on the information page of our department. 

Bachelor thesis abroad 
The Department of Physics maintains numerous contacts with universities and institutions abroad and, in addition to the normal semester abroad, offers students the opportunity to write their Bachelor's thesis externally. This is usually possible without extending the period of study. You can find more detailed information here.

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

• Three Questions to Fabian, B.Sc. Physics
• Three Questions to Hannah, B.Sc. Physics
• Students report: Jennifer Koch, M.Sc. Physics
• Students report: Stefan Petersen, M.Sc. Physics

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

• Study Atlas B.Sc. Physics
• Physics in 3 minutes I Conservation of energy
• Physics in 3 Minutes - Horizontal Throw
• Physics in 3 minutes | Radioactive radiation
• Physics in 3 minutes - Conservation of angular momentum
• Safety in the physics practical at school
• Lecture recordings (Physics)

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Documentation Orientation Test
When applying for admission at universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg you have to take an orientation test. The Baden-Württemberg orientation test is the most widely used test. Please send in your certificate of participation together with your application papers.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills for the bachelor's programme. However, as large parts of the research literature are written in English, good English skills are highly recommended.

German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-1 or TestDaF 3. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

The language mainly used in class is German.

• Good knowledge of the natural sciences and mathematics
• Analytical thinking and practical skills
• Good English skills

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

• your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
• documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
• any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
• any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.09.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Dr. Denise Hinzke
Room: P 616
Phone: +49 7531 88-2030
Email: referent.physik@uni-konstanz.de