MSc Advanced Optical Technologies (MAOT) FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Four topics:

• Photonic Fibers, Materials and Devices: From photovoltaics and semiconductors to microstructured devices, glasses and molecular assemblies, Erlangen is a widely-known site for photonic material technologies. Research activities comprise the fabrication and the characterisation of innovative photonic structures and their implementation into prototype as well as large-scale applications.

  Many research groups focus on the design of light-absorbing and emitting materials, laser-treated glasses, microresonators and molecular machines as well as on their investigation using approaches such as state-of-the-art spectroscopy, electron microscopy, or X-ray tomography. In addition, Erlangen is one of the world’s leading spots for research on photonic crystal fibres.

• Photonics in Production and Process Technology: Multiple well-established production techniques and analytical methods would not have been developed without the possibilities that emerge from photonics. Almost 20 research groups located in Erlangen have major contributions to this technological progress.

  This not only includes state-of-the-art laser processing of various material systems, experimental and theoretical lithography or modelling of complex systems, but at the same time, it also includes advances in a plethora of metrology approaches comprising interferometry, different kinds of spectroscopy, sensing of fluids and gases, determination of surface and particle properties and much more. This diversity renders Erlangen as a hotspot in next generation production and process technology based on photonics research.

• Biomedical Photonics and Data Processing: Visualising and ­influencing biological structures and processes using photonic technologies is a both challenging and promising field of research. It spans from fluorescence spectroscopy of human tissue and in-vivo endo-microscopy to opto-biomechatronics and optogenetics. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms play an increasing role in data processing, pattern recognition and classification in medical imaging, e.g. in MRT diagnostics.

  Future healthcare and medical applications based on photonic technologies developed by more than 30 research groups in Erlangen accelerate and improve diagnoses and therapies on many kinds of diseases.

• Physics of Light: The fundamentals of optics are deepened in the fields of geometrical optics, wave optics, technical optics, quantum optics, and Fourier optics. This research is conducted both at the university and at the Max Planck Center for the Science of Light which closely collaborates with MAOT.

The programme integrates lectures from Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Computer Science, Medicine and Physics.

First semester
All students start with a thorough education in fundamentals of optics and laser.

Second/third semester

• In the second and third semesters, students must pass nine courses and two lab courses from the topics described under "content". Two topics must be chosen as major topics.
• The educational programme of each topic combines theoretical lectures with practical courses.
• A report about a mini-project (300 h) in one of the major topics is also an essential part of the programme. An internship in a research institution or a company deepens students' practical experience.

Fourth semester

The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, which focuses on one of the chosen major topics.

Students can also attend academies or workshops in the SAOT doctoral programme to deepen their knowledge in their specialised field.

Support

• All courses are taught in English and in small groups of in many cases not more than 10-15 students.
• Lectures are adapted to the needs of students.
• The MAOT office helps with all administrative issues (visa, health insurance, accommodation, etc.)

• Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
• Max Planck School of Photonics
• Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB
• Bavarian Laser Centre

Five-week internship in research or industrial organisation

MAOT can only be commenced in the winter semester. The application period lasts from 15 February to 15 July. Applicants from non-EU countries are recommended to apply by 15 April. 

Good Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in physics or a relevant engineering subject (for example, electrical engineering, optical engineering, mechanical engineering)

FAU does charge tuition fees for students from non-EU states. Using the fee finder, you can quickly check whether you are required to pay tuition fees. Irrespective of tuition fees, all students are required to pay a semester contribution of 82 EUR per semester. As of winter semester 2026/27, FAU will be charging a processing fee of 100 EUR per application for applicants from non-EU states. 

General guidelines on the average costs that can be expected are provided by the results of the social survey undertaken by the German National Association for Student Affairs in 2021 (prices may vary):

According to this study, students who no longer live with their parents should have an average amount of 1,106 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details on average expenditure:

• Rent, including ancillary costs (in Erlangen, Nuremberg and surrounding areas): 410 EUR
• Food: 198 EUR
• Clothing: 46 EUR
• Travel costs (public transport and/or car): 89 EUR
• Study materials (depending on subject): 31 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 100 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure, culture, sports: 65 EUR

According to a study by the German National Association for Student Affairs, around 63 percent of all "first-time students" have a regular job — and not just during the holidays. On average, they work around eight hours a week for an average wage of 13 to 16 EUR per hour. Students can have a "600 EUR job" or work as a student trainee in a company or as a student assistant in the university — both during and outside the lecture period. Information on the legal conditions relating to part-time jobs for students is available in the brochure "Jobben" (part-time jobs) published by the German National Association for Student Affairs. FAU’s job portal is also updated regularly with new advertisements for part-time jobs.

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

Funding your studies | FAU

Our diverse range of professional events and consultation services for members of all of FAU’s faculties are designed to support students, graduates and doctoral candidates when planning and starting their careers. This service is available for up to one year after graduation.

The services we offer include career guidance and advice on applying for jobs, job application training, and seminars as well as presentations and information on specific careers.

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 39,865 students and 278 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines — from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently goes beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching are reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities — Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, one of the most prosperous and successful regions in Europe. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.