MSc in Optical Technologies
The course is a taught Masters in the versatile field of optical technologies which underpin many 
aspects of modern society and are expected to be a key enabling technology of the 21st century. The course is based on the strong record of optical technologies in all research divisions of the Department of Physics, the Institute of Photonics (a commercially-oriented research unit at the interface between academia and industry), the Centre for Biophotonics (SIPBS) and the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
Students can choose taught elements relevant to their career interests from a wide range of topics in photonics, nanosciences, optics at the physics-life sciences interface, information technology and quantum optics. The knowledge gained in the taught components is then put to use in a cutting edge research project.
The course will give the opportunity of exploring and mastering a larger breadth of optical technologies and enable the student to put devices in the context of an optical system and/or application.
Who might be interested?
The prospective student has a science or engineering background
and wants to top up his/her education by a vocational degree including hands-on experimental research experience on modern instrumentation or the theoretical/computational equivalent. Students having worked in industry already for some time might want to underpin their future career by further academic studies in relevant subjects.
Course Structure
The course is divided in two semesters with taught courses 
and a four-month research project. Compulsory components in semester 1 are transferable skills training (Research Skills and Managing Technological Innovation) and in semester 2 a Literature Survey preparing for the project. In addition, students can choose from a portfolio including courses from:
- Laser Physics, Laser Optics and Nonlinear Optics
- Optical design and systems
- Photonic Devices
- Material Sciences
- Nanoscience and Imaging
- Quantum Optics
- Ultrafast Physics
- Optical Communication Networks
Duration of Course
For the MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months half-time (180 credits = 1800 hours)
Careers
The course provides a thorough basis for a successful work in the
Photonics, optical and life sciences industries as well for the entry into an optics-related PhD programme. The MSc will provide the basis to excel in more interesting and challenging posts than with an undergraduate degree and to enhance career prospectus.
Entry requirements
The applicant should possess a degree (in the case of direct entry to the degree of MSc, a first or second class Honours degree) from a United Kingdom university in physics or a sufficiently related degree in Science or Engineering, or any international degree or industrial experience deemed by the Course Director to be equivalent. Depending on the previous experience of the applicant, some courses might be compulsory to take as conversion courses.
Scholarships
Scholarships might be available for a number of students 
(subject to confirmation). Please contact the department for details.
- Click for further course details (PDF)
- Apply for the course.
- For more information, please contact: pgt
phys.strath.ac.uk
