Scientific Instrumentation (M.Sc.)
AI-driven Design, Sensors and Optics
What makes this degree programme special?
- English-speaking and globally recognised
- From idea to product: combine theory, practice and technology – with laboratories, simulations and real-world projects
- Focus on individual specialisations: precision instruments – design and development, materials and processes – micro and nanotechnology, optics and photonics – technical optics for the future
- Research participation welcome: get involved in student research projects and actively shape innovations
What is the structure of the programme?
The curriculum imparts to our students the knowledge and abilities for a future work in industry or research institutes. The course is designed to provide the professional as well as the multidisciplinary competences which are required for a successful career. This includes knowledge in science and engineering as well as key qualifications.
The first semester includes foundation modules on advanced topics of Applied Mechanics, Electronics, Optics and Scientific Computing. For semesters two and three, students choose a major direction for their studies. Currently, the following directions for specialisation are offered:
- "Design of Precision Instruments" with focus on mechanical design and product development
- "Materials and Processes" with focus on functional materials and micro- & nanotechnologies
- "Applied Optics and Photonics" with focus on optical engineering and image data processing
Semester four is dedicated to research work for the Master's thesis in a company, at a research institute, or at our university.
The language of instruction for the entire curriculum is English. As part of the curriculum, we offer German courses for all levels, which prepare students for thesis work in companies and job entry.
The curriculum has a modular structure. Credit points are granted according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) for every successfully completed module.
Module overview
What are the entry requirements?
A previous Bachelor‘s degree (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific field whose curriculum covers the special educational prerequisites for the Master‘s program in Scientific Instrumentation, such as: Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physic, (Bio)medical Engineering, Computer Science and related fields
A good command of English, demonstrated either by a TOEFL or IELTS test. Minimum levels of English: Paper-based TOEFL 550 points, internet-based TOEFL 79 points, IELTS overall band score of 6.0. The test shall not date back more than two years.
According to the regulations, admission can be gained by getting 55 out of 115 points using the following calculation:
- Convert your grade to a German grade using the Bavarian Formula.
- Calculate points: points = (4 - German grade) x 15.
- Up to 50 points can be added if your previous course matches well.
- Up to 15 points can be added for relevant scientific results or publications.
Is important to note that we use percentage rather than GPA. It is therefore important to include a conversion paper in your application documents, if available.
In case of questions please consider visitig our FAQs!
What career prospects do I have after completing my studies?
In the actual scenario of the increasing shortage of highly qualified personnel in technical and scientific sectors, there are excellent career prospects for graduates of the Master’s degree programme in scientific instrumentation both nationally and internationally. The industries and research institutes in the region of Jena provide excellent employment opportunities for graduates in the particular specializations which they have opted for. Many companies are engaged into the fields of metrology and sensors, optics, analytical techniques, micro engineering and medical engineering. The close contacts that the teaching staff possesses with the industrial firms and research institutes ensure that the training is practically oriented and is up-to-date with the course contents. Looking at the current scenario for interns and graduates of the scientific engineering courses, the demand is greater than the supply. The Master’s degree in Scientific Instrumentation also qualifies its holder to pursue a PhD.