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M.Sc. On Campus

Research in Physics, theoretical Leiden University

Highlights
Tuition fee
21800 EUR / year
2601 EUR / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
21800 EUR / year
2601 EUR / year
Unknown
Duration
24 months
Duration
24 months
Apply date
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Leiden, Netherlands
Campus location
Leiden, Netherlands
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

Theoretical Physics is at the core of our scientific enquiry into the fundamental properties of the physical world. It aims to describe and understand a broad range of physical phenomena through a variety of analytical concepts and methods, and by encoding them into mathematical language. Apply to the Research in Physics, theoretical MSc programme at Leiden University.

Overview

The Research in Physics, theoretical MSc programme at Leiden University is specifically designed at preparing you for a career in scientific research in fundamental physics. Its primary aim is to allow you to continue towards a PhD in a broad range of topics. Leiden University's MSc program stands out in that we emphasize an education focused on the core of Theoretical Physics used in widely differing subdisciplines from High Energy Particle Physics and Cosmology, to Theoretical Physics of Life Processes and Condensed Matter Theory. 

The MSc student is free to tailor his/her study program to the specific directions of interest, while simultaneously learning the wide applicability of universal Theoretical Physics concepts in other directions. Uniquely we offer advanced MSc courses organized by the Delta-Institute for Theoretical Physics --- a consortium of the Institutes for Theoretical Physics of Leiden, Amsterdam and Utrecht --- that accelerate the connection to the research frontier.

Theoretical Physics is the study of choice if you want to obtain a thorough experience on the frontline of physics research and a practical training of communicative and computer skills required to function in any of the modern high demanding data oriented careers in industry, society and research. Part of the research will be developing theoretical models and simulations of physical systems across different length scales, from cosmology to quantum systems.

Why study Research in Physics, theoretical at Leiden University?

  • You can choose your own direction within the core of Theoretical physics, with the confidence that you will be able to apply your learned knowledge in a far wider area then the immediate one in which it was introduced.
  • During the independent research project phase you become an integral part of the research environment at the Institute Lorentz for Theoretical Physics. You will have a desk at the institute, access to premier research level computing environment, and are encouraged and invited to participate in daily scientific life.
  • Despite its small size, the research at the Institute Lorentz for Theoretical Physics covers essentially all areas of theoretical Physics including string theory, particle physics, electron physics, econophysics, cosmology, biological physics, mesoscopic physics, soft and biomatter physics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • Effective Field Theory
  • Quantum Information
  • Quantum Theory
  • Statistical Physics
  • Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics 
  • Complex Networks (BM)
  • Origin and Structure of the Standard Model
  • Soft and Biomatter Theory
  • Theory of General Relativity
  • Applied Quantum Algorithms

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

English
TOEFL® IBT
90
IELTS
6.5

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Leiden, Netherlands

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL® IBT
90
IELTS
6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation
Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

  • Trusted by 300k learners
  • 98 accuracy using real exam data
  • 4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

  • If you have a bachelor's degree in Physics (Natuurkunde) or a Physics-related programme from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch universities, you are eligible to apply.
  • Admission is under the provision that you have sufficient in-depth knowledge, and theoretical/mathematical skills on topics like quantum physics, electrodynamics, statistical physics, and complex analysis, equivalent to those of the undergraduate courses of the Leiden BSc Physics curriculum. 

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
  • International

    Non-residents
    21800 EUR / year
    21800 EUR / year
  • EU/EEA

    EU/EEA Nationals
    2601 EUR / year
    2601 EUR / year

Living costs

Leiden

Netherlands
850 - 1250 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Research in Physics, theoretical.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Provided by university
Grant
6000 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2027
LION scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Leiden University
Leiden, Netherlands
Provided by university
Grant
19000 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2027
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Leiden University
Leiden, Netherlands
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Mundus MAPP
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
4000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2026
OAS ISS Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Japan Gov’t/World Bank
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Moving Mates
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACU (The Association of Commonweath Universities)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1550 EUR
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)

Read more about eligibility

Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 EUR
Deadline
15 May 2026
Study a Master's in Europe Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Diamant Gerstein
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Enkla Media - Kreditkortlistan
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

CryptoRunner
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

ACES: The Society for Editing
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Read more about eligibility

Ayn Rand Institute
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pinsky Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Florida Rentals
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
55 GBP
Deadline
18 Jun 2026
IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
The MyUS Community Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

MyUS
Location not available

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Research in Physics, theoretical
Leiden University
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