During the first semester, students complete cooperative modules such as Introduction to Photon Science, IT and Research Methodology, and Practical Training. An elective component called Adjustment allows students, in close consultation with the coordination office, to select courses tailored to their individual academic background.

In the second and third semesters, students select modules from the Fundamental Electives area and participate in the comprehensive two-semester module Specialisation. Course selection is aligned with students¡¯ individual research interests. A colloquium at the end of the third semester provides an opportunity to present and discuss the results of the specialisation with students and academic staff from all three universities.

The module Research Training also spans the second and third semesters and includes practical research work in two independent research groups located at different universities. The module includes a graded research colloquium designed to evaluate progress and support planning for the subsequent research phase.

The programme concludes in the fourth semester with the Master¡¯s thesis, which must be defended before an examination committee consisting of representatives from all three universities.

The Specialisation module consists of two components.

In the first component, students select courses according to their individual interests in order to acquire advanced knowledge in photonics. Possible topics include biophotonics, nano- and micro-optics, photonic system design, strong-field physics, X-ray science, and quantum optics. Students must successfully complete courses totalling at least 20 ECTS credits.

In the second component, students must successfully complete a presentation at the end of the third semester. This takes the form of a poster presentation seminar within the framework of the MPSP Spring School and relates to the individual specialisation pathway and the projects undertaken.

The Master¡¯s programme prepares students for research-oriented and scientifically grounded careers in optics and optical technologies, as well as for further academic qualification. Graduates acquire advanced knowledge in optics and photonics, including theoretical foundations, experimental methods, and applications from both physical and engineering perspectives.

Students develop specialised expertise in selected fields and gain experience in conducting, documenting and presenting scientific research. The multi-site structure of the programme fosters organisational skills, independence, and the ability to operate confidently in different research environments.

Throughout the programme, students gradually develop competencies in scientific methodology, experimentation, data management, programming, and research ethics. Practical laboratory work, the Research Training module and the Master¡¯s thesis place particular emphasis on good scientific practice and independent problem-solving.

Regular presentations, colloquia and participation in Spring and Autumn Schools strengthen students¡¯ communication skills and promote scientific exchange. Studying and working across several locations further enhances adaptability, self-organisation and the ability to engage with different scientific cultures.

The central objective of the programme is to enable students to conduct independent scientific research in photonics at a high international level. The structured sequence of modules ensures a coherent progression from fundamental knowledge to advanced research, culminating in the Master¡¯s thesis, where all acquired competencies are integrated.

Graduates of the M.Sc. Photon Science and Technology have excellent prospects. They can pursue a scientific career, e.g. a Ph.D. at the Max Planck School of Photonics¡¯ nation wide network of excellent research institutions.

Afterwards, both academic and industry career opportunities emerge: Industry currently lacks qualified employees so that students of the program often receive one or more job offers before completing the program. Graduates are often sought for challenging and technically demanding positions not only in the fields of optics and photonics, but also in telecommunications and laser technology.