MSc Optical Technologies at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• gain hands-on experimental research experience using modern instrumentation 
• suitable for those with science or engineering background wanting to gain a vocational degree
• establish a foundation for an optics-related PhD
• explores the versatile field of optical technologies which supports many aspects of modern society
• optical technologies are expected to be a key enabling technology of the 21st century

Why this course?

The course provides the opportunity to explore and master a large range of optical technologies, enabling you to put devices in the context of an optical system and/or application.The course is based on the strong record of optical technologies across research divisions in the Department of Physics in collaboration with:

• Optics Division (Physics)
• Plasma Division (Physics)
• Nanoscience Division (Physics)
• Institute of Photonics
• Centre for Biophotonics
• Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering

You’ll put the knowledge gained in the taught components to use in a cutting-edge research project.

What you’ll study

The course consists of two semesters of taught classes followed by a three-month research project (MSc students only).

You can choose classes relevant to your career interests from a wide range of topics including:

• photonics and photonic materials
• nanosciences
• optics at the physics-life sciences interface
• laser-based plasma physics
• quantum optics and quantum information technology

Facilities

This course is run by the Department of Physics. Departmental facilities include:

• well-equipped optical labs for semiconductor photonics, semiconductor spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime analysis.
• the Ultrafast Chemical Physics lab with state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems for multi-dimensional IR spectroscopy
• cutting edge high power laser research with SCAPA, the highest power laser in a UK university
• a scanning electron microscopy suite for analysis of hard and soft matter
• access to top-of-the-range high-performance computer facilities
• industry standard cleanroom in the Institute of Photonics

Careers

The course gives you a thorough basis for a successful job in the photonics, optical and life sciences industries. It provides the basis to excel in more interesting and challenging posts.

The course can also be an entry route into an optics-related PhD programme.

Over the years, many of Strathclyde’s optics and photonics graduates have found successful employment at the large variety of local laser and optics companies as well as with national and international corporations.