Optical Technologies – Photonics and Laser Technology Leibniz University Hannover
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- GermanEnglish
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 January 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: C1German: C1
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
- German
- English
The course can be studied in an English or a German track.
Programme description
Optical technologies are among the key technologies of the 21st century. From the electronic scanning cash register to the application of lasers in production, telecommunication, and medicine – optical devices have become an indispensable part of daily life.
The optical technologies comprise these applications and exploit the extraordinary properties of light for a large range of scientific and technical applications. This interdisciplinary field accelerates modern industrial trends and allows for the development of innovations in fields as diverse as mechanical and automobile engineering, micro- and optoelectronics, and lighting technology as well as pharmaceutical and medical device engineering, among others.
The Master's course aims to educate specialists and executive staff for the optical industry. The programme benefits from strong collaboration between scientific and engineering disciplines in Hannover. Through the Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT) and the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH), which is associated with Leibniz University Hannover, companies 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. The collaboration of the Faculties for Mathematics and Physics and the Faculty for Mechanical Engineering bridges the gap between fundamental research and technical applications of optics.
Course foci:
- Optical Metrology
- Laser Technology
- Biophotonics
- Technical Optics and Automotive Lighting
- Optics in Production and Power Engineering
For further information, you can also visit this website (in German): https://www.maschinenbau.uni-hannover.de/en/study/degree-programmes/master-programmes/optical-technologies.
Programme structure
The Master's course aims to provide broad knowledge in the emerging field of optical technologies. The programme, thus, conveys recent scientific findings, concepts, and methods according to the current state of the art.
To lay the foundation for students from different fields, fundamental physics and engineering courses such as "Optical Measurement Technology" or "Design and Simulation of Optomechatronic Systems" are compulsory.
Within the range of numerous optional and compulsory optional modules, students are invited to focus on different advanced aspects of applied optics according to their personal interests and strengths.
The education is rounded off by a high number of practical trainings. Besides lab courses at the university's institutes, students complete an eight-week basic internship, a twelve-week industrial training, and a scientific student project. Within the scope of the Master's thesis, the students are finally asked to transfer learned methods and competences to current scientific problems.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
In cooperation with
Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD
Hannoversches Zentrum für Optische Technologien
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Specialist literature in other languages
Integrated internships
The course contains integrated industrial internships.
Advanced internship
The advanced internship prepares students for the productive cooperation in research-based companies in the optical industry and in companies of other industries that use optics for quality control in production or as part of a total product.
During the internship, the focus is on work closely related to the field of engineering within a development team or a research and development area. Usually, the student receives a subtask, which they will work on, document, and present after having received proper training in the course of the internship.
The advanced internship lasts twelve weeks. Students may receive credit for internships that have already been completed.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
1 December 2026
|
15 January 2027
| |
Non-EU countries
|
15 October 2026
|
30 November 2026
|
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
1 June 2027
|
15 July 2027
| |
Non-EU countries
|
15 April 2027
|
31 May 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Bachelor's degree, German "Diplom", "Staatsexamen", or equivalent in physics, mechanical engineering, or related area with a certificate of the necessary credit points
Additional information for applicants from China (People's Republic of China, but not Hong Kong and Macao), Mongolia, India, and Vietnam: any university study achievements that you have earned generally have to be checked and certified by the "Akademische Prüfstelle" (APS), irrespective of your nationality or whether you have already completed a degree in another country.
English or German language skills at level C1 CEFR
Language requirements
German language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
|
Total: DSH-2
|
TestDaF
|
Total: TDN 4
Reading: TDN 4
Listening: TDN 4
Writing: TDN 4
Speaking: TDN 4
|
Prüfungsteil „Deutsch“ der Feststellungsprüfung an Studienkollegs
|
Total: Passed
|
Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD)
|
Total: DSD II
Reading: C1
Listening: C1
Writing: C1
Speaking: C1
|
Goethe-Zertifikat
|
Total: Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom
|
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
|
Total: Passed
|
ÖSD Zertifikat
|
Total: C2
|
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 7 / 9
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 76 / 90
|
telc English
|
Total: telc English C1
|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® III
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Approx. 440 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following contributions:
- student services organisation ("Studentenwerk")
- student government (Student Union, AStA)
- semester ticket
- administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony
Cost of living
On average, a student in Hannover will need around 965 to 1106 EUR for living expenses each month. Please note: These are average values intended for guidance only. Individual items may vary considerably. For example, the costs of learning materials differ significantly depending on the degree programme.
Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs
General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/
Part-time employment
There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.
Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse
Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover
Scholarships and financing information
Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung
Deutschlandstipendium:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung/deutschlandstipendium
Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium
Living & services
Course-specific language courses available
Accommodation
Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)