Photonics (M.Eng.)
Measuring station with a photonic chip with optical ring resonators
Master's programme

Photonics (M.Eng.)

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Welcome to the Photonics Master at Wildau University of Applied Sciences!

The Master's Programme of Photonics combines academic teaching and research in an exceptionally wide-ranging, technically outstanding way, and allows students to learn in direct connection with knowledge and applied research at two technical universities and - if desired - additionally to obtain a double degree in cooperation with the University Roma II “Tor Vergata” in Italy.

Key facts

Degree

Master of Engineering

Language of instruction

German/English, from winter semester 2025/26 only English

Modes of study

full-time, part-time

Standard duration

4 semesters

Programme start

winter semester

Fees

no tuition fees (the university only charges semester fees each semester)

Faculty

Engineering and Natural Sciences

Study objectivesOpen areaClose area

This integrated master’s degree programme gives students in-depth knowledge and skills in photonics and related fields. Photonics is a field that aims to utilise light in a wide range of different scientific and technical fields. The term is based on the use of the quantum nature of light in the form of photons. Photonics is an interdisciplinary technology based upon optical technologies, lasers, microsystems engineering and related fields. It has applications in fields such as information and communication technology, measurement and sensor technology, the aerospace industry, automotive industry, mechanical and tool engineering, medical technology and the biosciences.

This degree programme is consecutive to the Bachelor’s degree programme in “Physics Engineering / Energy Systems” at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau. The programme focuses on the applications of the technology. It gives graduates the ability to carry out application-oriented research activities and gain an integrative and responsible understanding of tasks in technically oriented management roles. Completion of this degree fulfils the minimum requirements for higher levels of the civil service.

Graduates will be able to confidently recognize complex issues in the specified fields and analyze them using scientific methods to find targeted and effective solutions. They will be further able to take on responsibility for management tasks.

Course contentsOpen areaClose area

  • Optics: materials and tool building, simulation, non-linear optics
  • Laser technology, laser material processing
  • Surface and microsystems technology
  • Measuring technology
  • In-depth study of the foundations of physics: classical and quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, solid state physics
  • Mathematics: partial differential equations, vector analysis
  • Business administration: Business management, project management
  • Master’s thesis

Programme modulesOpen areaClose area

  • Structure of Matter
  • Mathematical Methods
  • Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics
  • Statistical Mechanics, Thermodynamics
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Quantum-Technologies
  • Measuring Techniques and Instrumentation
  • Micro-Technologies
  • Technical Optics
  • Laser Technologies
  • Optical Measuring and Analysis Techniques
  • Semiconductor Technologies
  • Optical Technologies/ Spectroscopy
  • Optical Materials/ Optical Engineering
  • Laser Materials Processing
  • Ultra-High Frequency Electronics
  • Applied Photonics
  • R&D-Project 1
  • R&D-Project 2
  • Project Management
  • Business Administration

Lecturers of the Photonics Master's programmeOpen areaClose area

As the Master's in Photonics is taught at the technical universities in Wildau and Brandenburg, students have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of professors and lecturers from different areas of science and industry.

Click here to see the lecturers on the Master's degree programme in Photonics.

Career opportunitiesOpen areaClose area

Optics has long been considered a classic area in physics and has seen heavy use in the “optical industries” for making glasses, microscopes and cameras. Optics has long since overcome its technology boundaries and entered many technological and scientific fields as “optical technologies” and “photonics”. There is an extremely wide and diverse range of career options, including

  • Information and communications technology
  • Optoelectronics
  • Material processing
  • Production technology
  • Instrument engineering
  • Measuring technology
  • The semiconductor industry
  • Printing technology
  • Biotech and medical technology
  • Environmental, sensor and microsystems technology
  • Aerospace engineering
  • The automotive industry

Data transfer via optic fibres allows high information densities and the simultaneous transfer of audio and video signals. Lasers are used in various industries, such as the automotive and shipbuilding industries, as welding and cutting tools. They can be used to precisely work through materials such as glass, metal and plastic. Efficient, environmentally-friendly motors are controlled using optical sensors. Biophotonics is used to find out detailed information about basic biochemical processes for use in the medical industry, among others. For example, the technology can help identify the causes of diseases. All applications require complex optical systems with electronic and mechanical components. Problem solving requires knowledge from a range of different specialist fields. The demands on teaching have increased accordingly. This master’s degree programme in photonics fills the gap.

The range of careers available in the industry has also expanded. Not only are graduates of this degree programme working in the traditional optics industry, but also in interdisciplinary firms in the fields mentioned. A noteworthy number of graduates have found places working on research in universities and research institutions.

Admission requirements and applicationOpen areaClose area

Specific admission requirements

(1) A first professional degree in a relevant field totalling at least 180 ECTS points (CP) in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) over a period of study lasting no less than 6 semesters, or an equivalent university degree that is not based on ECTS points, e.g. Diplom or Magister degrees.

 

(2a) German language skills:

To be admitted to this degree programme, overseas applicants must possess sufficient German language skills. This may be demonstrated with an overall grade of DSH-2 or better from the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für Hochschulen (DSH) language exam.

 

(2b) English language skills:

From the winter semester 2025/26, this degree programme will be taught in English.
For admission to this degree programme, applicants must therefore provide evidence of their English language skills in at least one of the following forms from the winter semester 2024/25:

Proof of at least C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (GER) (recognised documents and certificates as in the valid version of the Proof of English Language Skills for Enrolment at TH Wildau -> Link),

OR

Proof of B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (GER) (recognised documents and certificates as in the valid version of the Proof of English Language Skills for Enrolment at TH Wildau -> Link), and successful completion of modules of at least 40 Credit Points (CP) conducted in English in a bachelor’s degree programme that qualifies for admission to thjs master’s degree programme,

OR

Proof of English language skills is also accepted if applicants can prove that they have acquired their higher education entrance qualification or a higher education degree in English.

 

(3) The specific requirements for the Photonics master’s degree programme include scientific and technical knowledge e.g. in mathematics, physics and chemistry at bachelor degree level. It is therefore required that applicants hold a first degree in a relevant subject area that is comparable to the “Physical Engineering / Energy Systems” bachelor’s degree programme at TH Wildau, or the “Engineering Sciences” degree programme at TH Brandenburg. Suitable degrees for admission include, for example, degrees programmes such as photonics, physics, physical engineering, energy technology, optics/optical technologies, microsystems engineering, semi-conductor technology, electrical engineering, electronics, especially optoelectronics and communications engineering. In case of any doubt, the final decision rests with the faculty Examinations Board.

 

(4) If these requirements are not met, then students may be admitted on a case by case basis with support provided which will be considered when putting together an individual study plan. In putting this together, it must be ensured that all necessary material will be covered and that an appropriate limit is placed on the amount of work students are expected to do each semester. The final decision on the type and scope of support lies with the Examinations Board.

 

(5) In accordance with the Regulations of the TH Wildau for the selection of students for degree programmes with restricted admission criteria, a motivation letter written in English will also be required as an admission requirement (in the case of this degree programme), in which the applicant describes his/her motivation for the selected degree programme or why it appeals so strongly over a minimum of two pages and a maximum of three pages. This motivation letter must be submitted on time with the other application documentation.

 

Application

You can apply to TH Wildau online. All the information you need to apply can be found on this page.

Please note: For the online application you will be redirected to the page "The Online Portal of the TH Wildau".
Please change the language setting in the upper right corner to "English".

Offers and further information

Contact

Degree programme director

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Martin Regehly

Phone: +49 3375 508 126
Email: martin.regehly(at)th-wildau.de
House 14, Room A219

Degree programme coordinator

Dr. rer. nat. Mandy Hofmann

Phone: +49 3375 508 346
Email: mandy.hofmann(at)th-wildau.de

Admission and Examinations

For all questions related to the administration of studying at the university - please, contact the Admission and Examinations.