Optics and Photonics Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)
Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points
Language of instruction: English
Higher semester: no
Higher semester: winter and summer term
First semester: September 15
Higher semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
First semester: June 15
Higher semester: September 30 for winter term, March 31 for summer term
Program details
Degree and duration
Regular program length of 2 years leading to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree; 120 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be completed. Individual prorgram length may differ from regular program length.
Program structure
The master's program is taught in English. All coursework and examinations will have to be competed in English.
The program is divided into:
- Introduction phase (1st semester)
- Immersion phase (2nd semester)
- Specialization phase (3rd semester)
During the specialization phase, aen emphasize can be put on „Photonic Materials & Devices“, „Quantum Optics & Spectroscopy“, „Biomedical Photonics“, „Optical Systems“ or "Solar Energy"
The master's program ends with the master's thesis (six months duration) in the 4th semester.
Internship
A suitable eight-week long industrial internship needs to be completed during the master's program. In the intership, students should gain experience in the practical application of Optics & Photonics. Application for an internship to either KSOP industry partners or other suitable private or public institutions is on the student's own personal responsibility. The internship ends with an abstract and a short presentation which provide an insight into the experiences acquired during the internship.
It is recommended to complete the internship between the 2nd and 3rd semester, but it can also be completed after the 3rd semester but before the start of the master's thesis.
Qualification profile of the graduate
The main intention of the Master’s program ‘Optics & Photonics’ within the frame of the KIT mission statement on teaching and learning reads: ‘intense scientific and research-oriented education and interdisciplinary acquisition of competences’. The goal of the program is the preparation of students in the international environment of Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) for a career in scientific institutions or in companies working in the strongly expanding area of Optics & Photonics.
To achieve this goal the curriculum comprises the following overall program objectives:
- acquisition of wide-ranging knowledge in a broad spectrum of Optics & Photonics from basic science and theory to technological applications in the introduction (1st Semester) and core-subject (2nd Semester) phases,
- research-oriented acquisition of competences in one of the interdisciplinary research areas of KSOP during the specialization phase (3rd Semester) and the master’s thesis (4th Semester),
- imparting of practical skills in scientifically oriented laboratory courses and an internship in industry or a research institution,
- acquisition of soft skills in form of integrative and additive key competencies augmented in a natural way by the inter-cultural context of KSOP.
This carefully balanced curriculum includes thorough teaching of basic knowledge, a manifold of elective topics and dedicated specialization. Students will be able to identify current and future problems in both, scientific and industrial contexts, to tackle complex tasks and to elaborate effective solutions with the use of scientific methods.
Admission requirements
The prerequisite is a bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree with at least 180 ECTS credit points or at least 6 semesters of standard study time at a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education. It can be a degree in natural sciences or engineering. Degree programs can be mechanical engineering, electrical engineering / information technology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, mechatronics or related programs. As a rule, both mathematics and physics must have been completed with 12 credit points. In addition, sufficient English language skills must be demonstrated (in accordance with the KIT admission and enrollment regulations).
Selection procedure
Among all applicants, the selection commission will form a ranking order based on completed coursework and any miscellaneous achievements. A maxmimum of 150 points will be awarded.
The selection procedure takes into consideration the overall grade of the academic graduation exam and any completed coursework; a maximum of 95 points will be awarded for this. Additionally, any miscellaneous scientific and/or professional achievements witll be awarded with a maximum of 55 points. The following criteria will be taken into consideration if they provide any additional information whether the application is suitable for the degree program in question:
- practical activies and educational background
- extracurricular achievements and qualifications, e.g. awards, publications
- overseas experience and language skills
- motivational letter and letter of recommendation
The selection commission will evaluate applicants whose bachlor's programs are not equivalent to ECTS guidelines (ECTS grades and credit points) and do not have a ranking order among graduates on the basis of the escription of the degree program. All relevant documents need to be provided during the application process.
Application portal
Application for the 1st semester
not accepted
Application for a higher semester
not accepted
Contacts
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)
+49 721 608 - 44930
Karin Schmurr ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe
First point of contact for international applicants
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Module handbook
Statutes and regulations
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 KIT 065 Satzung für den Zugang zu dem Masterstudiengang Optics & Photonics am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) | 30.11.2022, veröffentlicht: 30.11.2022 |
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 KIT 010 Dritte Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 27.02.2024, veröffentlicht 27.02.2024 | |
| 2023 KIT 015 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.02.2023, veröffentlicht 28.02.2023 | |
| 2022 KIT 028 Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.04.2022, veröffentlicht 29.04.2022 | |
| 2021 KIT 065 Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 22.10.2021, veröffentlicht 22.10.2021 |
| Titel | Datum | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 KIT 052 Studien- und Prüfungsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) für den Masterstudiengang Optics & Photonics | 27.09.2012, veröffentlicht 08.10.2012 | |
| 2014 KIT 019 Satzung zur Umsetzung des Übereinkommens über die Anerkennung von Qualifikationen im Hochschulbereich der Europäischen Region vom 11. April 1997 gemäß §§ 32 Abs. 2, 4 und 36a LHG in den Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen am KIT | 28.03.2014, veröffentlicht 28.03.2014 | |
| 28. Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang „Optics & Photonics“ | 31.05.2007 |
Teaching calendar
WT 2024/25
10-21-2024 to 02-15-2025
ST 2025
04-22-2025 to 08-02-2025
WT 2025/26
10-27-2025 to 02-21-2026
ST 2026
04-20-2026 to 08-01-2026
WT 2026/27
10-26-2026 to 02-20-2027
ST 2027
04-19-2027 to 07-31-2027
WT 2027/28
10-25-2027 to 02-19-2028
ST 2028
04-18-2028 to 07-29-2028
Lectures will not take place:
- From 12-24 to 01-06
- the week after Pentecost
- on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg