Lasers and Photonics

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), Germany, offers the international Master's programme Lasers and Photonics. The programme's highly interdisciplinary subjects in the field of optics, lasers and photonics offer a wide range of interesting topics concerning both current research and a vast range of commercial products and applications. In addition to the fundamental courses in these fields, the programme offers hands-on lab projects in modern, well-equipped laser laboratories, participation in international conferences and projects with international collaborators.
The interdisciplinary programme is organised by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology together with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, supported (in teaching and projects) by the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy and the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Educational organisation

About one third of the studies consists of mandatory modules - the remainder is the student's own choice in the area of "Lasers and Photonics" and in other areas in engineering and natural sciences. The programme has the following structure:

• seven mandatory modules (42 out of 120 credit points, first and second semester)
• one mandatory elective modules (at least 20 out of 120 credit points, first to third semester)
• one free elective module (at least 16 out of 120 credit points, first to third semester)
• one module practical courses (at least six out of 120 credit points, first to third semester)
• Master's thesis (30 out of 120 credit points, fourth semester)

The mandatory modules are "English", "Laser Metrology", "Optoelectronics", "Photonics", "Laser Materials Processing", "Laser Technology" and "Optical Metrology".
For the mandatory elective module, students should choose courses from the catalogue on offer. Usually, these courses are from or closely related to the area of "Lasers and Photonics".
The practical courses consist of hands-on lab courses in areas of current scientific research as well as seminars.
For the free elective module, you are free to choose any course offered at the university (e.g. economics, marketing, legal issues, or further technical courses).

Study abroad unit(s)

We stron­gly sup­port stu­dents who want to study for one semester at ano­ther uni­ver­si­ty outside Ger­ma­ny. It is even pos­si­ble to write the Mas­ter's the­sis ab­road. In pre­pa­ration for the study abroad period, students will be sup­por­ted by staff mem­bers of the stu­dent ser­vice both at the Fa­cul­ty of Elec­tri­cal En­gi­nee­ring and at the In­ter­na­tio­nal Of­fice of the uni­ver­si­ty.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

Oral examinations are given as an assessment at the end of the compulsory modules. Some elective courses might end with a written exam. In addition, each student must actively participate in practical courses, give presentations in seminars and write his or her Master's thesis.

Course objectives

Students achieve qualification in optical technologies. They are able to solve scientific and engineering problems with optical methods and they are well trained in the presentation and discussion of their results in oral and written form. They are well qualified for the international job market in the area of optical technologies and they may continue scientific work in a PhD programme.

Language requirements

Proof of proficiency in English has to be pro­vi­ded at level B1 CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference). The ack­now­ledged international test agen­cies are: TOEFL (score of at least 70 out of 120 iBT or 505 out of 677 PBT or 175 out of 300 CBT), IELTS (overall score at least 4 out of 9) or PET (at least a pass). Can­di­da­tes who ha­ve earned a Bachelor's de­gree in an anglo­pho­ne Ba­che­lor's pro­gram­me also com­ply with the English lan­gua­ge re­qui­re­ments.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed at least six semesters (three years) of university studies and hold a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, or similar. The overall average grade (GPA) should be at least "good" (for example, at least 73% out of 100%). Proof of proficiency in English should also be provided. The acknowledged test agencies are: TOEFL (score of at least 70 out of 120 iBT or 505 out of 677 PBT or 175 out of 300 CBT), IELTS (overall score at least 4 out of 9) or PET (at least a pass). Candidates who have earned a Bachelor's degree in an anglophone Bachelor's programme also comply with the English language requirements.

Enrolment fees

About 270 EUR per semester
The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and discounts at cinemas, theatres and the refectory of the university.

Costs of living

Minimum of 670 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses

Job opportunities

Student jobs are offered by the participating institutes.

Arrival support

Support is given by the International Office of the university.

Services and support for international students

Support is given by the International Office of the university. Individual coaching is provided by the dean's office and by the participating institutes.

Accommodation

Support in the search for accommodation is given by the AKAFÖ Student Services.
AKAFÖ provides around 4,500 accommodation places in 19 halls of residence. You can find all of the important information for this as well as an online application on the homepage of the AKAFÖ in Bochum.
For further information, you may contact them during their opening hours at AKAFÖ - Department Studentisches Wohnen (Student Accommodation) - Studierendenhaus, Room 062 or write an e-mail to: studentischeswohnen@akafoe.de.