The Master’s Degree in Physics (2 years) offers advanced education across key areas of fundamental physics, along with specialized training that students can tailor to their interests, choosing among Theoretical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, High-Energy Physics, Statistical Physics, Astrophysics, and Geophysics.

In addition to preparing students for careers in scientific research and secondary education, the program equips graduates with advanced methodologies applicable in a range of strategic industrial and technological sectors. These include innovative materials and devices, medical physics, environmental physics, big data analytics, aerospace, finance, telecommunications, and information technology. The program also provides skills relevant to interdisciplinary and non-scientific fields that require strong analytical and operational capabilities.

Program Structure

• Core Courses (30 ECTS): These compulsory courses strengthen and expand the foundational knowledge acquired during the undergraduate degree, focusing on theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, and nuclear/subnuclear physics.
• Specialized Laboratory Work (12 ECTS): Students engage in hands-on research in two advanced laboratories selected from the fields of astrophysics, condensed matter physics, nuclear and subnuclear physics, geophysics, and nanotechnology.
• Elective Courses (24 ECTS): Students choose from a list of 22 courses offered within the Physics Department, shaping a personalized specialization path.
• Free Choice Courses (12 ECTS): These may be selected from the elective list or from the university’s broader academic offerings, provided they align with the program’s educational objectives.
• English Language (6 ECTS): Students must achieve at least a B2 level (CEFR), essential for reading scientific literature and effective communication in international contexts.
• Internship (6 ECTS): Internships can be completed at external companies or research institutions with formal agreements. Activities related to thesis research conducted abroad may also qualify.
• Master’s Thesis and Final Examination (30 ECTS): Students develop an original research thesis under faculty supervision and defend it publicly before an academic committee. This represents the first significant step toward a research career.

Further information on the program is available at the following link: Program Details

Each student is encouraged to design a personalized academic pathway within the flexible framework of the program. To support this, the Teaching Council has outlined eight suggested study tracks:

• Astrophysics
• Physics Education
• Experimental High-Energy Physics
• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Theoretical Physics of Fundamental Interactions
• Geophysics
• Physics of Materials, Innovative Devices, and Nanotechnologies
• Statistical Mechanics, Complexity, and Interdisciplinary Applications

These tracks reflect the cutting-edge research conducted at the “E.R. Caianiello” Department of Physics. Faculty members are actively involved in international collaborations and research networks, including partnerships with major institutions such as INFN, INGV, CNR, and INAF. Notably, a branch of the National Research Council (CNR) operates within the department itself.

Students interested in pursuing a research-oriented career may continue their studies through the PhD program offered at the University of Salerno.