Master of Photonics & Optical Science

Photonics - the technology of transmission, control, and detection of light - is the cornerstone of the ultrafast internet. With the advent of high definition TV and video on demand, many homes will have an optical connection to the internet, and optical links, for example USB memory sticks, will be widespread. But photonics and optical sciences are not just limited to telecommunications. Novel optical sensing devices are already used in mining, the petrochemical industry and biomedical research utilise optical and photonic components.

The Master of Photonics and Optical Science (MPhotOptSci) and Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science (GradDipPhotOptSci) postgraduate programs have been designed to prepare Information and Communication Techonology (ICT) professionals for this growing and widespread demand in photonic engineering and development. These programs bring together the expertise of world leading research groups at the University of Sydney to provide training and in-depth knowledge in the theory and application of photonics, imaging and optical science.

The Schools of Physics and Electrical and Information Engineering together with the Electron Microscope Unit offer students coursework programs combined with practical training in optical instrumentation and imaging, optical communication systems, biophotonics and microscopy, optical sources, detectors and optical materials. Students are also introduced to subjects at the very leading edge of modern optics including quantum and nonlinear optics and nanophotonics.

Students taking the Masters program have the opportunity to conduct original research with training and mentoring in research techniques.

University of Sydney Advantage

The University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious university with a tradition of excellence in optics and photonics. This program will provide students with teaching and training from schools across the University, each internationally renowned in their fields.

Students will take the majority of units in the School of Physics, where they will have access to teaching expertise and world class research facilities in the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence in Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS) and the Institute of Astronomy (IoA). They will gain a high level understanding of optical communications systems from units at the School of Electrical and Information Engineering and receive training in advanced microscopy techniques at the Electron Microscope Unit.

The University has formed the Institute of Photonics and Optical Science (IPOS) to coordinate this program and provide students with a program of exceptional quality.

Program Outcomes

Students will graduate from these programs with a professional-level knowledge of optics and photonics applied to areas including optical communications, optical instruments and advanced microphotonic devices, and will have received training in a range of techniques enabling them to design optical systems, perform optical measurements and employ advanced imaging techniques. These skills, combined with skills in research gained during the Masters program, will equip students for a high-level professional role in industry.

Mode of Delivery

The Masters program consists of eight coursework units of study (these constitute the GradDipPhotOptSci) together with a research project. Each coursework unit of study comprises lectures, tutorials and seminars which include practical training or group exercises. Full-time students enrol in four units per semester, completing the eight units in a minimum of two semesters. During the research project, which will be carried out over a full semester in the School of Physics or elsewhere by agreement, students work full time under the guidance of an academic supervisor on a topic of original research.

Admission Requirements

• GradDipPhotOptSci:
  - a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a major in physics, or equivalent degree qualification.
• MPhotOptSci:
  - a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a major in physics, or equivalent; students may also be admitted to the MPhotOptSci on completion of requirements for the GradDipPhotOptSci

Program Requirements

• GradDipPhotOptSci:
  - satisfactory completion of 48 credit points
• MPhotOptSci:
  - satisfactory completion of 72 credit points

Units of Study

For an up to date list of the units of study.

After Graduation

A high level of understanding of optics and photonics, with associated practical skills, will equip graduates for senior professional roles in a broad range of industries where specialised knowledge of ICT is crucial: telecommunications; scientific, industrial and medical instrumentation; mineral exploration and mining. Other opportunities for employment exist as a research and development engineer in specialised fields including astronomical instrumentation and experimental research. Students who achieve sufficiently high grades in their Masters program may be interested to undertake a research-only PhD program.

Minimum program duration - Full Time

• GradDipPhotOptSci
  - 2 semesters
• MPhotOptSci
  - 3 semesters

Minimum program duration - Part Time

GradDipPhotOptSci
- 4 semesters

MPhotOptSci
- 6 semesters

Is Mid-Year Entry Available?

Yes