Applied Physics

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

						
							Physics is concerned with describing and predicting natural phenomena. Applied physics is concerned with applying physics in technical solutions. Design and construction are important aspects of this.

open_in_newstudy website

locatieGroningen
diplomaBSc 
typeregulier, 180 EC
start1 september
taalvolledig English
opleidingsduur3 jaar voltijd
accreditatiesNVAO
croho-code56962
numerus fixusnee
honoursnee
Applied physics is at the heart of society. It forms the basis for many of the products we use in daily life. The programme has a strong interdisciplinary orientation, with an emphasis on combinations of subjects: physics with design studies, nanotechnology, new materials and systems and control engineering

Applied physics involves studying not only how phenomena come about, but also how to use them for technical solutions. The programme focuses on theory and practice.

Critical appraisal skills

Applied physics is an academic subject, which means that you acquire not only knowledge, but also skills such as presentation, working in a team and setting up and conducting research. We teach you critical appraisal skills, which you will learn to apply to your own and other's work.

Tough subject

Applied physics can certainly be described as a 'tough' subject. In order to study it you need to have an affinity for sciences and you need to have an enquiring and creative mind that wonders how things work.

Sietske Dijkstra, student of Applied Physics

Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

In Groningen you can study Physics alongside Applied Physics, and you don't have to choose between them right away. Groningen is the only university in the Netherlands to offer a broad Bachelor's programme that allows you to explore various natural sciences.
In Groningen you will be taught by researchers who have gained a worldwide reputation. The linked Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials is ranked in the top 15 of its kind worldwide.

Studieprogramma

opbouw
1e jaar

opbouw

The Groningen science and engineering programmes stand out for their academic excellence. The work pace in the first year is generally high and the courses contents demanding. The first year curriculum concentrates on laying a sound basis for our engineering and natural science disciplines. This allows our students to choose their specialization tracks already in their second Bachelor's year.

Credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage.


						periode
Computational Methods 1
Electricity and Magnetism
Mathematical Physics
Mechanics and Relativity
Physics Laboratory 1 & 2
Physics of Modern Technology
Calculus 1 & 2
Linear Algebra

taal van onderwijs	100% en
avondonderwijs	n.v.t.
afstandsonderwijs	n.v.t.

study abroad

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

bindend studieadvies

minimaal 45 EC in de eerste 12 maanden

You will be issued a study advice at the end of your first year of study. You can expect a positive study advice if you have earned at least 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS; most course units are 5 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative study advice, you will not be allowed to continue your degree programme.

You will receive a preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you are.
Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system.

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

1 september 2025

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2025
wettelijk tarief : € 2601 (€1301 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 13500
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 19800

1 september 2026

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2026
collegegeld nog niet bekend

toelaatbare profielen

VWO N&T	toelaatbaar
VWO N&G	aangevuld met wiskunde B + natuurkunde
VWO E&M	aangevuld met wiskunde B + natuurkunde
VWO C&M	aangevuld met wiskunde B + natuurkunde

toelatingseisen

taaltoets
Language proficiency certificate for English (except for applicants with a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) as well as the exemptions listed on the language exemptions webpage). More info: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/bsc/language

De stad

studievereniging

T.F.V. Professor Francken

T.F.V. 'Professor Francken' is the study association for students of Applied Physics at the University of Groningen
The association is named after Groningen's first-ever professor of Applied Physics and focuses on students and staff from the applied physics departments. The association has more than 900 members and organizes annual events including a symposium, company excursions in the Netherlands, to see what students can do after their studies, and a foreign trip. Next, the association organizes more informal activities, such as regular drinks and parties.

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Lilly-Anne Kalderen
Mare Dijkstra
Rutger Haan
studenten

Lilly-Anne Kalderen

The study for me has been challenging, although incredibly rewarding

I chose to study Applied Physics because the programme includes both theoretical and engineering aspects. During high school, I enjoyed math and physics but was not sure what I wanted as a future career and the Applied Physics bachelor gives a wide range of options for master's degrees and career paths. The study for me has been challenging, although incredibly rewarding. The courses at the beginning of the study cover the basics of physics and therefore they felt a bit more theoretical than I had expected...

The courses consist of lectures and tutorials, and oftentimes there will be assignments to hand in or a long-term project which is done with peers. The group projects have significantly helped me with the understanding of the material and in addition, have taught me other important skills such as working in groups and writing reports.Recently, I completed the course Physics Lab 4 where I, with a partner, conducted different experiments, processed the results, wrote an extensive report on our findings and gave a presentation on one of the experiments. During this lab course, I was introduced to various topics which helped me develop my academic skills and my interests in the applied physics field. Next to my studies, I do various sports and I am active in different associations, including the study association T.F.V 'Professor Francken' where I have done different committees including the foreign excursion committee.

lees verder ...

Mare Dijkstra

Physics is learning about everything around you

My name is Mare and I chose to study Physics since I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. In secondary school, I enjoyed many subjects, making my choice even more difficult.

I knew that I wanted to study something that involved maths but not Mathematics itself, since that is too abstract for my liking. That is why, in the end, I chose Physics. For me, physics is learning about everything around you and trying to understand it by linking it to mathematics.Along the way, I realized that I wanted to get into the technological side of things and put the physics that I know to use...

This is the reason why I switched to Applied Physics in my second year.I just finished a project in Cambodia involving solar cells and I am now starting my Bachelor’s project on the degradation of perovskite LEDs. In the future, I hope to do more research, possibly on (perovskite) solar cells. What is certain is that I want to do something that contributes to our future with clean energy.I am also a member of the lacrosse association; I play lacrosse and enjoy all the activities connected to my student association.

lees verder ...

Rutger Haan

I'm interested in science and I love technology

Ever since I was a little boy, I was very interested in science and had an insatiable curiosity about how the world works. I also love technology and that is why I chose to study Applied Physics.

You learn about topics ranging from how electricity and magnetism are related, for example, to what the structure of matter entails and, moreover, how these subjects are related through quantum mechanics...

Most often you can find me at my study association, T.F.V. ‘Professor Francken’, where I can just have a quick chat with my friends and play a round of cards. I also play squash at the UG’s sports facility, ACLO, and I train there once a week.

lees verder ...

studenten

onderzoeker

Nutifafa Doumon on organic solar cells

Keuzehulp

Studievergelijker

University of Groningen
Delft University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology
University of Twente

1/4 University of Groningen
Technische Natuurkunde

€ 303 gemiddelde kamerhuur

37 eerstejaars

18% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

100% Engelstalig

> bekijk opleiding

2/4 Delft University of Technology
Technische Natuurkunde

€ 312 gemiddelde kamerhuur

200 eerstejaars

11% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

100% Nederlandstalig

> bekijk opleiding

3/4 Eindhoven University of Technology
Applied Physics

€ 280 gemiddelde kamerhuur

181 eerstejaars

17% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

100% Engelstalig

> bekijk opleiding

4/4 University of Twente
Technische Natuurkunde

€ 250 gemiddelde kamerhuur

? eerstejaars

NAN% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

100% Nederlandstalig

> bekijk opleiding

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opleiding	gelijkenis met Applied Physics
Sterrenkunde		bekijk
Wiskunde		bekijk
Technische Wiskunde		bekijk
Scheikundige Technologie		bekijk
Natuurkunde		bekijk
Scheikunde		bekijk
Econometrie en Operationele Research		bekijk

Na de studie

Applied Physics is a broad Bachelor's programme, after which you can specialize with a Master's degree programme. You can then continue in the academic world or opt for a career in the business world. Many applied physics graduates find work developing new products.

Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

Business
Many applied physics graduates choose a job in industry, contributing to technical innovations and product development. In the SME sector, consultancy and engineering firms are also increasingly looking for applied physicists.

== Research and advising ==
When you have your Master's degree you can carry out PhD research at a university. You could also work for a research institute such as TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) or the NLR (National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands). Other openings include managerial and policy positions in a range of fields, for example in environmental protection or the service sector.

== Not quite the same as technology ==
Applied physicists, like 'ordinary' physicists, are sought after by large organizations such as banks and insurance companies, which value their analytical skills. Management consultancy firms frequently recruit applied physicists too.

aansluitende masteropleidingen

instelling	opleiding	instroomeisen
Delft University of Technology	Aerospace Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Applied Earth Sciences	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Applied Mathematics	+ 36 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Applied Mathematics	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Groningen	Applied Physics	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Applied Physics	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Applied Physics	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Applied Physics	+ cijfergemiddelde
University of Groningen	Artificial Intelligence	+ 60 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Systems	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Astronomy	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Biomedical Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen University	Biosystems Engineering	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Business Administration	+ 30 EC pre-master
Tilburg University	Business Analytics and Operations Research	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Business Information Technology	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Chemical Science & Engineering	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Civil Engineering & Management	+ 15 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Communication Science	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Computer Engineering	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Computer Science	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Construction Management & Engineering	+ 15 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Data Science in Business and Entrepreneurship	+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen University	Earth and Environment	+ basiskennis + motivatiebrief + toelatingsgesprek + cijfergemiddelde
Tilburg University	Econometrics and Mathematical Economics	+ aanv. eisen
University of Groningen	Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies	+ aanv. eisen
University of Groningen	Educatie en Communicatie in de Bètawetenschappen full-time,part-time educational	+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Educatie in de Bètawetenschappen educational	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Educatie in de Bètawetenschappen full-time,part-time	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Educational Science & Technology full-time,part-time	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Electrical Engineering	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Electrical Engineering	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Embedded Systems	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Embedded Systems - 4TU	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Groningen	Energy and Environmental Sciences	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Engineering and Policy Analysis	+ basiskennis + motivatiebrief
University of Twente	Environmental & Energy Management	+ 15 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Environmental Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	European Studies	+ 30 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Amsterdam	Forensic Science	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Health Sciences	+ 30 EC pre-master
Utrecht University	History and Philosophy of Science research	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Human-Technology Interaction	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Industrial Ecology	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Industrial Engineering & Management	+ 15 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Innovation Management	+ 30 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Innovation Sciences	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Interaction Technology	+ 30 EC pre-master
Leiden University	Leraar VHO in Natuurkunde educational	+ 60 EC pre-master
Leiden University	Leraar VHO in Wiskunde educational	+ 72 EC pre-master
Utrecht University	Leraar VHO natuurkunde full-time,part-time educational	+ 60 EC pre-master
University of Amsterdam	Lerarenopleiding Natuurkunde part-time educational	+ 60 EC pre-master
University of Amsterdam	Lerarenopleiding Wiskunde educational	+ 72 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Management of Technology	+ motivatiebrief
	Master Design Driven Innovation part-time	+ toelatingsgesprek
University of Twente	Mechanical Engineering	+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht University	Nanomaterials Science research	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Nanoscience	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Nanotechnology	+ aanv. eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Operations Management & Logistics	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society full-time,part-time	+ aanv. eisen
University of Groningen	Physics	geen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Physics and Astronomy	+ aanv. eisen
VU University Amsterdam	Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Psychology	+ 45 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Public Administration	+ 30 EC pre-master
Tilburg University	Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Robotics	+ 5 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Robotics	+ 18 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Science Education and Communication educational	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO Natuurkunde educational	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Leraar VHO Natuurkunde educational	+ toelatingsgesprek
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO O&O educational	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO Wiskunde educational	+ 18 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Leraar VHO Wiskunde educational	+ 12 EC pre-master
Radboud University Nijmegen	Science in Society	+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Science, Management and Innovation	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Spatial Engineering	+ 15 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Sustainable Energy Technology	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Sustainable Energy Technology (4TU)	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Water Technology full-time,part-time	+ aanv. eisen
University of Groningen	Werktuigbouwkunde	+ aanvullende vakeisen

bron: doorstroommatrix.nl

Potentiële beroepen

analist

consultant

onderzoeker

technisch innovator

bron: StudieData

Contact

Academic Advisors FSE
For questions regarding the programme
W: Academic Advisors FSE
Ask Our Students!
Like to talk about the programme with someone currently studying Physics?
E: physicsstudents@rug.nl
studyscience@rug.nl Study Science
For general questions for all prospective students
E: studyscience@rug.nl

  Meer informatie?

  Bezoek de website van deze opleiding.


					open_in_newstudy website

Applied Physics

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Deze opleiding

Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

Studieprogramma

Onderwijs

study abroad

bindend studieadvies

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

toelaatbare profielen

toelatingseisen

De stad

studievereniging

T.F.V. Professor Francken

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Lilly-Anne Kalderen

The study for me has been challenging, although incredibly rewarding

Mare Dijkstra

Physics is learning about everything around you

Rutger Haan

I'm interested in science and I love technology

studenten

Nutifafa Doumon on organic solar cells

Keuzehulp

Studievergelijker

Kijk ook eens naar ..

Na de studie

Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

aansluitende masteropleidingen

Potentiële beroepen

Contact