Master of Science
in Applied Mathematics and Physics
in Applied Mathematics and Physics
PHOTONICS
& QUANTUM
MATERIALS
& QUANTUM
MATERIALS
about the program
The Photonics & Quantum Materials MSc program is tailored to provide future graduates with the tools they will need to tackle the on-going photonics revolution. A broad curriculum of courses in modern aspects of photonics, provided by world-leading faculty, provides both foundation knowledge in the field and specific understanding of key areas of modern photonics. Through a continuous program of experimental 'hands-on' activities, all students are provided with the opportunity to carry on a research project within one of Skoltech's state-of-the-art laboratories and research groups. Students are able to choose between research-oriented (involving research projects in fundamental and applied photonics) and industry-oriented (carrying out an applied project with industrial partners) tracks, tuning their experience to their specific skills and to their desired outcome.
Representing the scientific core of the program, this track is centered on an extensive educational program in modern solid state physics and photonics, along with innovation and commercialization courses. In additional to foundational courses, students can choose from a wide range of optional courses to tune their experience to their specific interests. All students are expected to carry out an experimental or theoretical project within Skoltech's research groups and laboratories, typically leading to publication in peer-reviewed international journals. Graduates commonly continue their carreer in academia or pursue research positions in research-intensive companies.
This track offer the possibility of a dual degree with the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). Applications to both MIPT and Skoltech are then required.
This track offer the possibility of a dual degree with the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). Applications to both MIPT and Skoltech are then required.
Offering a more engineering-oriented curriculum, this track is appropriate for students aiming towards a carreer in industry. Organized in collaboration with IPG Photonics, world leader in high-performance lasers and amplifiers, the students of the industrial track will be engaged in projects related to the development, production and application of novel high-power laser system. They will during their MSc learn the basics of optical engineering, simulation and applied programming (ZEEMAX), along with fundamentals of electronics engineering. The industrial track is designed to provide students with the fundamentals required to successfully kickstart a carreer as optical engineer or specialist, currently in strong demand in industry around the world.
Students of the Industrial Track become interns at IPG Photonics, where they receive an additional scholarship.
Students of the Industrial Track become interns at IPG Photonics, where they receive an additional scholarship.
Mode, duration
2 years (full-time)- Language
English - Fees
Full tuition coverage - Benefits
Monthly scholarship (up to 55000 rub/month), relocation & accommodation, private medical insurance (in accordance with Skoltech policies)
The key features of the Photonics and Quantum Materials MSc are
01
Broad education program in contemporary photonics and condensed matter physics
02
Access to state-of-the art research laboratories, such as in quantum and optical computing, photonics integrated circuits, biophotonics and nanomaterials
03
'Project-driven education', with students expected to carry out innovative research and to publish in renowned journals
04
Innovation-driven program, with strong support for student-led startups
05
International and Russian faculty with strong international ties, offering opportunities for short-term research visits at various partner sites
06
Optional Industrial Track providing training in applied optical engineering for a more industry-oriented carreer
The 2-year program comprises of a number of courses in key areas of photonics and condensed matter physics, which the student can tune to its specific individual needs, in addition to other learning opportunities such as academic English courses. Access to entrepeneurship and innovation activities is provided to all students, along with supporting schemes for student-led startups (seed funding, mentoring from experts in the field, help in starting a company). All students are expected to find a research supervisor, with whom they will devise and carry out an experimental project in Skoltech's state-of-the-art laboratories. A 2 month industrial immersion period will also offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and research of an industrial partner.
Check out the course catalog of the Photonics and Quantum Materials program here (select the Photonics and Quantum Materials option on the page).
research
Individual projects are provided within state-of-the-art laboratories in the following areas of research
Optical computing and neuromorphic systems- Photonic Integrated Circuits
- Photonics technologies for metrology
- Plasmonic structures and metamaterials
- Materials and nanostructures for optoelectronics and sensorics
- Biophotonics
labs
Students of the Photonics & Quantum Materials have access to state-of-the-art research facilities equipped with the latest technologies.
future career
our graduates shape their own futures by choosing from a variety of career opportunities in industry, science and business
Industry
Program alumni have started successful carreer in R&D intensive companies within Russia and abroad, for instance in Tinkoff, Megafon, IPG Photonics, A* Singapore, ASML & Huawei Research
Academia
Many students choose to follow their MSc with a PhD, either within Skoltech or in other leading academic institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science, MIPT, EPFL, MSU, University of Berlin, Cambridge University, Paris Ecole Polytechnique & EPFL
Startup
A popular choice is also to launch a startup based on their own research or individual ideas, or to join the team of a young startup, such as Skolkovo residents PICTechs, NovaPrint 3D and TetraQuant.
partners
Skoltech has strongly established connections with leading companies in the industry and academia
- MIPT
- ISSP RAS
- ITMO
- NSU
- IREE
- MSU
- MEPhI
- ISP
- Lebedev PI
- Prokhorov GPI
- ITEP
- Landau ITP
- Ioffe PTI
- IAP
- Institute of Spectroscopy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISAN)
- MIT
- University of Cambridge
- Aalto University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- UA
- UNC
- NYU
- University of Southampton
- UNT
- UTD
- Columbia University
- Stony Brook University
- University of California
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Massachusetts
- University of Manchester
- Darmstadt Technical University
- IPG Photonics
- IBM
- Russian Space Systems
- RTI
- OKB Planeta
- T8
- Luxtaltek
- Terasense
admissions
applications for competitive selection can be submitted online. Most of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage of the selection is conducted offline at the Skoltech campus
1
registration
Prepare your portfolio (in English):
- CV
- Motivation letter
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Diploma or transcript from the university
- Certificates and awards
2
submit your application
Upload your materials into the SIA application system (apply.skoltech.ru)
3
online testing
Every candidate must take an online subject test. You will be notified via email about the specific date and time of your test.
Exam sample
Exam sample (NEW)
Exam sample
Exam sample (NEW)
4
final stage
The final selection stage takes place in Moscow. You have to pass the English exam on site, or present a valid proof of English proficiency, pass an in-person interview and entrepreneurship challenge. Extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time (you will be notified in advance). In case you're not from Moscow, we can accommodate you in the Skoltech dorms for the selection weekend period.
entry requirements
knowledge, skills and education background for successful enrollment into the program
knowledge and skills
General Physics (mechanics, electro-magnetism, thermodynamics), Analysis, Linear algebra, Basic probability, Basic quantum mechanics, Programming.
education
Bachelor Degree in Mathematics or Physics or Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Optical, Electric or Mechanical).
english language
If your education has not been conducted in English, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
faculty
enjoy courses and supervision by world-renowned scientists and engineers
application
The application period for Skoltech Master's programs for 2023 is now closed. To apply for the 2024 start, check back in autumn or subscribe below to receive a notification.
Learn about applying to Skoltech
Submit the form below to receive a notification as soon as the application will be opened.
By submitting your information, you are agreeing to Skoltech's Personal Data policy.
Subscribe to Skoltech's newsletter
Receive university news, invitations to exclusive events and student life updates in your inbox.
By submitting your information, you are agreeing to Skoltech's Personal Data policy.
Contact us
e-mail: admissions@skoltech.ru
phone: +7 (495) 280-1481_ext.3387
address: 30с1 Bolshoi boulevard,
Skolkovo, 121205, Russian Federation
Room E-R3-2026
phone: +7 (495) 280-1481_ext.3387
address: 30с1 Bolshoi boulevard,
Skolkovo, 121205, Russian Federation
Room E-R3-2026
We are more than happy to meet visitors Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. Please arrange a visit 48 hours in advance by contacting admissions@skoltech.ru