Characteristics and Purpose

The Second-cycle degree course in Physics prepares students for the most advanced research topics in Physics. The graduate acquires and develops both experimental and theoretical and mathematical skills and abilities, which make him or her flexible and capable of dealing with problems also in interdisciplinary fields.

The Second-cycle Degree in Physics provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the main fields of research in Physics: the areas covered at the University of Parma are Theoretical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Biophysics, their fundamentals and the most modern theoretical, experimental and numerical calculation methodologies.

Course catalogue

The degree course includes nine electives out of a total of eleven. This guarantees the possibility of customising the course of study and delving into avant-garde research topics with a course of study that is balanced between theoretical and experimental aspects and flexible to the cultural needs of the student. In particular, three main curricula are proposed: Physics of Matter and Functional Materials; Theoretical Physics; Biophysics and Physics of Soft Matter.

The curricula include activities aimed at acquiring knowledge of quantum physics, matter physics, statistical physics and other more specific aspects of modern physics. They include extensive laboratory activities that enable the acquisition of an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of experimental and numerical calculation methodologies.

The student is trained in scientific research through the development of an original thesis with which he/she becomes familiar with state-of-the-art techniques, both in the field of experimental measurements and theoretical and computational methods. The student can carry out internships in laboratories of research institutions and companies, and spend study periods at universities and laboratories abroad, also within the framework of international exchange agreements.

Why a Second-cycle degre in Physics in Parma

  • High employment rate: one year after graduation all our graduates are working (source: Alma Laurea).
  • Excellent ratio of number of students to number of Professors, which promotes learning and allows for fruitful discussion.
  • Efficient facilities to encourage study and collaboration among students: laboratories, classrooms, study rooms and a library, as well as a computer room equipped with free-access terminals. All are set in the pleasant surroundings of the University Campus, with plenty of green spaces and sports facilities available to students.
  • Many subjects include laboratory activities, both experimental and computational, which are also useful for developing the ability to work in a team.
  • Customisable study paths with a wide choice of subjects, including the possibility of an internship in a local company.
  • Opportunities for examinations and training placements in Europe with Erasmus plus, Traineeship, Work-Placement. Our partners are in Dresden (D), Leiden (NL), Barcelona (ES), Grénoble (F)...
  • Inclusion in leading research groups, with national and international interactions, offering the opportunity to carry out topical and relevant studies in both basic and applied fields.