Masters degrees in Optical Physics involve advanced study of the creation and properties of electromagnetic radiation, and the means with which its interaction with matter can be manipulated and controlled.
Related subjects include Optical Technologies and Photonics Engineering. Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree such as Physics or Engineering Technology.
The course explores the versatile field of optical technologies which supports many aspects of modern society. Optical technologies are expected to be a key enabling technology of the 21st century.
The course is based on the strong record of optical technologies across research divisions in the department of physics and the collaborating institutions:
You can choose classes relevant to your career interests from a wide range of topics including:
You’ll put the knowledge gained in the taught components to use in a cutting-edge research project.
The course gives you the opportunity of exploring and mastering a large range of optical technologies. It enables you to put devices in the context of an optical system and/or application.
It’s suitable for those with a science or engineering background wanting to gain a vocational degree or to obtain a solid foundation for an optics-related PhD programme.
It’s also appropriate for those who’ve worked in industry and want to consolidate their future career by further academic studies.
The course consists of two semesters of taught classes followed by a three- month research project.
This course is run by the Department of Physics. The department’s facilities include:
Our teaching is based on lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory experiments, and research projects.
The assessment includes written examinations, coursework, presentations and a talk, oral examination and report presenting and defending the research project.
The course gives you a thorough basis for a successful job in the photonics, optical and life sciences industries. It provides the basis to excel in more interesting and challenging posts.
The course can also be an entry route into an optics-related PhD programme.
Over the years, many of Strathclyde’s optics and photonics graduates have found successful employment at the large variety of local laser and optics companies as well as with national and international corporations.
This one year Masters degree in Optical Fibre Technologies will allow you to work in world class facilities, exploring specialised areas including fibre design and fabrication, passive fibre devices, and fibre lasers and their application in diverse areas such as optical sensing, manufacturing, medicine, defence and telecommunication.
This MSc is the latest Masters programme within the renowned Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC). It offers students access to an excellent range of photonics equipment and materials technologies within a vibrant community of researchers, led by some of the leading figures in the field of optical fibre technology and optical fibre related photonics.
The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) has a leading international reputation for its research in optical fibre technologies.
Our research in these areas range from specialised fibre design and fabrication, passive fibre devices, fibre lasers, and application of these fibre based technologies in areas as diverse as optical sensing, manufacturing, medicine, defence and telecommunication.
This MSc programme offers an advanced postgraduate education covering many of the fundamental concepts of these optical fibre technologies, and their application in real-world settings. You will gain experience of working in research facilities including the advanced optical fibre research laboratories and the Mountbatten Clean Room on a programme that includes:
Working in our new, state-of-the-art cleanroom complex, and with access to our extensive range of optical laboratories, you will benefit from integrated transferable skills elements, and also from participation in the ORC's week long Industry Showcase event.
Whether you intend to gain skills and expertise that will enable you to take up a position in the industrial sector, or to embark on further postgraduate research, you will find that this new MSc course in Optical Fibre Technologies will give you the solid intellectual foundation and hands-on practical and technical skills that you need for a successful professional career in science, engineering and related optical fibre and photonics-based industry.
View the 2017/18 programme specification document for this course
View the 2018/19 programme specification document for this course
In completing an MSc degree at the ORC, you will work alongside some of the world’s leading optical fibre technology scientists, and spend time conducting novel research in our state-of-the-art facilities, keeping up to date with current research-trends in optical fibre technology and photonics.
Our students receive a solid grounding for their future careers in photonics related topics; over 600 ORC alumni work in strategic positions in the Photonics industry worldwide. MSc students are ideally suited to continuing in research PhD studies, or moving directly into the growing photonics industry, some of which you will experience directly during the Industry Showcase event and optional modules in the Southampton Business School as part of your MSc training.
Through an extensive blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus startup incubator, we also support aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their professional enterprise skills. Discover more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.
This is a vocational course in applied physics for anyone with a background in the physical sciences or engineering.
You can choose classes relevant to your career interests from a wide range of topics including:
On the programme you'll acquire:
You‘ll put the knowledge gained in the taught classes to use on a research project. You can design the project to fit in with your interests and career plans.
The course gives you the opportunity to explore and master a wide range of applied physics skills. It teaches you transferable, problem-solving and numeracy skills that are widely sought after across the commercial sector.
You’ll have two semesters of taught classes made up of compulsory and optional modules. This is followed by a three-month research project.
This course is run by our Department of Physics. The department’s facilities include:
Our teaching is based on lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory experiments and research projects.
The final assessment will be based on your performance in examinations, coursework, a research project and, if required, in an oral exam.
What kind of jobs do Strathclyde Physics graduates get?
To answer this question we contacted some of our Physics graduates from all courses to find out what jobs they have. They are working across the world in a number of different roles including:
Success story: Iain Neil
Iain Neil graduated from Strathclyde in Applied Physics in 1977 and is an optical consultant, specialising in the design of zoom lenses for the film industry. He has received a record 12 Scientific and Technical Academy Awards, the most for any living person.
This course will train highly qualified physicists and engineers in the area of photonics, which is a key enabling technology, underpinning many areas of industry.
You'll have the opportunity to undertake a three-month research or development project based with one of our industrial partners such as M Squared Lasers.
We have a long tradition of cutting-edge photonics research, which supports our courses. Much of this work has resulted in significant industrial impact through our spin-out companies and academic-industrial collaborations.
You'll also have the opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills by taking courses delivered by the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship.
The course is made up of two semesters of taught classes, followed by a three-month research project based with one of our industrial partners. The majority of your classes are delivered by the Department of Physics and cover the following:
These classes are complemented by two classes delivered by the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, which look at:
You'll be based with one of our industrial partners for a three-month project placement. This is your opportunity to experience how research and development operate within a commercial environment. It'll also give you a chance to form strong links with industry contacts.
The project is put forward by the company and supervised by both industrial and academic staff. Training on relevant skills and background will be received before and during the project.
Scotland has a world-leading position in optics and photonics industry.Your project will be carried out mainly in the excellent facilities of our Scottish industry partners. Projects elsewhere in the UK and with international companies may also be possible.
Advanced research facilities are also available in:
Our research is strongly supported in equipment and infrastructure. This includes a newly opened 3-storey wing in the John Anderson Building as part of a £13M investment programme in Physics. Furthermore, the IoP and FCAP have recently relocated into the University's Technology & Innovation Centre (TIC) which at £90 million TIC is Strathclyde’s single-biggest investment in research and technology collaboration capacity. This new centre will accelerate the way in which researchers in academia and industry collaborate and innovate together in a new specifically designed state-of-the-art building in the heart of Glasgow.
In semesters one and two, the course involves:
The courses include compulsory and elective classes from the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering.
Over the summer, you'll undertake a three-month project based on practical laboratory work in a partner company. You'll be supervised by the industrial partner and supported by an academic supervisor.
Assessment methods are different for each class and include:
Your practical project is assessed on a combination of a written report, an oral presentation, and a viva in which you're questioned on the project.
A degree in industrial photonics can set you up to work in a range of jobs in physics and positions in other industries.
Typically, it can lead you to photonic technologies in industrial corporate research and development units, production engineering and applied academic laboratories.
Employers want to know you can do the job so work experience is key.
This course has a strong focus on the relationship between academia and industry. It's a great opportunity to enhance your skills and provides a direct transition from university to the work place.
We have an excellent record of graduate employment in the Scottish, national and international optics and photonics industries.
If you're interested in practical work with impact but are also interested in a further academic qualification, you can move on to study an EngD or a CASE PhD studentship. These can lead to a doctorate within industry or in close collaboration with industry.
Our Physics graduates from photonics related courses have found employment in a number of different roles including:
The proposed master program aims at training students in fundamental, both theoretical and experimental, physics with applications in photonics, nanotechnology, and quantum technologies. This combination, innovative at the level of a master program, is well aligned with priority investments in research at the European and international level, with thematic areas of growing demand for highly trained students, able to embark in a doctoral programme. This two-year master programme, fully taught in English for international students, is part of the Graduate School of Sciences of the University Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC). It consists in both lessons and research project (3 month during the first year) / internship (5 months during the second year). This training program will be based on the internationally highly recognised research activities of the underlying laboratories ICB, Dijon and FEMTO-ST, Besançon.
This two-year master programme, fully taught in English for international students, combines macroscopic with nano- and quantum-scale topics. The programme aims at developing and improving students’ skills in fundamental optical physics, optical fibre communications, optoelectronics, laser technologies, ultrafast femtosecond optics, quantum information science, nanophotonics, nano-microscopy and nano-biosciences. This combination, innovative at the level of a master program, is well aligned with priority investments in research at the European and international level, and with thematic areas of growing demand for highly trained students.
The master programme is part of the Graduate School of Sciences of the University Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Engineering and Innovation through Physical Sciences and High-technologies (EIPHI), which also includes a doctoral programme in the same topics.
Almost half of the programme is devoted to research project (3 month during the first year) & internship (5 months during the second year) in an international research team, leading to a master thesis aiming at the standards of a research article. This training program will be based on the internationally highly recognised research activities of the underlying laboratories ICB, Dijon and FEMTO-ST, Besançon, both having high international visibility in photonics, quantum technologies, nanotechnology and Engineering Sciences with researchers of high reputation.
Teaching consists of lectures, seminars by international researchers (both from the ICB & FEMTO-ST laboratories and from international partner universities), class tutorials, practical training & research work in laboratory, soft skills by professional coaches, technology and entrepreneurial courses by industrial partners, and French culture and language.
Photonics is a very dynamic industrial sector in Europe and holds the potential for huge market growth. It has a substantial leverage effect on the European economy and workforce: 20-30% of the economy and 10% of the workforce depend on photonics, directly impacting around 30 million jobs. The master program offers intensive educational activities based on research activities of photonics, including nanophotonics and quantum technologies. It focuses on fundamental & applied research mainly targetting PhD programs, which will lead to recruitment in academia or in industry. A need of master degree students in the field of photonics & nanotechnologies, including specialties in quantum technologies boosted by the European flagship in Quantum Technologies (launched in 2018), able to embark on a PhD program both in academia & industry will strongly increase in a near future.
The master's Alumni Office helps alumni keep in touch with each other and organises alumni events.
The two-year master program takes place at the University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, located in the scenic cities of Dijon & Besançon. The former capital city of the Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon is a medium-size French city, where you can enjoy a vibrant and active cultural life, as well as quick getaways to the countryside and the world famous neighbouring vineyards of the so-called “Golden coast” (city center, climates of the Burgundy vineyard, and gastronomy listed as world heritage sites in Dijon by Unesco). Life in Dijon is very affordable and accommodation easily accessible. The city is well-equipped with modern tramway and bus lines, making commuting between any place in Dijon and the University easy and convenient. Dijon is also host of several top-level professional sports teams (football, basketball, handball, rugby…), while also offering a large diversity of sports facilities.
Students eligible to the master program PPN must have obtained a degree equivalent to or higher than a Bachelor of Science. Background knowledge in general physics, optics, electromagnetism and quantum physics is mandatory. Candidates must have very good academic qualifications and a very good practice of English.
Many scholarships will be awarded each year to high quality foreign students.
During the first year, students have to pass the examinations associated with the Master 1 (60 ECTS credits) in order to proceed to the second year, Master 2 (60 ECTS), including research project and master thesis (33 ECTS).
For further information about how to apply, please directly contact the head of the master program, Professor Stéphane Guérin ([email protected]) and visit the webpage (http://www.ubfc.fr/formationen/).
Please also visit our dedicated webpage (http://blog.u-bourgogne.fr/master-ppn/).
The Quantum Technologies MSc will take students to the cutting-edge of research in the emerging area of quantum technologies, giving them not only an advanced training in the relevant physics but also the chance to acquire key skills in the engineering and information sciences.
Students learn the language and techniques of advanced quantum mechanics, quantum information and quantum computation, as well as state-of-the-art implementation with condensed matter and quantum optical systems.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research project (90 credits).
Core modules
All students take the following core modules:
Optional modules
Students choose one optional module from any of the Physics MSc degrees as well as two of the following optional modules:
Research project and case studies
The MSc programme culminates in the quantum technologies project and attached case studies. All students undertake two case studies related to quantum technologies as well as an independent research project (experimental or theoretical), which will be the subject of a presentation and a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words. Research-active supervisors will provide topics which will enable the students to make contributions to research in the field.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, with self-study on two modules devoted to the critical assessment of current research topics and the corresponding research skills. Assessment is through a combination of problem sheets, written examinations, case study reports and presentations, as well as the MSc project dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Quantum Technologies MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
The programme prepares graduates for careers in the emerging quantum technology industries which play an increasingly important role in: secure communication; sensing and metrology; the simulation of other quantum systems; and ultimately in general-purpose quantum computation. Graduates will also be well prepared for research at the highest level in the numerous groups now developing quantum technologies and for work in government laboratories.
Employability
Graduates will possess the skills needed to work in the emerging quantum industries as they develop in response to technological advances.
UCL offers one of the leading research programmes in quantum technologies anywhere in the world, as well as outstanding taught programmes in the subjects contributing to the field (including physics, computer science, and engineering). It also hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Delivering Quantum Technologies.
The programme provides a rigorous grounding across the disciplines underlying quantum technologies, as well as the chance to work with some of the world's leading groups in research projects. The new Quantum Science and Technology Institute ('UCLQ') provides an umbrella where all those working in the field can meet and share ideas, including regular seminars, networking events and opportunities to interact with commercial and government partners.
The European MSc. in Photonics is an English-taught multidisciplinary programme of two years (120 ECTS) which leads to a joint degree from Ghent University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
The first year you can develop your skills in laser engineering, optical communication, optical materials, microphotonics and optical sensors. The first semester is devoted to the fundamental basics of photonics, while the second focuses on engineering skills and photonics applications. As this master is organised by two leading universities in Belgium, you have the possibility to follow courses entirely at VUB or to choose specific courses at UGent.
The second year opens the international gateway. Enrich your experience by choosing one of the international exchange tracks to follow courses, take up an internship or do a master thesis at an international partner.
Core and advanced photonics courses:
The first year will be devoted mainly to a programme of core photonics courses with essentially the same content at all institutes, complemented by a number of advanced photonics courses as well as several courses in related disciplines and transferable skill courses.
Move to another location:
In the second year you will move to another location where you will continue to take advanced photonics, multidisciplinary and transferable skill courses and where you will carry out your master thesis (30 ECTS) in a photonics sub-field of their choice. In addition to the regular courses, all students will attend a two-week summer school at the end of the first and second year of the programme.
The second year contains a mandatory external mobility component. You can spend one semester or do your master thesis abroad. Alternatively, you can do both thesis and courses abroad during two semesters, or do a 12-week industrial internship in the photonics industry or a research institute. You choose one of the four mobility tracks, allowing you to define the extent of your stay abroad. It allows you to benefit from the enriching expertise of our partner universities.
The European MSc. in Photonics has all the right ingredints to prepare you for a bright future. The valuable internships with industry and research institutes abroad enhance your employability significantly.
As consultant, engineer or researcher you might find yourself in the driver seat working domains as life sciences, biotechnology, telecommunications, sustainable energy, agrifood or Industry 4.0.
Exploration of quantum phenomena has recently led to extraordinary applications of quantum entanglement. The degree of control exerted over these systems is reflected in the term ‘quantum technology’, describing both experimental and theoretical developments in this area.
This course is for you if you’re interested in the wonders of quantum physics and have a desire to exploit its full power.
We cover:
You’ll study in a Physics department ranked amongst the top 15 in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2018) where researchers are leading the way on the development of the world’s first quantum computer. We’re also a founder member of SEPnet, the South East Physics Network which supports vital research, teaching and development.
The course is split between taught modules and your individual project and you can choose to study full time or part time.
The taught part of the course comprises core modules plus a choice of options, allowing you to tailor the course towards your own particular interests. You’ll also attend research seminars and contribute to your group’s discussions of the latest journal papers.
Your project can take the form of a placement in industry, but is usually supervised by our faculty. Supervisors and topics are allocated, in consultation with you, at the start of the autumn term. Often the projects form the basis of research papers that are later published in journals.
Assessment is split equally between the project and modules. Modules are assessed with either open-notes tests or unseen examinations. Your project culminates in a dissertation (with a contribution from a research talk).
This course may be attractive to you if you aim to:
Our world class Masters degree in Photonic Technologies offers access to state-of-the-art facilities in our optical laboratories and clean room complex. This one year course offers core and optional modules including lasers, microfabrication, silicon photonics, metamaterials, nanophonics and plasmonics.
This MSc is the first Masters programme within the renowned Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC). It offers students access to an excellent range of photonics equipment and materials technologies within a vibrant community of researchers, led by some of the leading figures in the field of photonics.
The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) has a leading international reputation for its research in Photonics, Metamaterials, and Optical Fibre Communications. This MSc programme offers an advanced postgraduate education covering these Photonic Technologies. You will gain experience of working in research facilities including the Advanced Laser Laboratories, and the
Mountbatten Clean Room on a programme that includes:
Working in our state-of-the-art cleanroom complex with access to our extensive range of optical laboratories, you will benefit from integrated transferable skills elements and participation in the ORC's week long Industry Showcase event, where you will work with leading local and national photonics companies, share their views of the current photonics market and see first-hand their products and emerging photonics technologies.
Whether you intend to gain skills and expertise that will enable you to take up a position in a key industrial sector, or to embark on further postgraduate research, you will find that our MSc programme in Photonic Technologies will give you the solid intellectual foundation and hands-on practical and technical skills that you need for a successful professional career in science, engineering and related photonics-based industry.
View the programme specification document for this programme.
In completing an MSc at the ORC, you will work alongside some of the world’s leading photonics scientists, and spend time conducting novel research in our state-of-the-art facilities, keeping up to date with current research trends in photonics.
Our students receive a solid grounding for their future careers in photonics; over 600 ORC alumni work in strategic positions in the Photonics industry worldwide. MSc students are ideally suited to continuing in research PhD studies, or moving directly into the growing photonics industry, which you will experience during the Industrial Showcase as part of your MSc training.
Through an extensive blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus startup incubator, we also support aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their professional enterprise skills. Discover more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems MRes, taught at the University of Cambridge and at the UCL Centre for Doctoral Training in Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems, aims to train students to PhD level in the skills needed to produce new integrated photonic systems for applications ranging from information display to ultra-fast communications and industrial materials processing.
The programme offers a wide range of specialised modules, including electronics and biotechnology. Students gain a foundation training in the scientific basis of photonics and systems, and develop a good understanding of the industry. They are able to design an individual bespoke programme to reflect their prior experience and future interests.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
Students take two compulsory research projects (90 credits), one transferable skills module (15 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and two elective modules (30 credits).
Optional modules
Students choose three optional modules from the following:
Elective modules
Students choose a further two elective modules from the list below:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake two research projects. An independent research project (45 credits) and an industry-focused project (45 credits).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, projects, seminars, and laboratory work. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examination and coursework (written assignments and design work).
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems MRes
Dramatic progress has been made in the past few years in the field of photonic technologies. These advances have set the scene for a major change in commercialisation activity where photonics and electronics will converge in a wide range of information, sensing, display, and personal healthcare systems. Importantly, photonics will become a fundamental underpinning technology for a much greater range of companies outside the conventional photonics arena, who will in turn require those skilled in photonic systems to have a much greater degree of interdisciplinary training, and indeed be expert in certain fields outside photonics.
Employability
Our students are highly employable and have the opportunity to gain industry experience during their MRes year in large aerospace companies like Qioptiq, medical equipment companies such as Hitachi; and technology and communications companies such as Toshiba through industry placements. Several smaller spin-out companies from both UCL and Cambridge also offer projects. The CDT organises industry day events which provide an excellent opportunity to network with senior technologists and managers interested in recruiting photonics engineers. One recent graduate is now working as a fiber laser development engineer; another is a patent attorney.
The University of Cambridge and UCL have recently established an exciting Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems, leveraging their current strong collaborations in research and innovation.
The CDT provides doctoral training using expertise drawn from a range of disciplines, and collaborates closely with a wide range of UK industries, using innovative teaching and learning techniques.
The centre aims to create graduates with the skills and confidence able to drive future technology research, development and exploitation, as photonics becomes fully embedded in electronics-based systems applications ranging from communications to sensing, industrial manufacture and biomedicine.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Electronic & Electrical Engineering
97% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Semiconductor photonics and electronics underpin many areas of advanced and emerging technologies, from high efficiency LED lighting to advanced photovoltaics and lasers for communications.
This course covers fundamentals through to cutting edge research in areas such as GaN materials and devices (behind the solid state lighting LED revolution), nanoscaled materials and devices, and photonic device manufacture.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the materials and device theory whilst developing excellent practical experimental skills in extensive semiconductor cleanroom lab-work, giving you a competitive edge for work in industry or further study.
You’ll be taught by academics who are leaders in their field. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) puts us among the UK top five for this subject. Our courses are centred around finding solutions to problems, in lectures, seminars, exercises and through project work.
LED, laser photodetectors and transistor design, a high-tech field-emission gun transmission electron microscope (FEGTEM), a focused ion beam (FIB) milling facility, and electron beam lithographic equipment.
Our state-of-the-art semiconductor growth and processing equipment is housed in an extensive clean room complex as part of the EPSRC’s National Centre for III-V Technologies.
Our investment in semiconductor research equipment in the last 12 months totals £6million.
Specialist facilities for the design and manufacture of electromagnetic machines, dynamometer test cells, a high-speed motor test pit, environmental test chambers, electronic packaging and EMC testing facilities, Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Advanced Electrical Machines and Drives.
Advanced anechoic chambers for antenna design and materials characterisation, a lab for calibrated RF dosimetry of tissue to assess pathogenic effects of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones, extensive CAD electromagnetic analysis tools.
Research-led teaching, lectures, laboratories, seminars and tutorials. A large practical module covers the design, manufacture and characterisation of a semiconductor component, such as a laser or light emitting diode.
This involves background tutorials and hands-on practical work in the UK’s national III-V semiconductor facility.
Assessment is by examinations, coursework or reports, and a dissertation with poster presentation.
