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Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Master English Social Sciences

Master of Science in Photonics

Master

About the Program

The international MSc in Photonics course offered by the Abbe School of Photonics (ASP) is based on a long tradition of education in photonics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Obtaining a Master's degree at ASP means to be immersed deeply in the rich and stimulating research environment of our Abbe Center of Photonics. Thus, our Master's degree students obtain hands-on experience while taking methodology courses that take place in state-of-the-art photonics laboratories.​ By choosing the respective elective modules, our students can already specialise in at least one out of five key education areas during their Master's degree studies. Our research and education partners include also the local Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, and the Helmholtz Institute Jena as well as a number of prominent industrial partners like ASML, JENOPTIK, OSRAM, PHILIPS, SCHOTT, TRUMPF, and ZEISS. Video The MSc Photonics is part of a full-scale education programme of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena specialising in optics and photonics, starting at undergraduate level (BSc in Physics), continuing at Master's level, and culminating in a structured doctoral programme. The MSc Photonics course schedule commences its first semester with a compulsory adjustment module of fundamental lectures. The longer that students follow the programme, the larger their freedom to choose from a great number of different subjects from the catalogue of the MSc Photonics study programme will be. Likewise, students are encouraged to make use of our research-grade laboratories to further their growing experience and knowledge of photonics, and to inspire independent thinking and creativity in our young scientists. The Master's degree course contents include: Fundamentals of Optics and Materials: ray optics, wave optics, electromagnetic optics, wave propagation, guided waves, light-matter interaction, non-linear optics, quantum optics, quantum technologies Optical Devices and Systems: lens design & instruments, metrology, optical sensors, optical communications subsystems, laser devices, laser systems, opto-electronic devices Imaging: imaging systems, statistical signal and image processing Practical training: hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art optics laboratories of the university and, in particular, in industry New Frontiers in Optics: Quantum technologies, e.g. for quantum imaging, communication and sensing Advanced sources (quantum dots laser, petawatt/femtosecond/megajoule lasers, quantum cascade lasers, fibre lasers, XUV) Optical systems (3D metrology, remote sensing, advances in optical fabrication, adaptive optics, optomechanical design) Biophotonics (fluorescence sensors, optical tweezers, laser diagnostics and surgery) Nanophotonics (metamaterials, photonic crystals, sub-wavelength structures, plasmonics) Optical communication technology (optical fibres, optical active components, and optical signal processing)

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Nanomaterials

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Master of Science in Photonics at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

Is Master of Science in Photonics at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Master of Science in Photonics programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Master of Science in Photonics at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Master of Science in Photonics? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 working days a year without additional permission (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half a day). After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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AI answers can contain mistakes. Please verify important details from official sources.