Lasers and Photonics (Master of Science)

Overview

This international Master's programme focuses on optics, lasers and photonics, combining fundamental theory with topics that are directly relevant to current research and a wide spectrum of commercial applications. The curriculum is interdisciplinary by design, exposing students to both the scientific foundations and the technological aspects of light-based systems and devices.

Practical training and international engagement

Alongside core lectures, the programme places strong emphasis on hands‑on experience: students carry out laboratory projects in modern, well‑equipped laser laboratories and are encouraged to take part in international conferences. Teaching and research activities also include collaboration with international partners, giving students opportunities to work on cross‑border projects and to build a global professional network.

Organisation and career relevance

The programme is delivered jointly by engineering faculties with teaching support from the faculty of physics and astronomy, reflecting its bridge between engineering practice and physical science. This structure prepares graduates for research roles and technical positions in industry where interdisciplinary knowledge of lasers and photonics is sought after.

Requirements and core components

• Core courses in optics, lasers and photonics (fundamental theoretical grounding)
• Hands‑on laboratory projects conducted in modern laser-equipped labs
• Participation in international conferences and exposure to international research collaborations
• Interdisciplinary coursework delivered by faculties of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and support from physics & astronomy
• Programme delivered in English for international students

Curriculum overview

About one third of the Master's programme is made up of compulsory courses; the remaining two thirds are chosen by the student from subject-specific electives and other university offerings. The programme is structured across four semesters and combines core theoretical teaching, hands-on laboratory work, elective specialization and an independent research project in the final semester.

Key modules and practical training

Mandatory modules (taught in the first and second semesters) establish the foundation in lasers, optics, quantum mechanics and photonics. These core courses are paired with laboratory work to strengthen experimental skills. An English-taught module explicitly develops scientific communication: students practice writing a scientific paper and preparing a scientific poster. Mandatory elective modules (available from the first to the third semester) let you deepen topics from the programme catalogue—typically within Lasers and Photonics or closely related fields. Practical courses (offered across the first to third semesters) consist of hands-on lab projects in current research areas and seminar work, providing practical research experience.

Electives and final project

Free electives (first to third semesters) give you the freedom to broaden your profile by selecting any course at the university—examples include economics, marketing, legal subjects, additional technical courses or German language classes. The programme concludes with an independent Master's thesis in the fourth semester, where you apply acquired theory and experimental skills to a focused research question.

Requirements and outcomes (concise)

• Programme structure: mandatory modules (1st–2nd sem), mandatory electives (1st–3rd sem), free electives (1st–3rd sem), practical courses (1st–3rd sem), Master's thesis (4th sem).
• Core content: lasers, optics, quantum mechanics, photonics.
• Practical experience: laboratory experiments and hands-on research projects in current scientific topics.
• Communication skills: practice in writing a scientific paper and preparing a scientific poster (English module).
• Flexibility: elective choices allow specialization within Lasers and Photonics or interdisciplinary study across engineering, natural sciences and non-technical subjects.
• Final outcome: ability to carry out independent research and complete a Master's thesis applying theoretical knowledge and experimental methods.

Graduates are prepared for research and development roles in academia, national research centres and industry sectors that rely on photonics and laser technology (for example, industrial optics, telecommunications, medical devices, sensor technology and manufacturing automation). The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory experience and scientific communication skills also makes alumni competitive applicants for PhD programmes.

International students benefit from technical training aligned with industrial needs in Germany and Europe, increasing opportunities in R&D departments, specialist engineering roles, application development and technical consultancy within photonics-driven companies.