Quantum Engineering Saarland University

Mandatory courses are held in English, some elective courses are offered in German. In any case, the Master's can be completed with English only. Participants can choose to write the Master's thesis in either language.

Quantum Engineering provides cross-disciplinary training between knowledge-oriented natural sciences, especially physics, and application-oriented engineering, especially systems engineering. The Master's programme provides in-depth training in the complementary core areas of physics and engineering, targeted at the research, development and implementation of quantum technologies. In addition, students can set individual priorities for a theoretical, experimental or applied profile.

The students select courses from the core areas of quantum physics and systems engineering and expand them in the context of specific elective subjects, seminars and (project) lab work that can be selected from a wide range of topics. The general elective courses allow further deepening, practical implementation and the acquisition of interdisciplinary scientific competences in economics modules or language courses based on individual preferences and goals, for example. A laboratory project and an associated project seminar serve as an introduction to the Master's thesis, which is written in research groups.

Graduates of the "Quantum Engineering" Master's programme have a wide range of career opportunities. They can pursue a doctorate and work in research, or they can take up activities in high-tech development, in manufacturing or sales in the very latest quantum technologies, which are currently poised to leap from the world of research into broad application.

• 1 March for the following summer semester
• 1 September for the following winter semester

The research-oriented Master's programme in "Quantum Engineering" comprises a total of 120 CP. 15 of these CP are allotted to a laboratory project, which will familiarise students with a scientific topic, and 30 CP will go towards the final Master's thesis. The duration of the Master's thesis, which includes the Master's colloquium, is six months. The required study modules are divided into the categories: "core area quantum physics", "core area systems engineering", "subject-specific compulsory choice", "subject-specific seminars, lab work and project seminars", "general elective courses", "laboratory project" and "Master's thesis".

In the Master's programme, knowledge is specifically expanded through in-depth courses in quantum physics and systems engineering, where first individual options are already available. The individual professional orientation takes place via a selection of further subject-specific elective subjects as well as laboratory work and/ or (team) projects from common catalogues in physics and systems engineering.

Depending on individual inclination, general elective courses allow further specialisation or the development of interdisciplinary scientific competences. In addition to courses from a wide range of subjects, it is possible to work as a tutor at the university as well as have an internship in the industry or a research facility.

The laboratory project leading up to the Master's thesis and the Master's thesis itself, convey the ability for independent scientific research. Through the intensive involvement in a research group in this phase of the programme, the students also acquire teamwork and communication skills.

After four semesters of regular study time, the Quantum Engineering Master's programme is completed with the degree Master of Science (MSc).

Professors cooperate with many international partners via the "University of the greater Region UGR" and the "Transform4Europe T4E" network as well as personal research collaborations. Topics for Master's theses, in particular, are often offered in these contexts.

The programme contains an optional internship (up to 9 CP) within the industry. This can be done with international companies or local companies that work internationally.

No tuition fees

Payment to Studierendenwerk Saarland (Saarland Student Services): 121.20 EUR
Personal accident, theft and public liability insurance: 1.30 EUR
Payment to the General Student Committee (AStA): 13 EUR
Administrative charge: 50 EUR
Semester travel ticket (free public transport throughout the state of Saarland): 133 EUR

Total: 318.50 EUR

Students in Saarbrücken benefit from the moderate living costs.

Requirements for the Master's programme in Quantum Engineering are:

• A Bachelor's degree from a German university or an equivalent degree from a foreign university with a focus on quantum engineering or a subject related to quantum engineering,
• Adequate language skills in English (details below)
• Candidates have to demonstrate their special qualification for this programme. The criteria that determine qualification are the achievements in the prior academic career, proven by:
  • an overall grade of "good" (2.5) or better in the Bachelor's degree,
  • suitable course and subject content of the acquired Bachelor's degree
• Assessment reports could be required. In the following subject areas, the CP specified below should at least be proven in lectures and exercises as part of the previous degree:
  • 36 CP in experimental and theoretical physics in the areas: mechanics, optics, atomic physics, solid state physics and quantum mechanics
  • 12 CP in fundamentals of electrical engineering, measurement science and technology as well as sensors and instrumentation
  • 8 CP in electrodynamics or electromagnetics,
  • 10 CP in electronics and circuit technology
  • 20 CP in mathematical basics
  • 12 CP in the context of physical and engineering lab work

These criteria are checked by the departments during the admission procedure, based on the data provided in the online application. 

If your application is accepted, you will be informed in advance via e-mail. You will also receive an official admission letter by regular mail. This admission letter serves as proof of acceptance of your application and is a requirement for enrolling in the Master's programme.

Adequate language skills (usually level B2 of the European reference framework, comparable or better) in English

• 1 March for the following summer semester
• 1 September for the following winter semester

ERASMUS+

Many research groups offer student assistant positions to gain additional practical experience during the regular course programme. Weekly hours are agreed between the student and research group, and can be up to 16 hours per week.

Both departments (Physics and Systems Engineering) offer personal advice for planning the study programme as well as career advice.