Group picture of MSc Photonics students class of 2022/23.

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

Group of Master of Science in Photonics students in 2023.

Group of Master of Science in Photonics students in 2023.

Image: Ira Winkler (Uni Jena)

The Master of Science in Photonics (M.Sc. Photonics) is an all-English, two-year Master's degree course providing multidisciplinary coverage in the field of optics and photonics. The course schedule ranges from fundamental scientific subjects to application-oriented photonics engineering aspects. The program is designed to incorporate students of different backgrounds and nationalities and aims to provide them with a solid knowledge of optics and photonics, both for scientific research and for its technological applications in industry. All lectures, courses and modules are taught completely in English. Students enrolled in the two-year program receive dedicated tutorial support and are trained for leading positions in industry and academia. Moreover, graduating the M.Sc. Photonics program is the most direct way to enter our prestigious doctoral (PhD) program afterwards.

  • Study Program

    Our master's degree students obtain hands-on experience while taking methodology courses in state-of-the-art photonics laboratories.​

    Workshop in the Master Module "Innovation Methods in Photonics" in 2023.
    Image: David Zakoth, Lichtwerkstatt Jena.

  • Key Education Areas

    By choosing the respective elective modules, our students can specialize in at least one of five key education areas already during their master's degree studies.

    Dr. Falk Eilenberger in the laser spectroscopy lab.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • Curriculum

    During the 4-semester Master's degree studies, our students obtain more and more freedom to choose from a great number of different subjects.

    He Ne laser laboratory.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • Internships and practical research modules during the Master programs

    Once enrolled in one of the Master programs, students benefit from a strong emphasis on hands-on experience through internships and practical research modules in the laboratories of the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) and at external institutions.

    Joint visit to one of the ACP quantum research labs.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of 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
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Admission requirements for the M.Sc. Photonics program

3D facial image recognition and patterning.

3D facial image recognition and patterning.

Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

In order to be accepted in the Master of Science in Photonics program, applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications in physics, natural sciences, or engineering. The majority of our students are graduates with a B.Sc. in physics, a B.Sc./B.Eng. in electrical engineering, a B.Sc./B.Eng. in optoelectronics, or similar degrees. However, we are open to considering applicants from other disciplines who have a strong motivation to enter the field of photonics.

Regardless of their previous study program, all applicants should have a profound knowledge of fundamental physics, mathematics, and electromagnetic theory. Detailed knowledge of optics is not an essential prerequisite to enter the M.Sc. Photonics program, since this will be the subject of our teaching. Nonetheless, existing experience in the field of optics can be helpful for an efficient study process.

On-campus study with an online entry option

Digital photonics lecture.

Digital photonics lecture.

Image: Steffen Walther.

The M.Sc. Photonics program is primarily designed as an on-site study program. However, in very exceptional cases (e.g., when a student’s visa process takes some weeks longer than initially anticipated), we may offer a limited number of online-only study slots during the entry phase. Credit points (CPs) earned during this entry phase will be fully counted toward the overall study success.