Optical Fibre & Photonic Engineering (MSc)

You’ll need the minimum of a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline such as physics, electronics, engineering, materials science or mathematics.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you’ve been away from formal study for some time we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Our optical fibre course runs from September to September.

This master's is a mix of essential modules that you must take and optional modules. This means that you can tailor your learning and focus on your areas of particular interest.

You’ll take 8 taught modules over the first 2 semesters. In the third and final semester, you’ll focus solely on your supervised research project, which may involve cleanroom and optical laboratory work.

Class sizes are small and you’ll get plenty of support from your personal academic tutor and PhD student mentor.

Each module is equal to about 150 hours of learning time.

During the Easter holidays, you’ll take part in the Industrial Showcase Week, where you’ll visit several photonics companies and complete business-focused assignments based on your findings.

There are 2 sets of exams, in January and in May.

Compulsory modules will cover:

• optical fibre and waveguide theory and fabrication
• fibre telecommunications
• practical experience of a number of different laser systems and analysis of their uses
• existing and emerging applications of fibre sensor technology
• photonics laboratory skills and laser safety

There’s then a wide choice of optional modules, ranging from advanced materials and nanoscience to silicon photonics and signal processing.

Over the summer you’ll embed in one of our research groups to complete your research project. Working alongside PhD, postdoctoral students and academics will give you a real taste of life as a researcher. Your project will be a in a subject of your choosing, as agreed with the course leader, and it may lead to publication. The project is assessed by a midterm progress report, a final 12,000-word dissertation, and a conference-style group presentation.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll learn through a variety of methods, including:

• lab workshops
• problem-solving classes
• delivering presentations
• practical experiments in laser and fibre science
• guest lectures on specialised optical networking topics

Assessment

We'll assess you through:

• exams
• laboratory work
• group presentations
• short reports
• coursework assignments
• case studies following visits to businesses

Dissertation

This course requires a final project dissertation with a maximum of 15,000 words, and a conference-style final project presentation to all the students on the programme.

Academic Support

You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior (pastoral) mentor. Each year group is also assigned a PhD student mentor.

By taking this course you’ll be ready to be part of the global growth in photonics, and will open a number of photonics job opportunities. Photonics technology in the UK produces £14.5 billion in output every year and is growing four times faster than overall UK manufacturing (Photonics Leadership Group 2020).

Our alumni have gone on to:

• take leading roles in industrial photonics research across the globe
• take leading roles in photonics product development across the globe
• run their own photonics businesses
• pursue their research at PhD level

Around a third of our graduates continue their study with us on our PhD programmes. We offer a number of generously funded PhD opportunities. Some of our students also take up PhD studies at our sister institute Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

You’ll benefit from our academics’ industry knowledge and exceptional global connections. Our dedicated Careers Hub organises an annual Engineering and Technology Careers Fair that’s attended by global photonics companies, where you can learn about MSc phonics job opportunities.

We foster a strong culture of innovation at the ORC. To date, we’ve developed 11 spin-out companies and our unique Industry Showcase Week helps you understand how to operate a business in this sector. If you’ve an idea that has commercial potential, you’ll get plenty of support.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Places are limited and we allocate them on a continuous basis from 21 September 2022, until all places are filled. We advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

We expect to close applications for this course on Friday 7 July 2023 (11:59pm UK time).

This course may stay open after this date if places are still available.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a degree transcript
• evidence of professional qualifications

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000