Master of Science in Photonics Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences

Photonics – the technology and science of light

The innovative power of photonics is transforming our daily lives. Brilliant laser sources, quantum computers and quantum communication, powerful fibre optic networks and light-based therapy, and diagnostics in medicine as well as energy-efficient solid-state lighting characterise the current technical progress that will shape our future.

The Master’s degree programme in Photonics provides you with sound and comprehensive knowledge to help shape this journey into the future.

The course content ranges from the physical fundamentals of electrodynamics, quantum theory, semiconductor and laser physics to application-related topics such as laser materials processing and optical communication technology. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose further elective courses from the wide range of courses offered by Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences. Theoretical knowledge is applied and deepened through a high proportion of practical laboratory assignments. In the project and Master’s thesis, research and engineering skills are developed and creativity is encouraged. The Master’s thesis can be completed either in the university’s research laboratories or in industry.

The Munich region represents an international centre for the photonics industry and research. The degree programme involves close cooperation with local industry; it is advised by an industrial advisory board (see partners), and joint seminars are held with industrial companies.

Master of Science in Photonics programme has modern, well-equipped research laboratories in which numerous research projects are conducted in collaboration with national and international industrial and academic partners. Research focuses include multiphoton microscopy for biological and medical applications, ultrashort pulse laser material processing, photoacoustics, and optical fibre sensor technology.

Master of Science in Photonics programme has gained a strong reputation in both industrial and academic circles. After completing this programme, you will be well prepared for a career as a high-tech expert in the industry. You will have excellent employment prospects and possess valuable intercultural skills and international experience. You may also choose to pursue doctoral studies.

Further information: https://sci.hm.edu/studierende/studiengaenge/master/photonics/index.en.html

Examples of educational organisation:

Full-time study (three semesters):

• First semester: two compulsory modules (Electrodynamics-Quantum Theory, Semiconductor Optics), two elective modules, and one interdisciplinary module
• Second semester: two compulsory modules (Laser Physics, Optics Design), two elective modules, and project study
• Third semester: Master's thesis and colloquium

Part-time study (six semesters):

• First semester: Electrodynamics – Quantum Theory compulsory module, one elective module, and one interdisciplinary module
• Second semester: Laser Physics compulsory module, one elective module, and project study
• Third semester: Semiconductor Optics compulsory module and one elective module
• Fourth semester: Optics Design compulsory module and one elective module
• Fifth semester: Master's thesis
• Sixth semester: Master's thesis and colloquium

Examples of compulsory elective modules: Quantum Information; Biophotonics, Micro and Fibre Optics; Laser in Production; Photoacoustics; Optical Communication Technology; Optical Measurement Technology; Physical Modelling and Simulation; Quantum Sensing

Examples of interdisciplinary elective modules: Project Management, Quality Management, Technology and Innovation Management

Further Information: https://sci-intern.hm.edu/fk/fachthemen2.php?studgang=pom&lang=de

The Master's programme in Photonics includes a project study and a Master's thesis. Many students do their research work for three to six months in local companies, and programme advisers will assist students with finding appropriate positions. German language skills are beneficial for finding a position either in academia or at a company.

In order to enrol in the programme, you must meet the following qualifications as well as other requirements which may apply:

• You possess a Bachelor's degree or a comparable degree from a natural science or engineering degree programme with a final grade better than the equivalent German grade of "good". 
• In these degree programmes, you acquired solid basic knowledge in physics, optics, and/or laser technology, amounting to at least 10 credit points in accordance with the ECTS or equivalent.
• In your cover letter, please describe the courses you have successfully completed in these fields.
• Your degree work was attained either at a German university or at a foreign school that is properly accredited. The Bachelor's degree must cover at least 180 ECTS credit points and at least six theoretical semesters.
• The completion of a practical semester or an industrial internship of at least 18 weeks during the Bachelor's studies is required.

If you have completed a Bachelor's degree with less than 210 ECTS credits (but at least 180 ECTS credits) or if you have not yet completed an 18-week industrial internship, you can make up for this during the Master's degree programme. In this case, the Master's programme is extended to four semesters.

If some applicants do not meet the final grade of "good" or better, or if there is uncertainty about their other qualifications. These applicants must prove their qualifications in an oral entrance examination. This examination is offered following the correct and timely application to the programme.

This examination has a duration of 20 to 30 minutes and serves as proof of sufficient basic skills in mathematics, physics, optics, and laser technology. The examination is held by two professors.

Approx. 97 EUR

Please check: https://www.hm.edu/en/your_stay_at_hm/students/fulltime/living.en.html

Link to the Career Centre:
https://www.hm.edu/en/about_hm/affiliated_institutes/career_center.en.html

https://www.studierendenwerk-muenchen-oberbayern.de/en/accommodation/

The department cannot assist in finding accommodation in Munich.

Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences is the second-largest university of applied sciences in Germany. Our 18,000 students and our location in a leading European business centre offer fantastic opportunities. This also means that we bear a responsibility in industrial, economic, and social contexts.

We offer degree courses and active academic collaboration in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), in business administration, the social sciences, and public health as well as in architecture and design. Our Department of General and Interdisciplinary Studies is unique in providing every student with a cross-disciplinary education and in developing their personal skills.

It is especially important for us to nurture our graduates' character. In addition to sound professional expertise, our students should stand out by thinking and acting in a sustainable, entrepreneurial, and intercultural way. With these additional qualifications, which go beyond their specialist fields, we prepare them to contribute to society and to approach their careers with foresight, creativity, and a sense of responsibility.

We offer and develop individualised study paths and options for applicants with diverse educational backgrounds, thus opening our university and providing a range of opportunities for lifelong learning. Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences ensures excellent applied and research-based teaching in the following four areas:

• Bachelor’s degrees for school leavers and professionally qualified individuals
• Master’s degrees and doctoral qualifications
• Continuing education and lifelong learning across all fields
• Applied research

Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences actively engages with its educational mandate and aims to secure an outstanding position as a university of applied sciences. It recognises the future demands of society and industry, to which it aims to adapt with a critical yet open vision on pressing issues such as the digitalisation of all areas of life. It focuses on continuous quality improvement and ongoing development in research, teaching, and continuing education.

Further reading: https://hm.edu/en/index.en.html

Munich and the surrounding area are well known for its high standard of living. In Munich, tradition and innovation, industry and science, cultural and tourist attractions all contribute to its outstanding quality of life. In fact, the city of Munich ranks among the top three most liveable cities in the world (source: Mercer Quality of Living Survey 2019). Independent surveys and statistics regularly show Munich's economic power, the variety of recreational opportunities, its excellent public transport system, and its exceptionally low crime rate. As one of the leading economic and technical powerhouses in Germany, Munich is a top choice for global companies seeking locations with rich research and development opportunities and strong human capital for their national headquarters, such as Apple and Microsoft, as well as global headquarters like Siemens, BMW, MAN, Linde Group, Allianz, and Munich Re. These companies frequently turn to Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences for their R&D needs, and our students participate in faculty research to meet the needs of companies in the region. These relationships also facilitate our student's success in finding internships and placements in industry for independent research projects, which frequently lead to job offers after graduation.

Both academically as well as industrially, the metropolitan area of Munich is established as one of the most important locations for the fields of photonics, optics and laser technology in Germany and worldwide. Outstanding companies such as Siemens AG, Osram AG, Toptica AG, Thorlabs Germany GmbH and many other photonics firms are located in the metropolitan area. In recent years, a significant number of successful start-up firms have arisen from the academic environment Munich provides. The Department of Applied Sciences and Mechatronics, together with the faculty of the photonics programme, has outstanding connections to industry providing graduates of the photonics with excellent networking opportunities.

The Master's course of Photonics is strongly supported by an industrial advisory board, which includes representatives from companies from southern Germany who are internationally recognised as leaders in their fields.

Further reading: https://www.muenchen.de/en/home