Optical Engineering (MSc)

You'll need a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a related subject such as:

• electronic engineering
• information engineering
• materials science
• optical engineering
• physics
• telecommunications

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution. 

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

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.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

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

Your studies will run for a full 12 months, from September to the following September. The first 8 months cover taught modules and the completion of your coursework and examinations. For the final part of your studies you'll work on a research project, which will result in your dissertation. There are 2 sets of exams, in January and in May.

Your learning will be led by the latest research, and modules can change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Semester 1 overview

Four compulsory modules covering the basics of:

• lasers
• optical fibres and waveguides
• optical materials and device fabrication
• practical signal processing in optics

Assessment of these lecture based modules is through a mixture of coursework and written examinations.

Semester 2 overview

You must complete a compulsory lab based module that covers practical topics important to photonic systems, such as fibres or lasers. This module is assessed through laboratory reports, and a conference style presentation.

The rest of the semester consists of 3 option modules. At least 2 of these must be from within the Optoelectronics Research Centre. One option can also be taken outside of the school.

Research project

After you have completed the first 2 semesters, you will undertake a research project lasting around 15 weeks. This can involve cleanroom and optical laboratory work.

Your project is assessed by a:

• midterm (7 week) progress report of 2,500 words
• 15,000 word dissertation
• conference style group presentation

Your dissertation is due by the middle of September. After you submit your dissertation, you will present the main achievements of your research project work to your peers in a conference style setting.

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

Learning

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

• classes and tutorials
• delivering presentations
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Assessment

We'll assess you through:

• exams
• coursework assignments
• presentations
• reports and portfolios
• projects

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

Towards the end of semester 2, you will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to and agreed by the project coordinator. During the summer you will have weekly meetings with your supervisor or, if your supervisor is unavailable, another researcher within the group.

The Student Support Hub can help with your questions or concerns about your wellbeing, fees and funding, accommodation, or visas. 

Visit the Student Support Hub.

You will also be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor, who will offer one to one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton. They will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have.

Find out more information on Personal Academic Tutors.

By taking this optical engineering degree you’ll be ready to join the global growth in photonics. This will open up a number of photonics job opportunities, for example, for aspiring photonics engineers or laser scientists. 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 and 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 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 engineering careers hub organises an annual Engineering and Technology Careers Fair attended by global photonics companies, where you can learn about MSc photonics job opportunities.

We foster a strong culture of innovation at the Optoelectronics Research Centre. To date, we’ve developed 11 spin-out companies and our 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.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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 £32,800.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

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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.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

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

References are not required for this programme.

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.

Unfortunately, due to number 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