Photonic Technologies

This MSc is the first Masters programme within the 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 new MSc lasts one year and will be delivered within Physical and Applied Sciences at the university’s main campus at Highfield.

The course will cover a wide area of photonics, including:

• taught modules
• practical training in research techniques and modelling
• 4 month project

Working in our new, 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 course 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.

The syllabus is designed to ensure that all students are exposed to the key subject areas in photonics and its applications, including leading-edge topics that are driving the photonics agenda, such as:

• metamaterials
• microfabrication
• nanophotonics

Optional courses provide an opportunity for choice between the light and matter interactions or modelling techniques, and between nanoscience technologies and MEMS sensors. Individual modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework, assignments and examinations, and students must take a total of 60 credits per semester.

The MSc runs for 12 months, with the compulsory and optional taught units taking place in the first two semesters.
Examinations take place at the end of Semester 1 (January), and Semester 2 (May).

If you successfully achieve 120 units of credit, you will progress to the research project, carried out over the summer. The project is an independent and individual investigation into a specific research topic, and will be supervised by senior academic and research staff mainly within the ORC.

The entry requirement for all Southampton MSc programmes is a UK 2.1 or 1st Class Bachelors honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant degree. i.e Physics, Electronics, Engineering, Materials Science or Mathematics. Our postgraduate Masters taught degrees are all advanced programmes (not conversion courses) and therefore you require good background knowledge to apply for this degree programme.English language requirementsThe MSc taught modules are lecture-based, so a high level of proficiency is required in English and particularly in the understanding of spoken English. The preparation of a full-scale technical report (the MSc project report) is a major task that requires advanced ability and knowledge of written English as well as technical expertise. Overseas students applying for the MSc courses should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all scores), or an IB-TOEFL score of 92 (with equivalent individual scores of listening 21, reading 22, speaking 23 and writing 21).Further details about language requirements at the university.If you are made an offer of a place, then please note that we require original documentation of any language score report in order to satisfy a language condition. If you are unable to meet our language entry requirement then pre-sessional English courses of 6, 12 or 15-week duration may be available in the University’s Centre for Language Study. We would advise you of these courses and the costs associated as appropriate. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

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Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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International MSc scholarships

We are delighted to announce that we are offering up to ten scholarships of £3,000 to international fee status candidates who have been offered a place on the MSc in Photonic Technologies starting in September 2013.
To be eligible to be considered for one of these awards, applications for the MSc should be received by 1 of June 2013. Awards will be allocated on the basis of academic merit and the winners will be announced by the 30 June 2013.

International student support

The University’s International Office can assist you with any queries before you apply and during your studies. For further details about entry requirements for international students, including information about additional language courses offered by the University, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/international

Financial support for MSc courses

Unfortunately we are unable to offer any fully-funded studentships for MSc study. Furthermore, it is not possible to undertake part-time work while following the course full-time. Therefore you will need to be able to provide your own full financial support during the course. Some students taking the course are industrially sponsored, other students obtain financial support from local authorities, from professional institutions such as the IEE or from Career Development Loans. If you wish to obtain such sponsorship, you must make your arrangements independantly.