Photon Science and Technology
Join the Max Planck School of Photonics!
lab work experience
Program Summary
The English-language master’s program Photon Science and Technology (MPST) builds on a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related engineering discipline. It provides both advanced physical fundamentals of optics (from laser physics and solid-state physics to quantum optics) and key photonic applications in science, medicine, and industry.
The »Photon Science and Technology« programme is unique in Germany.
For the first time, three universities from three different federal states are jointly conducting a study program to create toplevel education in the emerging field of photonics through synergies and utilization of individual academic strengths. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU), the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have been cooperating for years within the framework of the nationwide integrated graduate school "Max Planck School of Photonics" (MPSP).
This program is aimed at the world's best and most suitable applicants, providing them with early orientation towards top-level research immediately after their bachelor's degree. To train students jointly and provide them with the best possible access to training opportunities at all three universities, this cooperative study program is established.
For the most outstanding candidates, the new study program aims to enhance the attractiveness of Germany as a location, as individual excellence is underscored by operating a joint elite study program under cooperative responsibility.
Course Structure
A laser becomes visible in a small cloud of nitrogen.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)The study program is research-oriented and focuses on acquiring research-relevant competencies. Students will learn within a cross-location network of the three universities. Central modules are taught jointly by lecturers from all three universities.
The laboratory training involves all locations. In terms of specialization, students have access to the full range of research focuses pursued at the individual locations.
The course of study is divided into three parts:
- The first semester is dedicated to acquiring subject-relevant basic competencies and aligning heterogeneous prior knowledge.
- The second and third semesters focus on specialization, imparting research-relevant competencies.
- The fourth semester concludes with the master's thesis as an independent scientific achievement.
Special features
The content is delivered in a balanced manner among the three universities.
There are two modes of delivery:
Firstly, in cooperative modules, lecturers from the three universities contribute equally to the joint teaching events. In the laboratory internships, responsibility rotates annually, and innovative remote lab approaches, specifically developed by MPSP in recent years and already operational, are also incorporated.
Secondly, in the elective areas, all three universities offer an equal number of courses, providing students with access to the entire expertise of all three locations.
All courses and examinations are held in English. Practical experience is integrated into each of the first three semesters. The research and practical components can be completed at either an institute of one of the three partner Universities, external research institutes, or research-oriented companies in the field of photonics.
The content is delivered in a balanced manner among the three universities.
Image: Anna SchrollCareer Opportunities
Graduates of the M.Sc. Photon Science and Technology have excellent prospects. They can pursue a scientific career, e.g. a Ph.D. at the Max Planck School of Photonics’ nation wide network of excellent research institutions.
Afterwards, both academic and industry career opportunities emerge: Industry currently lacks qualified employees so that students of the program often receive one or more job offers before completing the program. Graduates are often sought for challenging and technically demanding positions not only in the fields of optics and photonics, but also in telecommunications and laser technology.
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Image: Anna Schroll Twofold Application, Stage I: Apply at Max Planck School of Photonics!External linkApplication procedure is administrated and supervised by the MPSP and the FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Downloads und Links zum Studiengang
- Study regulations (GERMAN)pdf, 371 kb · de
- Examination regulations (GERMAN)pdf, 371 kb · de
- Homepage Max Planck School of PhotonicsExternal link
- Online application at the Max Planck SchoolExternal link
- Programme page at FAU Erlangen-NurembergExternal link
- Programme page at Jena University
- Programme page at KITExternal linkde
Admission requirements
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Bachelor's degree or equivalent
In order to be accepted in the Master of Science in Photon Science and Technology programme, 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. Photon Science and Technology 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.
Applicants must successfully complete a three-stage qualification assessment process: 1. Online application, 2.- Online test, 3. Interview. Details you can find here: https://photonics.maxplanckschools.org/application
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Proof of language proficiency
For this master's programme the following language proficiency is required:
- English at the level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language, demonstrated e.g. by:
- IELTS
- Toefl (IBT)
- Cambridge certificate
- or a recognised equivalent.
- German proficiency is not needed.
- English at the level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language, demonstrated e.g. by:
Study advice - Max Planck School of Photonics
Hans-Knöll-Str. 1
07745 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
by arrangement
Examination Office of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy
Max-Wien-Platz 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Master Service Centre
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am
Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm
Live chat:
mondays and fridays
10 am - 12 noon
Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at:
www.uni-jena.de/service-msz
Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Video chat:
To the video chat – Zoom
Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
Password Master
Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.
Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).
Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)
You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.
Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena