Master's degree programs

Explore our master's degree programs, scopes, course schedules, application process and scholarship offerings. Enrolled ASP students will find important information for each semester.

Gruppenbild Photonics 2022

Image: ASP
Gruppenbild Photonics 2022

Choose your Master!

The Abbe School of Photonics provides and coordinates graduate studies in optics and photonics within several Master's degree programs. Rooted at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, we offer programs in Photonics, Quantum Science & Technology and Physics. Completing any of these programs seamlessly opens the possibility to continue your studies with our prestigious doctoral (PhD) program. Moreover, the Faculty of Medicine offers the M. Sc. Medical Photonics at the interface between medicine and optics/photonics. 

  • Scholarships available!

    Our EU-funded master’s scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence. They are granted for 12 months, covering at least one year of the two-year master’s programme in Jena. Moreover, there are numerous other scholarship options.

    Postdoc Dr. Bayarjagal "Bayra" Narantsatsralt in the Nano and Quantum Lab.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

  • M.Sc. Photonics

    The Master of Science in Photonics is an all-English, two-year master's degree course in the field of optics and photonics.

    Group picture of MSc Photonics students class of 2022/23.
    Image: Ira Winkler

  • M.Sc. Photonics (EMIMEP program)

    A number of scholarships via the European EMIMEP program offer an alternative route into our M.Sc. Photonics program.

    Impressions of the EMIMEO Summer School 2024 in Jena.
    Image: Canan Gallitschke

  • M.Sc. Photonics & Quantum (PHORTIFY program)

    Master students enrolled at either of the PHORTIFY partners in Brussels, Eindhoven, Gent, Jena, Joensuu, Milano or Warsaw have the chance to participate in attractive Master exchanges, industry internships and scholarship programs.

    PHORTIFY representatives at the kickoff meeting 2025 in Brussels.
    Image: Vrije Universiteit Bruxelles

  • M.Sc. Physics (with focus on photonics)

    The Master of Science in Physics is based on the long-standing physics teaching tradition of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

    Student in a lab.
    Image: Nicole Nerger/Universität Jena

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    When considering studying in Jena, please have a detailed look at the (most) frequently asked questions of previous and fellow students - and our answers to them.

    Group picture at the Abbe Center of Photonics
    Image: ASP

  • M.Sc. Medical Photonics

    The Master of Science in Medical Photonics is another study course at the interface between medicine and optics/photonics.

    Dr. Silke Keiner und Ms. Twinkle Vohra working at the laser scanning microscope.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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Exclusive Opportunities for ASP Master students

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How we Support your Study Success 

  • Studying and researching internationally

    As a student at the Abbe School of Photonics, you will have several opportunities to plan a semester abroad while staying perfectly in line with your study plan.

    Impressions of the EMIMEO Summer School 2024 in Jena.
    Image: Canan Gallitschke

  • OPTICA & SPIE Student Chapter Jena

    At the Abbe School of Photonics, master's students are organized in a Student Chapter supported by the world-leading institutions OPTICA and SPIE.

    Optica-SPIE Chapter Jena Teaser 2024.
    Picture: Subham Adak, FSU Jena.

  • Resources for Students

    Our campus is dedicated to high-end research; however, master's students find optimal opportunities and zones for learning and studying as well.

    Students working together
    Image: Fraunhofer IOF

  • Jobs in Thuringia

    In Jena and Thuringia, graduates of our School are offered numerous job opportunities and career perspectives.

    Photonics Career Day 2015
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • ASP Kickstarter Moodle

    A Moodle-based collection of useful information for a successful start to your master's studies at ASP.

    Students on their arrival in Jena
    Image: Johannes Kretschmar

  • Students' countries of origin

    We are proud of our really international program! This interactive map displays the countries of origin and the respective numbers of students enrolled in the international M.Sc. Photonics (since 2009) and M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology (since 2024).

    Group of Master of Science in Photonics students in 2023.
    Image: Ira Winkler (Uni Jena)
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Individualized Training and Transferable Skills

Workshop during the Innovation in Photonics Course in the Lichtwerkstatt Makerspace 2022

Workshop during the Innovation in Photonics Course in the Lichtwerkstatt Makerspace 2022

Image: Steffen Lukas, FSU Jena

All students of the Abbe School of Photonics receive dedicated personal and organizational support, such as personal mentoring, study-specific tutoring, language training, internship and job advice, and guidance on local accommodation provided by our specialized ASP team. We offer a comprehensive welcome and support program for incoming students. Furthermore, each enrolled student is eligible to participate in the following extra modules, completely free of charge:

  • German language course for at least one semester
  • Workshops on job and internship applications in Europe and Germany
  • Workshops on intercultural competences and business administration
  • Workshops on good scientific practice
  • Professional support to create individual application documents for a successful career start after graduation

Further Student Services

Doctoral students relaxing outdoors in Jena.

Doctoral students relaxing outdoors in Jena.

Image: Anna Schroll

The International Office of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena assists all international students with regard to individual tutors, access to our academic Language Center, international mobilities and further student services. More information is available in our FAQ section. Accommodation in student residences is provided by Student Services ("Studierendenwerk")External link. Of course, private apartments are also available on the local market. Senior student tutors assist incoming students in a peer-to-peer manner, e.g. meeting them upon arrival, showing them their rooms, introducing them to the university and its facilities, showing them around the city of Jena and its student life, and helping them with the initial paperwork. Student groups and associations offer a wide variety of joint activities and events, tandem language courses, concerts, festivals, excursions, etc. - making sure, in short, that our new students feel welcome and integrated.