About this programme
The interplay between optics and electronics is of both fundamental scientific interest and the foundation of a broad range of modern technology. Remarkable progress has been made in recent years combining techniques from areas as diverse as nanophotonics, semiconductor physics and even quantum optics. Learning how to bring fundamental principles of optoelectronic interaction out of the laboratory and engineer them into workable devices is a key skill set that will drive this field forward. Our two-year Master's course in Optoelectronics and Photonics places students squarely at the intersection of modern physics, precision engineering and state-of-the-art technology. Students will develop a broad, technical skill set as well as rigorous understanding of the underlying concepts. On completion, successful students will be ideally suited to a future academic or industrial career in this exciting and fast-moving field. We offer: A broad range of targeted interdisciplinary courses, taught exclusively in English Master's projects in internationally active research groups Smooth progression towards PhD study in Germany and beyond Career perspectives in existing and emerging industries A gateway to European academic and industrial networks In the first two semesters, you will attend lectures in physics and electrical engineering as well as practicals in the lab. Most of the courses in this phase of your studies are compulsory to provide you with a broad background. In the second and third semesters, these courses are complemented by elective courses that can be chosen according to your interests and desired specialisation in the field of optical technologies. All lectures are accompanied by practical classes where problems are solved, discussed, and presented by the students. In addition, you will learn to develop a scientific topic based on existing literature and present it to your fellow students in a seminar. Finally, a few courses of general studies can be chosen freely from the university's lecture catalogue. In particular, this includes the possibility to attend German language classes. In your second year, you will start joining one of the research groups within the departments and work on a supervised individual lab project that may form the basis for your Master's thesis. After completion of the Master's thesis research project, the written thesis will be submitted towards the end of the fourth semester. Subsequently, the thesis work is defended in a colloquium which consists of a presentation followed by questions. Degree holders have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of optical technologies and have the qualifications for independent scientific work in research and technology. The special expertise in optical technologies and the acquisition of skills in both physics and engineering represent a key advantage for employment in the optics and electronics industry or in academic institutions. The degree also qualifies graduates to enter PhD programmes in Paderborn or elsewhere. PDF Download
Course details verified 10 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source