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Master's programme

Optical Technologies – Photonics and Laser Technology Leibniz University Hannover

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
German
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 January 2027 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: C1
German: C1

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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
Information on application periods

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

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: C1

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

English: C1

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?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

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

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

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

German

Accommodation

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)

Contact

Main contact

Fakultät für Maschinenbau

Address
An der Universität 1, 30823 Garbsen
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.