Modern technology and our understanding of the World we live in is based on the scientific description of natural phenomena and advanced mathematical modelling. Scientists and engineers are trained to uncover and investigate these phenomena, and in return apply our knowledge to develop new technology.
5 years, 10 semesters
15 Admission Through Samordna opptak
300
Norwegian and English
August every year
A Master degree in Mathematics and Physics will equip you with skills in mathematics, physic and statistics, at a level far beyond most Master degrees in engineering. You will be able to solve highly advanced mathematical problems, analytically and numerically. You will be able to apply fundamental physics to complex systems both at the macroscopic and the microscopic level. You will have a large toolbox of computational, experimental and data analysis methods, and be able to address problems throughout natural sciences, but also in the context of finance, health science, social sciences and management.
As a consequence, Mathematics and Physics graduates readily find employment as specialists in industry, filling roles in technical design and innovation, data analysis, mathematical modelling and management. In both the public and private sector, Mathematicians and Physicists are sought after for research and development teams, in particular for tasks that require very advanced mathematics, deductive and problem-solving skills, high precision and deep understanding.
Some Mathematicians and Physicists choose to further specialise through a Ph.D. degree, others establish themselves with a career in education, at high-school level, in higher education or in public dissemination.
The study programme is affiliated to the Department of Mathematics and Physics.
As humanity moves more beyond our own globe, we will need a new career path. Read more about the professions of the future here (Norwegian).
Career prospects
Mathematicians and Physicists find employment in:
Research and development in industry, for example the energy sector, renewable energy, space technology, climate, bio- and geophysics, modelling and simulation, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Research, development and teaching in Academia, for example theoretical physics, analysis and development of materials, cosmology, algebraic geometry, mathematical analysis, medical statistics and econometry.
Other jobs in the private and public sector, requiring analytical and mathematical skills, as well as the use of digital tools. Data analyst, health sector, media, finance, insurance sector, logistics, programming.
Teaching in high school, Høgskole (with PPU).
A graduate of this program is eligible for doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes at most universities in Norway and abroad, in Mathematics or Physics, depending on the specialization chosen.
After 3 years of study, the student is eligible to transition to other Master programmes in Mathematics and Physics in Norway and abroad, including the UiS Master programme in Computational Engineering. This is conditioned on completing a Bachelor project in semester 6 (see study plan for more information).
Learning outcomes
All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.
After having completed the master’s degree programme in Mathematics and Physics, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:
Knowledge
K1: The Candidate has advanced knowledge within the subject areas mathematics and physics.
K2: The Candidate has broad knowledge of the scientific theories and methods of the subject areas.
K3: The Candidate has knowledge of the relevant numerical/computational tools and methods that are used in mathematics and physics, as well as experimental methods.
K4: The Candidate has knowledge of how the subject areas mathematics and physics are related to other natural and technological sciences.
K5: The Candidate has specialist knowledge within a smaller area of either mathematics or physics, in connection with the specialization course work and the Master project.
Skills
F1: The Candidate is able to analyse scientific problems on the basis of the history, traditions and social position specific to the subject areas.
F2: The Candidate is able to apply his/her knowlegde to carry out concrete computations and reasonings, and thereby derive results within central parts of the subject areas mathematics and physics, both for familiar and new problems.
F3: The Candidate is able to use relevant computational tools to analyse problems in mathematics and physics.
F4: The Candidate is able to apply relevant research methods and the subject matter in an independent and critical way, and to formulate and structure scientific reasoning.
F5: The Candidate is able to carry out a scientific investigation under supervision and in line with the ethical and scientific standards of the subject areas.
F6: The Candidate is able to communicate independent scientific work, including own work, and master the terminology of the subject areas, orally and in writing.
General Competences
G1: The Candidate is able to analyse numerical data also outside his/her own subject areas.
G2: The Candidate is able to analyse and present complex problems in a logical and structured way.
G3: The Candidate is able to work independently, and to find and acquire advanced knowledge independently.
Admission requirements
Higher Education Entrance Qualification plus Mathematics medium advanced level (R1), and one science course at advanced level R1+R2, FYS1+2, KJE1+2, BIO1+2, INFO1+2, GEO 1+2, TEK1+2.
Applicants who have completed the “preliminary course for engineers” (Forkurs) are also qualified.
Contact
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Study plan and courses
Enrolment year: 2023
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Compulsory courses
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Mechanics
Year 1, semester 1
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Mathematical Methods 1
Year 1, semester 1
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Linear Algebra
Year 1, semester 1
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Physics Laboratory
Year 1, semester 2
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Real and Complex Calculus
Year 1, semester 2
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Probability and Statistics 1
Year 1, semester 2
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Thermo- and Fluid Dynamics
Year 2, semester 3
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Discrete Mathematics
Year 2, semester 3
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Vector Analysis
Year 2, semester 3
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Electromagnetism and Special Relativity
Year 2, semester 4
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Micro Physics
Year 2, semester 4
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Differential Equations
Year 2, semester 4
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Quantum Mechanics
Year 3, semester 5
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Numerical Modeling
Year 3, semester 5
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Numerical Modeling 2
Year 3, semester 5
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Statistical Physics
Year 3, semester 6
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History of Mathematics
Year 3, semester 6
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Abstract Algebra
Year 3, semester 6
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Choose one course in 5th semester (autumn)
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Introduction to Programming
Year 3, semester 5
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Astronomy and Astro Physics
Year 3, semester 5
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Mathematical Analysis
Year 3, semester 5
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Probability and Statistics 2
Year 3, semester 5
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Sustainability and green transition
Year 3, semester 5
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Choose specialization
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Specialisation Mathematics
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Compulsory courses
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Manifolds
Year 4, semester 7
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Statistical Modeling and Simulation
Year 4, semester 7
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Master Thesis in Mathematics
Year 4, semester 8
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Choose one course in 7th semester
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Mathematical Analysis
Year 4, semester 7
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Probability and Statistics 2
Year 4, semester 7
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Statistical Learning
Year 4, semester 7
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Electives or exchange studies 8th semester
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Choose 3 courses in 8th semester (spring)
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Matrix Groups
Year 4, semester 8
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Mathematical Analysis II
Year 4, semester 8
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Algebraic Geometry
Year 4, semester 8
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Generalized Linear Models
Year 4, semester 8
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Exchange 8th semester (spring)
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Specialisation Physics
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Compulsory courses
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Analytical Mechanics and Field Theory
Year 4, semester 7
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Solid State Physics
Year 4, semester 7
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Master Thesis in Physics
Year 4, semester 8
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Choose one course in 7th semester
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Astronomy and Astro Physics
Year 4, semester 7
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Manifolds
Year 4, semester 7
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Electives or exchange studies 8th semester
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Choose 3 courses in 8th semester (spring)
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General Relativity and Cosmology
Year 4, semester 8
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Quantum Field Theory
Year 4, semester 8
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X-ray and Neutron scattering
Year 4, semester 8
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Computational Solid State Physics
Year 4, semester 8
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Exchange 8th semester (spring)
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Student exchange
By going on exchange to one of our partner institutions abroad as part of your studies, you will have an opportunity to get a unique education. In addition to improving your career opportunities, you grow as a person and gain the ability to greater reflect on the topics you study as part of your degree. All about exchange
Students can study abroad during the 8th semester of the master's programme in mathematics and physics. This semester consists of 30 ECTS credits of electives. During the exchange semester you can choose subjects similar the master program specialization. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the subjects/ courses from abroad not overlap with subjects you have already taken. Some advice is to think about your specialization and your field of interest.
More opportunities
In addition to the recommended universities listed below, UiS has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at UiS, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.
Contact your Study Adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses:
General questions about exchange: Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk
Student exchange
- All countries
Københavns Universitet
København er et populært studiested for nordmenn, ikke minst på grunn av den geografiske og språklige nærheten til Norge.
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.
University of Bonn
Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn har en 200 år lang historie og er å betrakte som et av Tysklands mest anerkjente forskningsuniversitet. Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzche og Konrad Adenauer er bare noen av mange kjente personer som har fått sin grad fra Universitetet i Bonn.
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley er utvilsamt eit av verdast sterkaste universitet, med samtlege av dei akademiske greinene ranka blant verdas ti beste av Times Higher Education. Du vil garantert få fagleg utbytte av eit studieopphald her.
University of Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä Universitet er Finlands ledende innen lærerutdanning. Det er også det eneste universitetet med eget fakultet for «sport and health sciences».
University of Paderborn
Enjoy the charm of Paderborn for one semester. You will study close to major European cities such as Brussel and Amsterdam, with the possibility of many indoor and outdoor activities in a friendly and green enviroment.
- Danmark
Københavns Universitet
København er et populært studiested for nordmenn, ikke minst på grunn av den geografiske og språklige nærheten til Norge.
- Finland
University of Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä Universitet er Finlands ledende innen lærerutdanning. Det er også det eneste universitetet med eget fakultet for «sport and health sciences».
- Tyskland
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.
University of Bonn
Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn har en 200 år lang historie og er å betrakte som et av Tysklands mest anerkjente forskningsuniversitet. Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzche og Konrad Adenauer er bare noen av mange kjente personer som har fått sin grad fra Universitetet i Bonn.
University of Paderborn
Enjoy the charm of Paderborn for one semester. You will study close to major European cities such as Brussel and Amsterdam, with the possibility of many indoor and outdoor activities in a friendly and green enviroment.
- USA
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley er utvilsamt eit av verdast sterkaste universitet, med samtlege av dei akademiske greinene ranka blant verdas ti beste av Times Higher Education. Du vil garantert få fagleg utbytte av eit studieopphald her.
Frequently asked questions
What topics are covered? Is there a good student environment at the department?
What topics are covered in the study?
The bachelor's program provides thorough knowledge of mathematical analysis, geometry, algebra and statistics. Plus mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.
What areas can I immerse myself in at master's level?
At UiS, at master's level you can immerse yourself in various areas within mathematics and physics. We have strong academic environments in algebraic geometry, mathematical analysis, mathematical statistics, materials physics, cosmology and particle physics and mathematical physics. Read more about our professional environments.
Can I take a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics?
If you have been admitted to a 5-year master's degree in mathematics and physics, you can choose (in the 5th semester) to complete your studies with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics by writing a bachelor's thesis in the 6th semester. This bachelor's degree qualifies, among other things, master's in applied data science and master's in computational engineering at UiS, as well as MSc studies in physics or mathematics at other universities. Bachelors in mathematics and physics from UiS have previously also taken a master's degree in risk management and a master's degree in petroleum technology.
Is there a good student environment at the department?
Sure! As a mathematics and physics student, we recommend that you join Theta: the line association for mathematics and physics students at UiS. The association arranges internal lectures and extracurricular gatherings with a focus on the social, and allows you to take part in a professional environment from which the university itself recruits doctoral fellows. The membership is a diverse assembly with a good gender balance, but has the main emphasis on realists in their twenties.
What do mathematicians and physicists work on after they have finished their studies?
- Research, development and teaching in academia, for example theoretical physics, analysis and development of materials, cosmology, algebraic geometry, mathematical analysis, medical statistics and econometrics.
- Research and development in industry, such as the oil industry, renewable energy, space technology, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Others work in business and the municipality / state that requires analytical skills and numbers / mathematical understanding and the use of computers. We are collecting more and more data, and understanding numbers is important in order to be able to utilize these in a good way. (Analyst positions, finance and insurance industry, sports, health and medicine and more)
- Teaching at upper secondary level.
Do the business community and the public sector in the region employ mathematicians and physicists?
Of course! Many local companies and public institutions employ mathematicians and physicists, including: Equinor, Lyse, SR Bank, Schlumberger, Laerdal Medical, NORCE, ConocoPhilips, Safetec, Veritas, SUS, Upper Secondary Schools, UiS and more.
Your student association
THETA
The student association for Mathematics and Physics students at UiS.
Theta has an active environment and disposes club premises in Kjølv Egelands' house with associated workplaces for its members. The association has students from both bachelor's, master's and PhD levels and maintains a close collaboration with the department.
As a small association, we work actively to take care of the members. Internal lectures and extracurricular gatherings are therefore arranged with a focus on the social.
