1 programme, 2 universities
Discover our new Master of Science in Photonics Engineering*, a programme that leads to a joint degree from VUB and UGent!

The Master of Science in Photonics Engineering* is an English-taught 2-year master programme (120 ECTS) that leads to a joint degree from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University. We offer students a challenging engineering programme that combines core photonics courses with a whole range of photonics electives and multidisciplinary modules, e.g. Electronics and Information Technology, Physics and Materials, Business Engineering, Modelling, Measurement and Control and Life Sciences.
This multidisciplinary approach combined with high-level training in labs and a strong international component has proven to boost the employment prospects of our graduates to a maximum in innovative industries and research domains such as biotechnology, health care, green energy, ICT and Industry 4.0.

Standard study plan
The Master of Science In Photonics Engineering programme is a 2-year interuniversity English taught master programme organised jointly by Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University.*
The programme offers a fully residential on-campus track and a semi-online track. In the residential on-campus track, students spend both master year 1 and master year 2 on-campus. In master year 1, students take core photonics courses in semester 1 & 2 at VUB or UGent, supplemented by a number of advanced photonics electives.
In master year 2 students can design their own programme combining:
- Advanced photonics courses at VUB, UGent or partner universities
- Multidisciplinary modules at VUB, UGent or partner universities
- Strong international components for the master dissertation or research exchange,
- Opportunities for (international) internships at research institutes or industry.
For their second year, students can continue their studies at VUB or UGent or they can go for an Erasmus Exchange at one of our partner institutions for a semester or a full your year to take courses and/or write their master thesis.
VUB and UGent work closely with top partner universities worldwide. Students can design their personal exchange programme aligned with their focus and interests.
In the online track, students follow master year 1 fully online. For master year 2 they come to VUB or UGent.

VUB Photonics Campus
Have a look at our Photonics Innovation Center: the VUB Photonics Campus
Want to know more about studying at the Faculty of Engineering?
Join our online info sessions for international studentsAny questions?
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Contact us
Visum-required applicants: deadline 01 April 2022
Apply now!Master
Educational Quality
Here at VUB we put great care and effort in the quality of our education. Transparency is key. Information on the educational quality of each programme is public, e.g. describing its strengths and actions.
Public info on the quality of the programme