Optics and Photonics MSc

Program Overview

Imperial College London's MSc in Optics and Photonics enhances students' skills and knowledge in crucial optical principles like imaging, lasers, and optical measurements. Through hands-on experience, self-study projects, and a culmination research project, graduates become highly sought-after experts in industries ranging from telecommunications to biomedical imaging. This established program leverages over 80 years of expertise and offers career prospects in optical engineering, research, and academia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Optics and Photonics is a one-year, full-time program offered by the Department of Physics at Imperial College London. It is one of the College's longest-established courses and draws on over 80 years of experience in optics education. The program aims to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in industry or further doctoral studies. The program focuses on key topics in optics, including:

• Imaging
• Laser fundamentals
• Optical measurements and devices
• Optical communications
Students will engage in substantial laboratory and project work, often based within industry. There is also an opportunity to undertake a self-study project in an area of their choice. The program culminates in a full-time project, which can be conducted in industry, an academic research group, or abroad.

Outline:

The MSc in Optics and Photonics program is structured as follows:

Core Modules:

• Imaging: This module explores themes such as Fermat's Principle, Snell's law, stops and pupils, complex amplitude, and the resolution of imaging systems.
• Optical Measurement and Devices: This module explores common optical measurement and devices, covers polarization, and introduces practical techniques for the manufacture of thin film devices.
• Self-Study Project: Students undertake a self-study project in an area of their choice.

Optional Modules:

Students choose optional modules to a total of 25 to 27.5 ECTS. Some of the available options include:

• Optical Design: This module explores elements of optimal design, including finite ray tracing, chromatic aberrations, and the use of aspheric surfaces in imaging systems.
• Laser Technology: This module familiarizes students with the principles and practice of laser devices and nonlinear optical technology.
• Biomedical Imaging: This module analyzes the principles and practice of biomedical imaging technologies, including microscopes, fluorescence, and tomography.
• Opto-electronic devices: This module examines the most important device components from the worlds of optical telecommunication, space lighting, optical displays, and sustainable energy production.
• Fibre and Ultrafast Lasers: This module explores the workings of fiber and ultrafast lasers and provides insight into their applications in various scientific and industrial contexts.

Research Project:

The program concludes with a four-month, full-time research project. This project can be carried out in industry, abroad, or in conjunction with an academic research group.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Written examinations
• Laboratory work
• Project work
The breakdown of assessment is as follows:
• 44% Written examinations
• 17% Laboratory work
• 39% Project work

Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• Virtual learning environment
• Individual project
• Lectures
• Lecture recordings
• Practical work
• Problem classes
• Tutorials

Careers:

Graduates of the MSc in Optics and Photonics program are highly sought after for a variety of careers in industry. They often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research. Some common career paths include:

• Research scientist
• Optical engineer
• Laser technician
• Biomedical imaging specialist
The course director is Dr. Kenny Weir.

Full-time: £15,350 Part-time: £7,675 per year Full-time: £36,800 Part-time: £18,400 per year