Photonics - Master's Programme

Daily life would not be possible without photonics. The master’s programme in Photonics provides thorough knowledge and understanding of the science and technology behind modern optics – and its many applications within fields like industrial production, imaging, medical diagnosis and treatment, light harvesting and illumination. You will develop both theoretical and practical skills in key areas, such as optical design, laser technology, spectroscopy and optical communication.

The programme includes core courses in photonics, lasers, optoelectronics, combined with elective options in areas like medical optics, spectroscopy, digital communication and nanotechnology. Among the mandatory electives are medical optics and atomic and molecular spectroscopy, which provide specialised knowledge in key areas of photonics.

The final degree project allows you to explore a specific area of photonics in depth, often in collaboration with research groups or industry.

The programme is offered by LTH, Lunds Tekniska Högskola (The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University). It is closely connected to research at the Lund Laser Centre, giving you access to leading experts and modern laboratories. The centre is home to groundbreaking research in photonics, including work by a Nobel Prize-winning researcher, highlighting the strength and innovation of the academic environment.

Teaching combines lectures, practical laboratory work and project-based learning. You will work with modern optical systems and laser technology in state-of-the-art facilities. The teaching approach encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Study visits and guest lecturers regularly contribute to the teaching, providing insights and perspectives on the field of photonics.

The programme emphasises hands-on experience in optical design, laser operation and photonic applications. You will have the chance to study the use of laser technology within medical diagnostics and treatment as well as experience in practice the work with femtosecond lasers in time-resolved physics. The elective courses focus on three areas of photonics: communication, diagnostics and component technology. This gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree based on your very own interests.

You will also be part of a multinational, innovative, and interactive learning environment, where diverse perspectives enrich your educational experience, all embedded into world-leading research at the Lund Laser Centre, the Faculty of Engineering. Study visits to the unique, large-scale facilities that Lund is host to, i.e. the fourth-generation synchrotron facility, MAX IV and the European Spallation Source, are integrated into the programme.

The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience within the programme prepares you for both industrial and academic careers. Since many years, the photonics market features stable growth much beyond the global GDP growth, and the employment opportunities in photonics are excellent worldwide.

Commercial applications of photonics include illumination and light harvesting, telecommunication, information processing, spectroscopy, medicine, laser material processing, automotive robotics and defense.

The photonics industry is truly global, and international enterprises offer job opportunities all over the world. Several photonics related companies (e.g. Axis Communications, NKT Photonics, Veoneer, Ericsson) are located in Lund or the greater Öresund region. PhotonicSweden represents the optics industry in Sweden and fosters the contact with academia. ESS and MAX IV create additional opportunities for photonics engineers in the Lund region.

Equipped with valuable skills in optics, lasers and photonic applications, the programme prepares you for diverse leading roles in industry and academia.

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering. Completed courses of at least 40 credits/ECTS in physics and 30 credits/ECTS in mathematics, covering quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, basics in optics, multi-dimensional calculus, linear algebra and Fourier analysis. English 6..

Selection criteria

The selection is based on academic qualifications and on a statement of purpose.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships