Photonics (M.Eng.)
Messplatz mit einem photonischen Chip mit optischen Ringresonatoren
Master's programme

Photonics (M.Eng.)

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Key facts

Degree

Master of Engineering

Language of instruction

German/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)

Application deadlines

current application deadlines

Faculty

Engineering and Natural Sciences

Study objectives

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

Course contents

  • 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
  • Klassical Mechanics, Electrodynamics
  • Statistical Mechanics, Thermodynamics
  • Quantum mechanics
  • 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

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

General admission requirements

Admission qualifications

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.

(2) 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.

(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 our central application page.

Offers and further information


Contact points

Degree programme director

Prof. Dr. Siegfried Rolle
Tel.: +49 3375 508 126
Email: siegfried.rolle(at)th-wildau.de

Student advisory service

Student Orientation and Advice

Application, admission, enrolment

Admission and Examinations