Master of Science in Photonics and Quantum Materials

The Photonics and Quantum Materials MSc program is a joint network-form effort with the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Institute for Spectroscopy RAS, and the Institute of Solid State Physics RAS. The program has strong interdisciplinary research and educational nature, conducted by experts from various areas of physics and material science.

The key features of the Photonics and Quantum Materials program are:

• Provides world-level research in photonics, biophotonics, and nanoelectronics, including spintronics and polaritonics;
• Provides strong interdisciplinary collaboration in different fields, spanning physics, material sciences, mathematics, and chemistry;
• Develops industry immersion, entrepreneurship, and innovation initiatives;
• Expands an educational environment in strong collaboration with Russian and foreign partners;
• Renowned faculty with international experience and collaborations;
• Publications in top-level journals.

The MSc program is 2 years long: the first year is to strengthen your theoretical background, and the second year is to focus on research. Students have the freedom to choose courses and extracurricular activities to shape their individual trajectory, acquire soft skills, and gain entrepreneurial skills to prepare for job placement.

A successful graduate of the program will know and be able to:

• Understand and get a deep insight into physics on an advanced level;
• Broad knowledge in the fundamental areas of applied physics and advanced theoretical knowledge and experimental training in a sub‐discipline;
• Apply their knowledge to solve state-of-the-art problems at the appropriate level of their preparation as individuals or as part of a team;
• Develop general insight into scientific work and the ability to use top-end equipment;
• Demonstrate the ability to acquire skills to plan and organize research work;
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a research project;
• Develop a commitment to life‐long learning and professional development.

Aim and objectives

The aim of the program is to provide knowledge and lab expertise in photonics, biophotonics, and nanoelectronics, as well as to prepare students to apply fundamental science and engineering approaches to higher-level research and industrial tasks.

The program objectives are:

• To provide students with disciplinary competence and professional proficiency;
• To perform original doctor-level research projects in physics;
• To prepare physicists for careers in university teaching, research, and industry.

Content

The curriculum covers the main topics in contemporary optics and condensed matter physics. The educational program is structured into three strongly integrated tracks that are realized jointly with academic partners: A) Photonics and Quantum Materials (Skoltech), B) Spectroscopy and Nanophotonics (MIPT/ISAN), C) Materials, and Devices (MIPT).

Program structure

The 2-year program comprises compulsory and recommended elective courses on the most important topics, a wide set of elective courses (depending on the research and professional needs of the student), components of entrepreneurship and innovation, research activity, and 8 weeks of industry immersion.

Research

Main research areas:

• Materials and nanostructures for nanoelectronics;
• Hybrid photonic/optoelectronic devices:
• Photonic technologies for metrology;
• Plasmonic structures and metamaterials for nanomedicine;
• Molecular and atomic spectroscopy;
• Low-temperature technologies.

Career opportunities and paths

Students graduating with a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics are in great demand throughout the international high-tech market.

Paths:

• Ph.D. positions in academic & research institutions;
• Specialist positions in various economic sectors including Skolkovo resident companies and startups.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science, or electronics.

It is expected that applicants are able to demonstrate good knowledge of mathematics (calculus, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, probability) and physics (general physics, electricity, photonic mechanics).

English language requirements:

If your education was not conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

Application requirements

The online application​ makes the process easier for potential students. We advise you carefully read the application instructions, requirements, and deadlines for the chosen academic program.

The application includes the following documents: a CV, two letters of recommendation, a TOEFL/IELTS score report, and a motivation letter. Applicants who do not have proof of English proficiency may take the TOEFL ITP during a Selection Weekend at Skoltech.

Selection process

1. Prepare your portfolio
   Prepare your competitive selection application materials.
2. Submit your application
   Upload your materials into the application system and submit your application.
3. Online testing
   Every candidate must take an online profile test. You will be notified by email about the specific date and time of your test.
4. In-person interviews (online)
   The final selection stage takes place in Moscow. You have to pass the TOEFL ITP exam on-site, or present a valid TOEFL certificate and pass an in-person interview. Extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time (you will be notified in advance).

©The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)

What our students say

Elena Gromova
BSc, Tomsk Polytechnic University → MSc, Skoltech → Linde Engineering

"Skoltech gives you an opportunity to create your own academic path by choosing different courses, improve your English skills by studying in a multicultural environment, get international academic experience by exchange programs with the top universities around the world. During the two-year MSc program in Photonics at Skoltech, I had an exchange semester in Canada and an expedition to Lake Baikal. Also, I had the opportunity to learn from intelligent qualified professors from the top universities, and also study with outstanding fellows always driven by an innovative spirit. I deeply value being a Skoltech alumni. It certainly contributed greatly to my further career and achievements in life."

Semyon Fast
BSc, Novosibirsk State University → MSc, Skoltech → Bazar

"Here people become magicians. On the nanoscale, it is impossible to rely on intuition only. Imagination with problem-solving is what attracts me to photonics. Production principles of integrated devices, imaging instruments for the human body, modeling nanoscale systems provoke your creativity if you are prepared enough. After studying here, graduates will have an opportunity to work as a researcher in optic communication, nanodevice production companies, or launch a deep-tech startup. The latter is a challenge but very demanded in the industry."

Aly Elakshar
BSc, Menofia University → MSc, Skoltech

"In the Photonics MSc program, I have discovered so many possibilities of prospective revolutions in this area of science that are occurring. This forms the building blocks for the next-generation technologies that will change the world as we know. In this program, you are going to learn the physics of light and its interaction with matter you can even go far to its different applications in different sectors from biomedical to IT."