A fuse group picture of M.Sc. Photonics Class of 2020

Master's degree programs

Explore our Master's degree programs, scopes, course schedules, application process and scholarship offerings. Enrolled ASP students will find important information for each semester.

A fuse group picture of M.Sc. Photonics Class of 2020

Image: RHubert

Choose your Master!

The Abbe School of Photonics provides and coordinates graduate studies in optics and photonics within several Master's degree programs. Rooted at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, we offer programs in Photonics, Quantum Science & Technology and Physics. Completing either of these programs offers a direct way to continue seemlessly with our prestigious doctoral (PhD) program.Moreover, the Faculty of Medicine offers the M. Sc. Medical Photonics at the interface between medicine and optics/photonics.

Image: Ira Winkler
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.
Image: MPSP
M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology The Master of Science in Quantum Science & Technology is an all-English, two-year Master's degree course established in 2024.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
M.Sc. Physics (with focus on photonics) The Master of Science in Physics is based on the long-standing physics teaching tradition of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Image: Canan Gallitschke
M.Sc. Photonics (EMIMEP program) A number of scholarships via the European EMIMEP program offers an alternatve route into our M.Sc. Photonics program.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
M.Sc. Medical Photonics The Master of Science in Medical Photonics is another study course at the interface between medicine and optics/photonics.
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When considering to study in Jena, please have a detailed look at the (most) frequently asked questions of previous and your fellow students – and our answers to them.

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What's the right program for YOU?

Group of Master of Science in Photonics students in 2023.
Image: Ira Winkler (Uni Jena)

For support with choosing the right Master's degree program for your personal career and ambitions, please have a closer look at the main selection criteria of these M.Sc. coursespdf, 136 kb · de.

Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
Scholarships available! Our Master scholarships are based on criteria of academic excellence and are granted for 12 and sometimes even 24 months, thus covering either one year or the entire two-year Master's degree adapted to the living expenses in Jena.
Image: Università degli Studi di Brescia.
Studying and researching internationally As a student at the Abbe School of Photonics, you will have several opportunities to plan a semester abroad while staying perfectly in line with your study plan and without losing time.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Students' countries of origin We are proud on our really international program! This interactive map displays the countries of origin and the respective numbers of students enrolled in the international M.Sc. Photonics course since 2009.

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Individualized support and transferable skills

Workshop during the Innovation in Photonics Course in the Lichtwerkstatt Makerspace 2022
Image: Steffen Lukas, FSU Jena

All students of the Abbe School of Photonics receive dedicated personal and organizational support, such as personal mentoring, study-specific tutoring, language training, internship and job advice, as well as guidance on local accommodation provided by our specialized ASP team. We offer a comprehensive welcome and support program for incoming students. Furthermore, each enrolled student is eligible to participate in the following extra modules, completely free of charge:

German language course for at least one semester
Workshops on job and internship applications in Europe and Germany
Workshops on intercultural competences and business administration
Workshops on good scientific practice
Professional support to create individual application documents for a successful career start after graduation

ASP students can be members of the DigiQ Quantum networks

Quantum entangled photons
Image: Fraunhofer IOF Jena

DigiQ is a European Master Program in Quantum Science and Technology, of which the Abbe School of Photonics is an affiliated partner. All our students are eligible to participate in "DigiQ networks", which will reinforce your studies with hands-on experience in quantum technology, develop a professional network that will last far beyond your study program, and maintain consistent contact with top experts in the field. Each DigiQ Network has its own theme and curates a set of events unique to it. You may be visiting a quantum computing lab, attending a career symposium, or discussing the mysteries of quantum physics in a pub—anywhere across Europe! Events are fully funded for travel for all DigiQ students. For further details and application, please visit https://digiq.euExternal link.

Master Plus program: talent promotion by high-tech industry

Student of OptoNet's MasterPlus program at the graduation celebration in 2022.
Image: OptoNet e.V.

ASP strongly supports strategic partnerships with regional photonics companies. Many of your students and graduates have already benefitted from our collaboration partner, the Photonics Cluster OptoNet,External linkwho offers a major engagement in industry networking, career development and talent promotion.

The talent promotion "Master Plus program"External link offered by OptoNet is open for all enrolled students at ASP. This means, that once you have been accepted to the ASP program, you also have the chance to get one of the prestigious slots in OptoNet's Master Plus program. This entails industrial training in addition to your ASP studies, and it will enhance your network with Jena's photonics industry from the first day of your studies. The program includes five so-called Master Tours where students visit companies facilities, laboratories and get insights during presentations and face-to-face talks with CEOs, R&D- and HR leaders. Additionally, Master Plus students get prepared for their personal career with social skills trainings in presentation, leadership, team and conflict management. This gives you the best opportunity to find a Master thesis, internship or long-term position in the photonic industry.

Further student services

Doctoral students relaxing outdoors in Jena.
Image: Anna Schroll

The International Office of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena assists all international students with regard to individual tutors, access to our academic Language Center, international mobilities and further student services. More information is available in our FAQ section. Accommodation in student residences are provided by Student Services ("Studentenwerk")External link. Of course, private apartments are also available on the local market. Senior student tutors assist incoming students in a peer-to-peer manner, e.g. meeting them upon arrival, showing them their rooms, introducing them to the university and its facilities, showing them around the city of Jena and its student life, and helping them with the initial paperwork. Student groups and associations offer a wide variety of joint activities and events, tandem language courses, concerts, festivals, excursions, etc. - making sure, in short, that our new students feel welcome and integrated.