LMU or Utrecht for MSc in Theoretical Physics?

[gremezd]

I'm planning to apply for a MSc studies in Theoretical Physics. I found that LMU and Utrecht offer 2-year, and not 1-year, programs, which I like. What would you choose for a broader education in this area?

 

[Preuton]

also interested

 

[wineglass]

Hi,

I think that in global LMU can be better than utrecht but particulary in theoretical physics utrecht is a better option

 

[Preuton]

I think just the opposite

 

[xGAME-OVERx]

I'd definitely say apply to both, it can only increase your chance of admission - you'll get a world class education in either programme.

I do suggest looking at the course lists if you haven't already. A quick scan makes me think LMU offers a larger range of courses, but do bear in mind that at Utrecht you'll be able to take courses at other local universities (Leiden, Amsterdam) as part of your degree.

 

[wineglass]

if you had been admitted to both of them with one would you choose?

 

[xGAME-OVERx]

if you had been admitted to both of them with one would you choose?

Apologies, were you addressing me or the OP?

 

[wineglass]

I was writting to you, XgameoverX, also have you said that if you are in utrecht u can take courses at leiden or amsterdam? in the theretical physics masters also ?

 

[xGAME-OVERx]

I am rather biased towards Utrecht, because I've had a quite a bit of contact with various people there and they've never been anything but friendly and helpful. From what I have seen it is a beautiful city and the university is several hundred years old, so lots of history too. I also want to go to the theoretical physics summer school this summer.

It may be playing on old stereotypes, but it just feels like Utrecht would be more easy going and fun than LMU would be, which will be a bit more rigid. That's the kind of environment I've worked in during my undergrad, and I think it's more suited to me.

With regard to the courses, they have general relativity, quantum field theory, and computational courses, which are the things I know I definitely want to study, so I'm buzzing with excitement about those.

Yes, it's quite cool actually, a few of the Dutch universities are linked via the "Dutch Research School in Theoretical Physics" (http://web.science.uu.nl/DRSTP/) and as part of this, they often allow students on the theoretical physics MSc programmes to take courses at other institutions, for whatever reason. Leiden, Amsterdam, Vrije and Groningen all have physics MSc programmes with tracks in theoretical physics. Amsterdam (main university and Vrije) and Leiden are just a short, cheap train journey away from Utrecht.

Leiden would have been my second choice actually...

Scott

 

[wineglass]

Written to XgameoverX

I read in other threads that you were applying also to some UK programs, was Leiden your second choice above the britis programmes?

 

[xGAME-OVERx]

Yes, I would have gone to Leiden over any of the British programmes I applied for I think. My number 1 British programme was at Durham, and I'm thinking about going there for a PhD during which you get to take the MSc courses anyway.

May I ask if you're currently looking for/applying for theoretical physics programmes, wineglass?

 

[Landau]

I happen to be studying at Utrecht University (mathematics, not Theoretical Physics; I have done the bachelor program in physics though, and have some contact with people doing TP), so if you have specific questions...

The "Elite-MSc course Theoretical and Mathematical Physics" certainly has more emphasis on mathematics than Theoretical Physics in Utrecht.

 

[Preuton]

this question is for Landau,

You said that you were studing in Utrecht, i would like know ¿How hard is to get in?
More conretely in the theoretical physics programm, and are your grades the only thing in consideration or having research experience or other accomplishments can help getting in?

thanks,