Lasers and Photonics (Master of Science) Ruhr-Universität Bochum

All courses are held in English.

Ruhr-Universität 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 by the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy.

Non-EU applicants:
15 November for the following summer semester
15 May for the following winter semester

EU applicants:
15 January for the following summer semester
15 July for the following winter semester

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:

• mandatory modules (first and second semester)
• mandatory elective modules (first to third semester)
• free elective modules (first to third semester)
• practical courses (first to third semester)
• Master's thesis (fourth semester)

The mandatory modules form the basis for the Master's studies. Here, students will acquire fundamental knowledge in the fields of lasers, optics, quantum mechanics and photonics. They will deepen their experimental skills by carrying out experiments in our laboratories. We also focus on improving our student's scientific writing skills: In the English module, students will train to write a scientific paper and to create a scientific poster.

For the mandatory elective modules, students should choose courses from the catalogue on offer. Usually, these courses are from the area of "Lasers and Photonics" or a closely related area.

The practical courses consist of hands-on lab courses in areas of current scientific research as well as seminars.

For the free elective modules, our students are free to choose any course offered at the university (e.g. economics, marketing, legal issues or further technical courses as well as German language courses).

The curriculum includes a course-specific integrated English language course and international guest lecturers.

We strongly support students who want to study at a university outside of Germany for one semester. 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.

None

No tuition fees

Students have to pay a social contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany (https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/re-registration-and-social-contribution).

Minimum of 950 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses in Germany

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 English knowledge should be provided. For admission to the English language degree course, English language skills at a min. level B2 CEFR are required. This may be demonstrated by providing a UNIcert II-certificate or one of the following international certificates: IELTS (academic) min. 6.0, TOEFL iBT min. 85, Oxford Test of English min. 120, or PTE Academic min. 55. The German Abitur certificate may be submitted as a proof of language level as long as it states the language proficiency level that has been achieved.

Non-EU applicants:
15 November for the following summer semester
15 May for the following winter semester

EU applicants:
15 January for the following summer semester
15 July for the following winter semester

Students with outstanding academic performance who are involved in special social activities can receive 300 EUR per month for a year from the Ruhr-Universität Scholarship Fund “Deutschlandstipendium”: https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/deutschlandstipendium-information-students.

The International Office offers scholarships for International students, e.g. a graduation grant for students with good to very good academic performance who need financial support during the final phase of study. The graduation grant is currently 500 EUR per month for six months. An overview of scholarships offered by the International Office at RUB is found here: https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/scholarships-international-office.

In the city of Bochum, you can find different types of accommodation. On average, students in Bochum pay approximately 350 to 600 EUR per month for a single apartment, which is below the average rent in Germany. A room in a shared apartment is usually less expensive.

About 5,000 students in Bochum live in multiple student halls close to the campus, which are run by the Akademisches Förderungswerk (AKAFÖ). In the halls, students have their own single room and share a kitchen and bathroom with other students, they rent an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen, or they share an apartment with one or several flatmates. 

More information on the student halls can be found at https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/wohnen.

In addition, private and church-affiliated student halls accommodate up to 1,000 students: http://www.stuwo.de/wohnheim-region/bochum/.

Tutors: Every applicant who has received a study place is assigned a personal tutor directly with the study place. The tutor is available to provide help and advice on all questions concerning coming to RUB.

Accompanying programme (Master's-Start-Up): The Master's programme in Lasers and Photonics offers a course dealing with the challenges faced by international first-year students during the semester.

Specialist counselling: There is compulsory counselling for all first-year students on the course of study.