Master of Science in Photonics Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The international MSc in Photonics programme 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 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 industrial partners like ASML, JENOPTIK, OSRAM, PHILIPS, SCHOTT, TRUMPF, and ZEISS.

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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 compulsory adjustment modules of fundamental lectures. The longer 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
• New Frontiers in Optics: advanced sources, optical systems, 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, optical signal processing)
• Practical training: hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art optics laboratories of the university, and in particular, in industry

The curriculum includes a combination of lectures, seminars, labs, tutorials, internships, research projects, and summer workshops. The ECTS system allows students to make individual choices according to the programme guidelines. The programme combines in-class learning with practical learning elements.

• First semester: fundamentals and adjustment, experimental optics
• Second semester: fundamentals and specialisation, internship
• Third semester: further specialisation and research lab work
• Fourth semester: research (Master's thesis project)

Three internships at e.g. scientific partner institutions or at optical companies (Jenoptik, Osram, Philips, Schott, Trumpf, Zeiss, etc.) are a vital part of the curriculum.

• 15 January (first priority deadline for all applicants)
• 1 March (second priority deadline for all applicants)
• 15 April (third priority deadline for all applicants)
• 15 June (rolling admission deadline for EU applicants)
• 31 August (rolling admission deadline for German applicants and applicants with a valid German residence permit)

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree comprising significant exposure to physics fundamentals, or an equivalent or higher degree in the same areas. A strong background in either classical physics, mathematics and/or electrodynamic theory is advantageous. If you have not yet finished your current academic degree, you may apply with a preliminary transcript of records including all completed courses thus far. Other criteria that are taken into account including awards, external references, details of earlier projects, and proof of English proficiency.

More information

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovative university situated in the heart of Germany. With a broad range of subjects, it contributes to shaping the future through excellent research and teaching. Its academic excellence is reflected in its "Light. Life. Liberty." profile, which delivers groundbreaking insights and sustainable solutions for future societies. Closely networked with leading research institutions, innovative companies and renowned cultural institutions, it drives interdisciplinary developments forward. With around 17,000 students and some 10,000 staff, it shapes Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and the future.

The city of Jena is brought to life by its fascinating combination of an intellectual history, a delightful countryside, an innovative international research and industry, and a youthful student lifestyle. This rich variety creates a unique backdrop that lends this small, lively city its special charm.

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Jena's academic and intellectual development
Jena has been one of the most famous places to study in Germany since the founding of its university, the "Alma Mater Jenensis", in 1558. At the end of the 18th century, thanks to its close connection to the nearby royal seat at Weimar and support by the poet and minister, Goethe, the city on the Saale went through its classical period, during which it developed into the most important intellectual centre in Germany.

Jena's economic development
In the second half of the 19th century, Jena developed into an industrial city, thanks to the work of the three scientific and economic giants, Carl Zeiss, Otto Schott, and Ernst Abbe. Their cooperation led to the creation of the world-famous Zeiss Works and the "Schott und Genossen" glass factory. This effective cooperation between research institutes and economic enterprises has proven its value all the way up to the present day and justifies Jena's exceptional reputation as a high-technology location.

Jena's modern cultural scene
In addition to museums of technology, science, literature, and art history, there is also an attractive modern cultural scene in Jena. For example, the annual open-air festival "Kulturarena" attracts international stars to Jena. Furthermore, there are plenty of individual, top-class events among the wide range of performances at Jena Theatre (Theaterhaus), Jena Art Society (Kunstverein), and Jena Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jena's countryside
The traditional, innovative city lies at the middle reaches of the River Saale. The Saale valley in Jena is shaped by a host of monuments to its cultural history and has connections with many great names from the past. Along with its many sights, the city, nestled in an almost Mediterranean landscape with limestone hills up to 400 metres high, boasts a variety of bicycle paths and charming surroundings for walking and all other sporting activities, such as triathlon, dragon boat, cycling, track, marathon, martial arts, etc.