Optical Sciences

Optical Sciences at Humboldt University of Berlin offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that prepares students for a dynamic career in the field of optics, photonics, and laser technologies. The program combines fundamental physics, advanced engineering principles, and practical applications to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation and hands-on experience. Students will explore topics such as light-matter interaction, optical materials, laser physics, optical systems, imaging, and quantum optics. The curriculum emphasizes both academic knowledge and industry-relevant skills, enabling graduates to contribute effectively to research, development, and technological innovation in various sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity, encouraging students to engage in cutting-edge research projects and internships within Berlin's vibrant scientific community. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with renowned researchers and industry partners, students gain practical experience in designing, analyzing, and optimizing optical devices and systems. The degree equips graduates with the expertise needed for careers in academia, research institutions, or high-tech industries, and provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies. Emphasizing an international perspective, the program attracts students from around the world and promotes a collaborative learning environment. Upon completion of the program, students are well-prepared to address contemporary challenges in optical sciences and contribute to technological advancements that shape the future of communication, imaging, and quantum information processing.

Educational organisation

The following is an overview of the modules offered at the Berlin site during semesters II and III. Each of the modules is usually composed of a seminar and a colloquium, workshop, or the like. The first semester always takes place at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Specialist Module I (summer semester):
Comparative European Government:
Systematic comparison of liberal Western democracies concerning typologies of institutional settings, decision-making structures and the processes and various types of actors involved in modern mass democracies.

Foreign and Security Policy in Europe:
Analysis of EU foreign policy, including the comparison of nation-state, supranational and inter-governmental approaches.

Facets of Europeanisation:
Elective chosen from the course catalogues of either Humboldt University Berlin or Freie Universität Berlin.

Specialist Module II (winter semester):
Democracy and Democratisation in Europe:
Investigation of social, economic and political changes as an outcome of democratisation processes in Europe, by reflecting on examples from Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

Europe's Borders and Neighbours:
Discussion of EU-enlargement regarding policies and consequences. Analysis of instruments such as the European Neighbourhood Policy or regional EU-initiatives.

Facets of Europeanisation:
Elective chosen from the course catalogues of either Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin or Freie Universität Berlin.

Study abroad unit(s)

The full-time programme consists of four semesters during which students study at up to three of the programme's partner universities: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Bath, Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Sciences Po Paris, Università degli Studi di Siena.

Forms of assessment

Written exams, essays, oral presentations, MA thesis

Course objectives

TransAtlantic Master's prepares students for careers in business, administration, diplomacy, policy formulation and research.

Language requirements

All students are expected to be proficient in English and at least one other language. Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency with the TOEFL exam. Students who wish to undertake coursework in a language other than English must demonstrate ability in one of the other consortium languages, first through a language evaluation to be conducted by a university or college faculty member and submitted with the application. Language skills will be screened again in an interview at the beginning of the autumn semester at UNC.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, or an international equivalent, preferably in a relevant subject area (Political Science, History, International Relations, European Studies, American Studies, Economics or Modern Languages).

Costs of living

The monthly cost of living in Berlin, including accommodation, is approx. 800 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university

Tuition fee reductions are available.

Arrival support

All students receive access to comprehensive student services from the time of their acceptance into the programme and throughout their studies. Students receive a handbook, which includes all information about the programme, university registration, assistance for international students, visas, accommodation, libraries, student resources, etc. In addition, management staff are available to address students' needs at any time.