Optical System Engineering (MSc) Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences

This Master’s programme aims to educate specialists and executive staff for optical industry and related areas of expertise. The programme is strongly geared toward practical experience and combines scientific and engineering skills. This is supported by several lectures from experts in the optical industry at their companies.

The course focuses on technical optics and how to design and characterise optical systems, optical metrology, optical materials and coatings, quality control, special optics as well as important mathematics for better understanding.

We highly encourage our students to cooperate with companies, which can be involved in ongoing research and education and each Master's student can connect to the optical industry at an early stage of their career, as we are located near a large optical industry region in Germany.

The collaboration of the faculties during study time bridges the gap between scientific competencies, technical applications of optics and individual interests.

Upon successful completion of the Master's programme, you will be a specialist and ready to work in the field of optical technology, one of the key technologies of the 21st century.

For further information: https://www.thm.de/site/en/studies/our-courses/optical-system-engineering

This Master's programme curriculum offers a clear structure and allows for flexibility in pursuing individual interests. Over all three semesters, students gain hands-on practical experience and learn theory.

In the first two semesters, all modules are completed. Three compulsory modules are offered in each of the first two semesters. These modules are independent of each other and are partly taught by external lecturers from industry.

In addition, students take subject-oriented elective modules. These are selected from the entire THM module pool according to the students' individual interests and strengths, and can cover a broad spectrum ranging from computer science, natural sciences and mechanical engineering to sustainability and innovation management. These modules make up two-thirds of the overall coursework.

The third semester is devoted to applied research and development work to complete the Master's thesis, culminating in the thesis defence. We encourage our students to cooperate with national and international partners.

Throughout the whole programme, communication skills, team-working and methodological work skills are developed.

For further information: https://www.thm.de/site/en/studies/our-courses/optical-system-engineering

Compulsory Modules:

• Optical Design and Layout of Optical Systems
• Measurement Technology, Tolerancing and Quality Control of Optical Systems
• Special Laser Technology
• Modern Optical Manufacturing Technology and Special Optics
• Optical Coatings and Optical Materials
• Numerical Methods in Optics

Organisation:

• Beginning: Every winter and summer semester (1 October and 1 April)
• Duration: Three semesters including Master's thesis & defence
• Curriculum: Total of 90 credit points
• Language of instruction: English

A first academic degree (Bachelor's degree, German "Diplom" or comparable) from an accredited university in one of the following areas:

• General physics
• Applied physics
• Optics/ Photonics
• Laser
• Other suitable study programmes in the areas of engineering or natural science

Average final grade of the Bachelor's degree: (equivalent to) at least 2.5 according to the German grading system (Grade "good" or better according to the THM grading scale) with achievements of at least 210 credit points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Applicants who obtained their higher education entrance qualification in Germany can provide the required proof of English proficiency through English instruction that is sufficiently documented.

Detailed admission requirements and a complete list of application documents can be found on our website (https://go.thm.de/ose-master). Please feel free to contact one of the OSE contact persons at THM in case of further questions.

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 350 EUR per semester. This gives students access to free regional public transportation. It also includes certain discounts such as for the following: university cafeterias, a local outdoor pool, city theatre and a bike rental system. Further details can be found here: https://www.thm.de/site/hochschule/zentrale-bereiche/studiensekretariat.html/

Possible costs of living per month:

• Rent (fully furnished room in a student hall of residence or a private shared flat): approx. 350 EUR to 450 EUR per month plus a one-time deposit
• Semester contribution fee per semester (including free public transport): approx. 350 EUR
• Health insurance: approx. 140 EUR
• Groceries: approx. 200 EUR

Other budget items include:

• Study materials
• Phone, Internet usage
• Sports, culture, leisure
• Clothes & hygiene articles

Overall, you have to provide at least 992 EUR per month or have proof of a blocked account (11,904 EUR) for the extension of your residence permit.

We encourge students to plan their Master's thesis as a work project outside the university in a company, enterprise or institute.

Internships and part-time jobs can be organised independently, and contacts can be made during studies.

THM's International Career Centre offers a wide range of career planning and career entry services for international students and graduates.

https://www.thm.de/site/en/international/welcome-stay/icc.html

The "InternationalTalents@THMprofession" qualification programme supports international students in their transition to the labour market and improves their career and residence prospects through the acquisition of interdisciplinary and professionally relevant skills through individual counselling and coaching.

https://www.thm.de/site/en/international/welcome-to-stay-/career-coaching-for-international-students.html

THM provides international students with information on finding suitable and affordable accommodation.

https://www.thm.de/site/en/international/welcome-to-stay-/living-and-studying-in-central-hesse/living-internationally.html

Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.