Master in Physics: Specialization in Non-Destructive Characterization with Applications for Cultural Heritage
- About the programme
- Programme structure
- Entry & Graduation requirements
- Tuition fees & scholarships
- Career prospects
• Programme duration: | 2 years |
• Delivery language: | English |
• Degree awarded: | Master in Physics: Specialization in Non-Destructive Characterization with Applications for Cultural Heritage |
• Accreditation: | The curriculum follows the European ECTS system and the degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris. This programme is officially accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation. |
• Admission deadline: | Application to this program will not open for the September 2025 intake |
• Interview dates: | TBA |
Master In Physics: Specialisation In Non-Destructive Characterisation With Applications For Cultural Heritage degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris and delivered by world-class academics in Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The programme delivers an outstanding cross-disciplinary education in Physics and Non-Destructive analysis and their applications to heritage science.
Master In Physics: Specialisation In Non-Destructive Characterisation With Applications For Cultural Heritage introduces students to a unique combination of scientific disciplines (Physics, Engineering, and Data Sciences): it equips them with a strong background in Non-Destructive Characterisation, with methods widely used in many fields, from aerospace and oil and gas, to forensic science and archeology and art. Through the focus on Cultural Heritage, students are exposed to real-life data challenges associated with their core studies, and they learn how to manage interdisciplinary collaborations.
The ability of the graduates to contribute to research and development projects, and to perform cross-disciplinary and innovative analyses, makes them excellent candidates for employment in Cultural Heritage, Archeology and Art domain, as well as in all the fields where Non-Destructive Characterisation is applied and thorough analysis required,like Material Science, Oil and Gas sector, Aerospace, Environment,Forensic Sciences or Architecture Engineering.
The curriculum is taught by Abu Dhabi based faculty members, specialists in Physics, Non Destructive Characterisation and Archeology, and by visiting professors coming from the Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Archeology, and the Department of History of Art and Archeology at Sorbonne Université.
International recognition
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides the combined experience of Sorbonne University and Université Paris Cité. This rich heritage of joint excellence is now available in Abu Dhabi under the Ministry of Education and is recognised worldwide.
Networking
Each class will have a reduced number of students from different countries. A strict entry selection procedure will guarantee the quality of the degree and will allow you to expand your personal network with high potential peers.
Enhancing individual national development
Over the last decade, Abu Dhabi has invested strongly in expanding and upgrading its cultural offering with significant projects such as the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and continues to further emphasize the developments for Sustainable Heritage, in collaboration with the industry. This rapid economic development and climate-relatedphenomena creates major challenges within conservation science, research on ancient materials and environments, as well as sustainable use of cultural heritage.This programme has been developed to provide society with Heritage Scientists who will be able to support conservation and understanding in archaeological science, heritage management, or wider societal engagement with heritage related topics
such as heritage values and ethics.
A unique multidisciplinary program in Non-Destructive Characterisation
Designed by experts in their field, the program delivers an outstanding cross-disciplinary education in Physics and Non-Destructive Characterisation. In order to address scientific research questions related to cultural heritage, the programme will introduce students to a unique assembly of scientific disciplines, brought together with valuable cross-cutting and transferrable skills, including interdisciplinary collaboration in cultural heritage and many other fields where non-destructive analysis is applied, like forensics, material science,
environment or aerospace.
Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2
Day | Morning |
---|---|
Monday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
Tuesday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
Wednesday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
Thursday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
Friday | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur.
Master In Physics: Specialisation In Non-Destructive Characterisation With Applications For Cultural Heritage is taught in English and covers a total of three semesters on campus and one semester in internship. At the end of this degree, you will have a total of 120 ECTS credits. During the three semesters on campus,classes are scheduled between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Internship
During the 6-month fulltime internship, students work on a research project of interest for the institution or company welcoming them, under the guidance of their mentors in both places. The internship gives them the opportunity to apply to a real-life project the skills and knowledge they developed over the three first semesters. They will build on the research methodology and techniques acquired in physics, blended with cross-disciplinary knowledge and methods from the Cultural Heritage field, or other fields, like oil & gas, forensics or material science. At the end of the internship, students submit a Master’s Thesis and present their work in front of a panel.
Year 1 – Semester 1
- Quantum Physics: Basis and Applications
- Fundamental of Statistical Physics
- Experimental Methods in Material Physics
- Scientific Computing (Python & MATLAB)
- Experimental or Numerical Group Project in Heritage Sciences 1
- Heritage Science course 1 (History of Art, Archaeology, Physical Geography)
- Non-Destructive Characterisation in Heritage Sciences
- Language 1 (French or another foreign language for French speakers)
Year 1 – Semester 2
- Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Project Management
- Vibrations, Acoustics and Control Sensor
- Spectroscopy Techniques and Applications
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Big Data and Signal Processing
- Experimental or Numerical Group Project in Heritage Sciences 2
- Heritage Science Course 2 (History of Art, Archeology, Physical Geography)
- Language 2 (French or another foreign language for French speakers)
Year 2 – Semester 3
- Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing
- Materials Characterisation in Cultural Heritage
- Applications of Non-Destructive Characterisation for Society (forensics science, oil and gas prospect and transportation, environment, aerospace)
- Experimental Study for the Characterisation of Real Materials related to Archaeological and Art Interest
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Cultural Heritage Science
- Long term Practical On-site Project (cross-group, course common to the Master students in Archaeology)
- Language 3 (French or another foreign language for French speakers)
Year 2 – Semester 4
- 6-month full-time internship – Master thesis
Admission to our master’s programmes is selective and competitive and each applicant will be considered on his/her own merit. Our admissions process ensures that every course has an ideal mix of people with talent, impressive interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
General entry requirements
- Bachelor in a relevant field with a CGPA of 3 out of 4 or equivalent.
Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (or equivalent scores as per the equivalency table) may be conditionally admitted under probation during the first semester. The student will be authorized to continue in the program only if they secure an average of at least 12 out of 20 which is obtained by the end of the first semester. The decision is based on academic performance and will be made official after the completion of the first semester
or Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
or Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20 - Bachelor students with a GPA below 3 may be admitted on the ground of their professional and/or personal experience, in case they are granted a VAPP by SU’s or UP’s VAPP commission
- IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 6.0 with a validity of 2 years or TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 79 (or equivalent) with a validity of 2 years or, Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years or equivalent
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview to assess the candidate’s motivation, career expectations and relevant professional experience in the degree area.
Applicants who earned their undergraduate degrees from universities outside the UAE must present a Certificate of Equivalency for their graduation certificates from the UAE Ministry of Education. Applicants, who are holders of undergraduate degrees issued by a licensed higher education institution in the UAE, are required to submit a copy of their degrees attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. For details on requirements, kindly visit the Ministry’s website: Ministry of Education.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to considering applications from all students regardless of their country of origin, income, gender, religion or physical condition.
Assessment & graduation Career requirements
Throughout the year, there will be frequent assessments and evaluations. Students will be evaluated on individual assignments, presentations, reports and examinations. Attendance to all classes is mandatory and it is important that students are punctual and observe university regulations at all times.
• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): |
AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344) |
• Payment of fees: |
Click here |
Postgraduate Scholarships for the September 2025 Intake and Beyond
Guidelines
Postgraduate scholarships may be combined with both preferential tuition rates and additional discounts.
The calculation is as follows:
- Scholarships and additional discounts are applied to the full tuition fees.
- Preferential rates are then calculated on the remaining amount after the scholarships and additional discounts have been deducted
40% academic excellence scholarship
New joiners are eligible for a 40% scholarship on tuition starting from the first semester, which will remain valid for the entire academic year.
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s CGPA between 3.6 and 3.79
- A Bachelor in French system with a score between 14/20 and 15.99/20
- For other systems: Graduation within the top 30% of the class
For programmes taught in English, applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 94.
50% academic excellence scholarship
New joiners are eligible for a 50% scholarship on tuition starting from the first semester, which will remain valid for the entire academic year.
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s CGPA between 3.8 and 3.99
- A Bachelor in French system with a score between 16/20 and 17.99/20
- For other systems: Graduation within the top 20% of the class
For programmes taught in English, applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 94.
75% academic excellence scholarship
New joiners are eligible for a 75% scholarship on tuition starting from the first semester, which will remain valid for the entire academic year.
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s CGPA of 4
- A Bachelor in French system with a score between 18/20 and 20/20
- For other systems: Graduation within the top 10% of the class
For programmes taught in English, applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 94.
Postgraduate preferential rates for the September 2025 Intake and Beyond
20% Alumni preferential rate
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi alumni are eligible to a 20% waiver on tuition fee. The waiver is valid for the 2 years of master.
30% Fresh graduate preferential rate
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi current L3 students are eligible to a 30% waiver on tuition fee when they apply for a M1. The waiver is valid for the 2 years of master.
Postgraduate Scholarships for Intakes Before September 2025
Guidelines
For students enrolled before the September 2025, the previous scholarship scheme apply. In this scheme, postgraduate scholarships are not compatible with postgraduate preferential rates; however, they may be combined with the early bird discount or student ambassador.
In such cases, both the scholarship and the early bird discount or student ambassador discount will be calculated based on the full tuition fees.
For more information, please contact admissions@sorbonne.ae
Postgraduate Scholarships for Intakes Before September 2025
25% academic excellence scholarship
New joiners are eligible to 25% scholarship on tuition starting from the 1st semester. To be eligible, applicants are required to meet one of the below criteria:
- Bachelor CGPA average of 3.6/4.0 and above, or equivalent.
- Bachelor with Final Average of 15/20 above.
- Bachelor with first class honors.
- Candidates graduating as the top of class, despite the average.
A minimum average of 14/20 is required to maintain the scholarship for the following semesters.
For programmes taught in English: an English Proficiency level with a minimum of 7.0 for IELTS or 94 for TOELF IB.
Postgraduate preferential rates for Intakes Before September 2025
20% Alumni preferential rate
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi alumni are eligible to a 20% waiver on tuition fee.
25% preferential rate upon enrolment on a second master’s degree
Applicants holding a master degree from SUAD and enrolling for a second master degree at SUAD are entitled to a 25% waiver on tuition.
5%-15% corporate rate
Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount, based on the number of employees enrolling in programmes. For more details, please contact +971(0) 2-6569311
10% Family discount
Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programmes are eligible for a 10% discount.
Additional discounts
These additional discounts may be combined with any scholarship. The calculation will be based on the full tuition fees.
Early birds
A 10% discount applies to students who register and pay the first installment of tuition fees before April 30. First semester fees must be fully paid by May 10
Student ambassador
A Student Ambassador is a current student who successfully refers a new student to enroll at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
- The referring student (Student Ambassador) receives a 5% discount on their full year’s tuition fees for each new student referred.
- The referred student also receives a 5% discount on their full year’s tuition fees.
Financial aid & Housing assistance
In exceptional cases to encourage deserving students and provide them with better study conditions, financial aid can be awarded by in case of financial hardship (subject to funds availability). For more information, please contact admissions@sorbonne.ae
*Conditions apply
There are abundant and rewarding opportunities at the regional and global level for Physics graduates specialised in Non-Destructive Characterisation, with a high demand in the GCC in federal and state government agencies, museums and historic sites, colleges and universities and departments ranging from police, municipality, planning commissions and private sector industries such as luxury goods sector. As high-level scientists or engineers, graduates are looking forward to positions in quality Assurance, Research, Management, Engineering Design, Training Careers and Teaching.
Application to this program will not open for the September 2025 intake