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Master Scientific Instrumentation
photo: Anna Schroll

Scientific Instrumentation (M.Sc.)

AI-driven Design, Sensors and Optics

Overview

Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Duration
4 Semester
ECTS points
120 ECTS
Language
English
Study start
Winter semester (1st October)
Semester fee
305,30
Admission
Suitability procedure
Application period
01.12. to 01.04.

The English-language master's program offers you the opportunity for further qualification in scientific instrument engineering, following a first academic degree in the natural sciences or engineering. All applications are welcome. If you do not yet possess all relevant documents for your application (APS certificate, bachelor’s degree certificate or English language certificate) you may still apply for the programme. In such cases, your application will still be processed and if you meet the admission requirements a conditional admission can be issued. You may then hand in the missing documents later (enrolment day at the latest). 

What makes this degree programme special?

  • English-speaking and globally recognised
  • From idea to product: combine theory, practice and technology – with laboratories, simulations and real-world projects
  • Focus on individual specialisations: precision instruments – design and development, materials and processes – micro and nanotechnology, optics and photonics – technical optics for the future
  • Research participation welcome: get involved in student research projects and actively shape innovations

What is the structure of the programme?

The curriculum imparts to our students the knowledge and abilities for a future work in industry or research institutes. The course is designed to provide the professional as well as the multidisciplinary competences which are required for a successful career. This includes knowledge in science and engineering as well as key qualifications.

The first semester includes foundation modules on advanced topics of Applied Mechanics, Electronics, Optics and Scientific Computing. For semesters two and three, students choose a major direction for their studies. Currently, the following directions for specialisation are offered:

  • "Design of Precision Instruments" with focus on mechanical design and product development
  • "Materials and Processes" with focus on functional materials and micro- & nanotechnologies
  • "Applied Optics and Photonics" with focus on optical engineering and image data processing

Semester four is dedicated to research work for the Master's thesis in a company, at a research institute, or at our university.

The language of instruction for the entire curriculum is English. As part of the curriculum, we offer German courses for all levels, which prepare students for thesis work in companies and job entry.

The curriculum has a modular structure. Credit points are granted according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) for every successfully completed module.

 

Module overview

Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Design
Materials for Scientific Instruments
Introduction Electronics and Microsystems Engineering
Introduction Optics
Introduction Laser Technologies
Introduction to Scientific Computing
German I or Non-technical module I
specialisation I
Soft Skills and Intercultural Training
Applied Computer Sciences
German II or Non-technical module II
specialisation II
Scientific Writing and Presentation
Quality Management
German III or Non-technical module III
Master Thesis
Colloquium

What are the entry requirements?

A previous Bachelor‘s degree (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific field whose curriculum covers the special educational prerequisites for the Master‘s program in Scientific Instrumentation, such as: Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physic, (Bio)medical Engineering, Computer Science and related fields

A good command of English, demonstrated either by a TOEFL or IELTS test. Minimum levels of English: Paper-based TOEFL 550 points, internet-based TOEFL 79 points, IELTS overall band score of 6.0. The test shall not date back more than two years.

According to the regulations, admission can be gained by getting 55 out of 115 points using the following calculation:

  • Convert your grade to a German grade using the Bavarian Formula. 
  • Calculate points: points = (4 - German grade) x 15.
  • Up to 50 points can be added if your previous course matches well.
  • Up to 15 points can be added for relevant scientific results or publications.

 

Is important to note that we use percentage rather than GPA. It is therefore important to include a conversion paper in your application documents, if available.

In case of questions please consider visitig our FAQs!

What career prospects do I have after completing my studies?

In the actual scenario of the increasing shortage of highly qualified personnel in technical and scientific sectors, there are excellent career prospects for graduates of the Master’s degree programme in scientific instrumentation both nationally and internationally. The industries and research institutes in the region of Jena provide excellent employment opportunities for graduates in the particular specializations which they have opted for. Many companies are engaged into the fields of metrology and sensors, optics, analytical techniques, micro engineering and medical engineering. The close contacts that the teaching staff possesses with the industrial firms and research institutes ensure that the training is practically oriented and is up-to-date with the course contents. Looking at the current scenario for interns and graduates of the scientific engineering courses, the demand is greater than the supply. The Master’s degree in Scientific Instrumentation also qualifies its holder to pursue a PhD.

How does the application process work?

Application period 01.12. to 01.04.
1. Register

Register on our application platform (Campusportal). 

Note: Please register only once, even if you wish to apply for more than one degree program.

2. Add application and enter data electronically (also upload supporting documents)

Log in to the application platform with your access data. Use the menu item “Add application” and select the Master's program for which you would like to apply. You can submit a maximum of three applications.

3. Submit application electronically

At the end of the online application, confirm that your electronic details are correct and submit your application or applications electronically by the deadline.

4. Application for dormitory

Apply for a room in the dormitory during the first week of April. Bewerben - Studierendenwerk Thüringen It is essential to apply in time in order to secure a room. You can reserve a room free of charge even if you have not yet been admitted. The rooms have a very high standard.

Please note: After selecting the dormitories you would like to apply for, please check the box “Please check this box if you would also like to receive offers from all other residential facilities!” If the residential facilities you have selected are already fully occupied, you will receive an offer for another dormitory. This will significantly increase your chances of getting a place.

5. Selection committee

If your application, including all application documents, is complete, it will be forwarded to the relevant selection committee in the respective department for review. The selection committee will check whether you meet all the requirements for admission to the desired master's program.

6. Result of the admission procedure

Once the admission procedure has been completed, we will send you the result in the form of an electronic notification.

7. Apply for digital enrollment (if you have been offered admission)

After receiving the electronic admission notification, the first thing you need to do is to accept the place offered in your desired Master's program in the application portal (menu item: Accept place at university). Then you apply for enrollment electronically (menu item: Apply for enrollment).

8. Enrollment and documents

Please sign the printed application for enrollment (PDF). Then bring it by person to the University of Applied Sciences Jena together with all the documents required for enrollment (see document checklist on the application) within the enrollment period.

9. Enrollment is complete

As soon as the enrollment documents have been received by the University of Applied Sciences Jena in person and you have been enrolled, you will receive a starter pack for your Master's program at our University from the University's Master Service.

10. Arriving in time required

Please note: To start the course you must arrive in person at our university at the beginning of the semester (1. October). Late arrival requires written permission of the course coordination.

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Course content
Application and admission
Via WhatsApp

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