Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

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MATHEMATICAL
&
THEORETICAL
PHYSICS

Master of Science
in Applied Mathematics and Physics

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about the program

The Skoltech Mathematical and Theoretical Physics program provides a solid foundation in mathematics, a deep understanding of mathematical physics, and an opportunity for in-depth study of theoretical physics. Emphasis on independent research encourages students to acquire knowledge and skills essential for fast personal development and a successful scientific career.

Mode, duration
2 years (full-time)
Language
English
Fees
Full tuition coverage
Application
The application period for Skoltech programs for 2025 is now open
Benefits
Monthly scholarship (up to 55.000 rub/month), relocation & accommodation, private medical insurance (in accordance with Skoltech policies)
Upcoming deadline
The first wave deadline is March 10

joint tracks

shape your educational experience by choosing joint tracks with the leading universities

General and Applied Physics, specialization Quantum Field Theory, String Theory and Mathematical Physics

The joint track with Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
General and Applied Physics, specialization Problems of Theoretical Physics

The joint track with Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Mathematics

The joint track with the Higher School of Economics

our students

01

choose their own educational path and take courses tailored to their research needs

02

gain the skills of a modern researcher, meeting the highest professional standards of top Russian and international research and educational centers

03

pursue PhD studies at Skoltech or other leading Russian and international academic institutions

04

participate in research projects on their own or alongside top experts from Russia and beyond

05

develop a culture of scholarly discussion, research project skills, and ability to work in research teams and multidisciplinary groups

The 2-year program comprises compulsory and recommended elective courses on the most important topics, a wide range of elective courses (depending on the student's research and professional needs), elements of entrepreneurship and innovation, research activity, and 8 weeks of industrial immersion.

Curriculum (2024 year of admission)

master thesis options

Research
Perform world class science and application
Start-up as a thesis
Transform your idea into a start-up
2+3 PhD
Seamless continuation into PhD Program

research

A key component of your studies is independent research work at world–class laboratories. The following research areas are available for you:

Topology
Algebraic geometry
Representation theory
Symplectic geometry
Category theory
Integrable systems
Supersymmetric gauge theories and conformal theories

future career

Our graduates shape their own futures by choosing from a variety of career opportunities in industry, science, and business.

science

Landing PhD positions and continuing research at leading Russian and international research entities.

industry

Landing specialist positions in various industry sectors that require fundamental knowledge of mathematical and theoretical physics.

startup

Starting a business on their own or through the Skolkovo innovation ecosystem with its extensive pool of experts, consultants and investors.

For two years, I studied mathematical physics at Skoltech, one of the best universities in the world! Its research environment and faculty are certainly better here than in many other top universities. All the lectures and seminars were super complicated and incredibly interesting. Each semester, we had conferences with great mathematicians from different schools. Now that I am doing my PhD in the United States, I miss Skoltech a lot.

Anastasia Sharipova

BSc, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology → MSc, Skoltech → PhD, Pennsylvania State University

admissions

Applications for competitive selection can be submitted online.
The bigger part of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage takes place offline at the Skoltech campus.

1

registration

Choose the language of the selection process. If you select the Russian path and successfully pass the selection, you will be required to attend a one-month English bootcamp with a covered tuition fee before your program begins. Note that you can only choose a Russian path if your English proficiency level is at least B1 according to CEFR. If you choose the English path, you must either pass an English exam on-site or present valid proof of English proficiency. You will also earn additional points for choosing an English path.

Prepare your portfolio:

CV
Motivation letter
2 letters of recommendation
Diploma or transcript from the university
Certificates and awards

2

submit your application

Upload your materials into the SIA application system (apply.skoltech.ru)

Note: If you are applying for joint tracks, you should submit your application to both the partner university and Skoltech.

For more information about the joint track with HSE, contact Sergey M. Oskolkov at smoskolkov@hse.ru.
For more information about joint tracks with MIPT, contact pk.magistr@mipt.ru

3

online testing

Every candidate must take an online subject test. You will be notified via email about the specific date and time of your test.

exam sample
exam sample (NEW)

4

final stage

The final selection will take place in Moscow. You will need to pass an in-person interview and an entrepreneurship challenge. Please note that extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time, and you will be notified in advance if this applies to you.

5

enrollment

you will be enrolled in Skoltech based on the results of all competitive selection procedures

entry requirements

Knowledge, skills, and education background sufficient for successful enrollment into the program.

education

Relevant bachelor's degree, or its equivalent in mathematics, applied mathematics and physics.

knowledge and skills

Basics of combinatorics, elements of group theory, linear algebra, topology, limits of sequences and functions, derivatives and differentials, geometry: affine and projective spaces, maps, second-order curves (conics), complex analysis, ordinary differential equations, classical mechanics, and classical electrodynamics. More details here.

english language

If your education has not been conducted in English, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency or attend a one-month English bootcamp in August.

faculty

Enjoy courses and supervision by world-renowned professors and research scientists.

Aleksandra Skripchenko

Leading Research Scientist

application

The application period for Skoltech master's programs is now open. The first wave deadline is March 10. To apply, press the button below.

Apply

Contact us

e-mail: admissions@skoltech.ru
phone: +7 (495) 280-1481_ext.3387

address: 30с1 Bolshoi boulevard,
Skolkovo, 121205, Russian Federation
Room E-R3-2026

We are more than happy to meet visitors Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. Please arrange a visit 48 hours in advance by contacting admissions@skoltech.ru