Best places to study Physics in English in Europe for a scientific career

[ninuzzo]

Hi there! I am puzzling over the choice of a European university where to study physics. I have to start from scratch, that is from a bachelor degree, since my BSc is in a different field, computer science engineering. Courses must be taught completely in English because I don't have any sufficient knowledge of other languages, except my mother tongue, Italian.

Since I am an experienced computer programmer with a talent for functional programming and design - think that I dislike Java and love Lisp - I would like to put my software engineering skills at work too, e.g. specialising in scientific and parallel calculus applied to physics.

That is to say that I would appreciate the chance to take one or two advanced programming courses during my physics degree as elective modules, but I primarily intent to study physics, neither applied physics, nor engineering or computer science.

I would like to study the fundamentals of physics from both a theoretical, mathematical, experimental and computational perspective so that I can gain a first-class background in this science, in an attempt to become a scientist, not a technologist.

If my BSc goes well I mean to further my education, studying towards an MSc and maybe even a PhD in some branch of physics. I don't think I have to decide my specialization from now, but rather when I know more about the subject to make an informed choice which is right for me. And, of course, I can easily change university for my MSc and PhD.

I am not interested in other kinds of career prospects physicists may have in the business world like finance, IT, etc. I want to stay firmly in the realm of science and research.

Having settled what I want, I initially thought of the http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~intphys/, Germany.

I would be grateful to anyone who can provide other choices to compare this to. After I found the http://www.daad.de/deutschland/hochschulen/hochschulranking/06543.en.html?module=Hitliste&do=show_l1&hstyp=1&ab=3&esb=4 statistics, it left me spoilt for choice!

Therefore I would like to hear first-hand accounts from people who have studied physics recently with almost my same objectives so I can make a choice which is good for me. Please share your experience here!

If you are a professor or assistant, why would you recommend your university to one like me?

 

[TonyG]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and questions about choosing a European university to study physics. I understand the importance of finding the right academic environment for your studies and I am happy to provide some guidance and recommendations.

Firstly, I would like to commend you on your clear goals and aspirations in pursuing a degree in physics. Your passion for the subject and desire to further your education through an MSc and PhD are admirable and will serve you well in your academic journey.

Based on your interests and objectives, I would highly recommend considering the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany. TUM offers a top-ranked physics program with a strong emphasis on both theoretical and experimental research. The department also has a strong focus on computational physics and offers elective courses in this area, which would align well with your interest in utilizing your software engineering skills.

Additionally, TUM has a strong international community and offers all courses in English, making it an ideal choice for you. The university also has a close partnership with the Max Planck Institute for Physics, providing students with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and opportunities for collaboration with leading scientists.

Another option to consider is the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The university has a highly respected physics program with a focus on theoretical and computational physics. It also offers elective courses in programming and data analysis, which would complement your interests in functional programming and design. The university's international atmosphere and English-taught courses make it a welcoming and accessible choice for international students.

Lastly, I would also recommend looking into the University of Zurich in Switzerland. The university has a strong and diverse physics department, with a focus on both theoretical and experimental research. It also offers elective courses in computational physics and has a close collaboration with the renowned CERN research facility. The university's international reputation and English-taught courses make it a popular choice for students from around the world.

In conclusion, all three of these universities offer excellent programs in physics and would be a great fit for your interests and goals. I would also suggest reaching out to current or former students at these universities to get a firsthand perspective on their experiences. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs, so I encourage you to thoroughly research and consider all options before making a decision.

I wish you all the best in your academic pursuits and hope that you find the right university that will help you achieve your goals in becoming a successful scientist.

Best