Laser- and Optotechnologies (M.Eng.)
What makes this degree programme special?
- Unique combination: laser engineering and optical technology combined in one degree programme
- Developing photonic systems: learn to build and optimise complex systems like a pro
- Research from the outset: work in cutting-edge laboratories with ultrashort pulse lasers, beam characterisation and additive manufacturing
- Networked with top-level research: collaborations with Fraunhofer and Leibniz institutes and clusters such as OptoNet, medways and ThZM
What is the structure of the programme?
Enrolment takes place in the respective winter semester. Two mesomodules must be selected from the four mesomodules/majors offered (laser technology, optics technology, optics development and optoelectronics). The selected meso modules are further deepened in the following semesters. Important overarching study contents, such as marketing, corporate management, patent law/research, English for Specific Purposes, numerical mathematics, quality and project management, are compulsory components and shape the leadership skills. Practical training is ensured by a research internship during the course of study.
The programme ends after four semesters with the Master's thesis. Both the Master's thesis and the research internship can take place in companies and research institutions in the sector at home and abroad. Companies, universities and institutes that have joined forces in the Thuringian competence network "OptoNet" present themselves on the homepage www.optonet-jena.de.
Module overview
What are the entry requirements?
A Bachelor's degree or another at least equivalent university degree in the subject area or another technical or natural science subject area whose curriculum covers the subject-specific entry requirements for the Master's degree programme "Laser and Optotechnologies". These are in particular degrees in the fields of ophthalmic optics, precision engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, physical engineering, industrial engineering and comparable courses of study.
Assessment criteria:
- Weighting of the final grade of the first academic degree: score = (4 - final grade or preliminary average grade) * 25 points.
- Assessment of the quality and fit of the completed Bachelor's degree (up to 20 points)
- Evaluation of the quality of special academic achievements through research work in relevant subject area (up to 20 points)
- Evaluation of the letter of motivation, taking into account the previous educational and professional career (up to 10 points).
50 of the 125 possible points are required for admission.
Good foreign language skills are required, which are usually demonstrated by having completed modules in foreign languages in the Bachelor's degree programme. These can also be foreign language modules.
What career prospects do I have after completing my studies?
Demographic developments have led to a significant decline in graduates in recent years. The German Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronic Technologies (SPECTARIS) explains and forecasts: "The German precision mechanics and optical industry includes high-tech areas such as laser and laboratory technology, the entire range of phototechnologies, ophthalmic optics or medical technology. Their products can be found in almost all areas of life and will permanently change the industrial future in Germany in the coming years. The industry's biggest problem at present is the acute shortage of skilled workers. If all areas of application are included, there is currently a shortage of more than 10,000 qualified employees in the optical technologies sector alone. In this context, the association primarily calls for an improvement of the specialist training and further education paths. Thus, the prerequisites for an interesting and well-paid job are extremely favourable for graduates, especially of the "Laser and Optotechnologies" degree programme.
Master's graduates have the opportunity to work in the following professional fields, for example:
- Optics industry
- Laser technology, laser development and application
- Information and communication technology
- Optoelectronics and electronics
- Computer technology
- Medical and environmental technology
- Biotechnology
As in other areas of engineering, there is an acute shortage of skilled workers in the laser and optics industry. The demand for well-trained graduates with appropriate practical experience is therefore high. Thanks to the practice-oriented education at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, you will usually manage the transition into everyday working life effortlessly. Typical fields of application for engineers with a Master's degree can be found in these corporate areas, among others:
- Research and development
- Design and production
- Technical consulting
- Marketing and sales
- Quality management
- Project management
Students with a Master's degree also find employment opportunities in the public sector and can also pursue a career as a civil servant. The degree also provides a good basis for later doctoral studies at a university.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
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