Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics (KSOP)

M.Sc. in Optics and Photonics

The 2-year M.Sc. Program in Optics & Photonics spans the bridge between undergraduate classes in natural and engineering sciences and the required in-depth knowledge that is essential for cutting-edge research. It qualifies for a further career in the industry as well as in research.

The program aims at educating excellent students in Optics & Photonics worldwide. The interdisciplinary research structure of the international graduate school forms the basis for this outstanding Master’s program. Completely taught in English, the program is exclusive for 40 students each year who apply with a completed Bachelor’s degree in natural or engineering sciences. After completing the fundamental introductory courses and core subjects in the first two semesters, each student chooses a research specialization.

What’s Unique About the Program?

Industry Network: The studies include an elaborated industry internship program with partners from the Optics & Photonics industry. Furthermore, company visits and career events are offered regularly to all students. Premium industry partners include Bosch, ZEISS, and Polytec.

Scholarships: KSOP’s educational concept is supported by a scholarship program funded by leading Optics & Photonics companies. Premium industry partners provide students with internships, master thesis projects, excursions, individualized workshops and career events.

International Student Community: Students from all over the world convey an international studying atmosphere to the Master’s program. KSOP students also have the opportunity to join the worldwide OPTICA (formerly OSA) and SPIE network through the OSKar student chapter at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Why Optics & Photonics?

Optics & Photonics are used in many industries worldwide and the demand for excellent employees/researchers is high. The five research areas in this program are composed of Photonic Materials & Devices, Quantum Optics & Spectroscopy, Biomedical Photonics, Optical Systems, and Solar Energy.


The application areas of Optics & Photonics are broad. They range from LED lasers for measurement in the mobility sector and sensors in the automotive industry to energy storage. In biomedicine as well as in the energy sector or in the automotive sector, the engineering knowledge paired with the economic background of the students is in vital. The wide range of possible applications makes the Master’s program so attractive and at the same time so diverse.

The program aims at educating excellent students in Optics & Photonics. The interdisciplinary research structure of the international graduate school forms the basis for this outstanding Master’s program. Completely taught in English, the program is developed for 40 students each year who apply with a completed Bachelor’s degree in natural or engineering sciences.

After completing the fundamental introductory courses and core subjects in the first two semesters, each student chooses a research specialization.


Admission requirements

• Bachelor degree or equivalent degree in the field of Science or Engineering with above average grades. The Bachelor degree has to be completed with a minimum of 180 ECTS points or within a regular period of study of at least three years (if the Bachelor degree has not yet been conferred by the closing date for applications, but will be completed before the registration, you can apply with a preliminary transcript of records).
• Profound Knowledge in Mathematics and Physics (usually a minimum 12 credits each during the Bachelor studies)
• English Language Proficiency

Other courses offered by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

M.Sc. in Energy Engineering and Management

M.Sc. in Financial Engineering

M.Sc. in Information System Engineering and Management

M.Sc. in Management of Product Development

M.Sc. in Mobility Systems Engineering and Management

M.Sc. in Production and Operations Management

About Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics (KSOP)

The future progress and growth in Optics & Photonics rely on dedicated researchers and graduates trained in an interdisciplinary environment. In 2006 the Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) was founded as one of the first graduate schools within the scope of the German „Excellence Initiative“ at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). KSOP brings together the best talents in engineering and natural sciences.

Comprising a Master‘s and a Ph.D. Program in Optics & Photonics, the educational concept is designed to qualify its graduates for accelerated careers at world leading academic institutions and in high-technology industries.

Currently, KSOP encompasses professors from 16 institutes and four different faculties, i.e. Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Chemistry, and Biosciences, as well as Mechanical Engineering. Over 700 students, Ph.D. candidates and alumni from more than 40 different countries have positioned KSOP as a premium research and education hub.

The KSOP prepares students and doctoral researchers for the labor market of the German and worldwide Optics & Photonics industry. The close cooperation to industry partners is of high value for industry on the one hand and KSOP students on the other hand.

The Research Areas are: Photonic Materials and Devices, Advanced Spectroscopy, Biomedical Photonics, Optical Systems and Solar Energy.