International Programmes 2026/2027

Master of Science in Applied Photonics MSc in Applied Photonics

Aalen University • Aalen

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Aalen
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All courses are taught in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
  • part-time (study alongside work)
Programme duration
3 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
1 October - 15 December
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
15 April - 15 June
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Photonics, also known as optical technology, deals with the technologies for generating, using, shaping or transmitting light. This diverse and interdisciplinary industry is considered a key technology and innovation driver of the 21st century. Optical processes, image and data transmission, optical information and communication technology, laser technology and much more are components of the study programme.

Strictly, the term “Photonics” stands for the science of photons. Today the term incorporates many novel disciplines. In essence, it is related to four application areas, where “Photonics” is used to combine applied research and development. These are:

  • laser and light material interaction,
  • industrial manufacturing,
  • illumination and displays,
  • biophotonics in the domain of Life Science.

Specifically, “Photonics” not only denotes the particle properties of light, the term incorporates all practical applications of optics, and the potential to create, transport and process optical signals. Photonic techniques are used in various fields, e.g. the combination of medical problems and photonic technologies exhibit a high economical potential.

This course is for students who want to achieve special knowledge of innovative technologies in photonics. Additionally, this course addresses professionals with a Bachelor‘s degree who seek a higher occupational qualification by completing a Master’s degree. These people study while continuing in their jobs.

The course prepares students with ambitions for a PhD position afterwards. Thereby students can be accepted into the photonic research centre (Center for Optical Technologies) of Aalen University as well. As a graduate with a Master of Science in Applied Photonics from Aalen University, you will be well educated for a leading position in research and development in the industry as well as for a scientific career.

Course organisation

The course has a duration of three semesters, comprising two semesters of lectures and laboratories and one semester for the Master's thesis.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
Integrated internships

The students work in the first semester on research projects in our research centre "Zentrum für Optische Technologien" (ZOT).

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: non-EU countries
1,500 EUR
More information on tuition fees
Please find more details on this website.
Semester contribution

Currently 170 EUR per semester (including a contribution to the student association)

Costs of living

Approx. 992 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship): a scholarship programme for excellent students, German and international
Recipients receive 300 EUR per month. More information to be found here: https://www.hs-aalen.de/en/application-studying/scholarships/.

Research-integrated studies: you are an employee of Aalen University, working in the Zentrum für Optische Technologien. You can work up to 20 hours per week.

Academic admission requirements

A high quality Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering, e.g. in electronics, optoelectronics, etc.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72
  • Reading: 18
  • Listening: 20
  • Speaking: 17
  • Writing: 17
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026): 4.5
  • Reading: 4.5
  • Listening: 4.5
  • Speaking: 4.5
  • Writing: 4.5
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
1 October - 15 December
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
15 April - 15 June
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

We offer the opportunity to study in a Applied Photonics "job-integrated" profile where you work part-time in one of our cooperating companies during your studies, as well as a "research-integrated" profile, where you work part time in our research centre Zentrum für Optische Technologien during your studies.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

Intercultural trainings, additional German (or other) language courses, job application trainings, soft skills, leadership, (relocation) counselling, etc.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
  • Help with finding accommodation
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Aalen University

University location

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