PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr-Ing, Dr rer nat, Dr hum biol

In cooperation with

Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB, Bavarian Laser Centre, University hospitals

Teaching language

• English

Languages

100% English

Programme duration

9 semesters or more

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

Applications may be submitted at any time.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The interdisciplinary character of optical applications represents a challenge and an opportunity for researchers in physics, biology, medicine, and engineering. While these researchers often use similar optical methods when working in their own disciplines, the realisation of synergy effects demands close cooperation and technology transfer.
Starting from a background knowledge in fundamentals of optical technologies, four main topics in the research and education programme are covered by the graduate school, as follows:

• Quantum Optics and Ultrafast Dynamics

• Photonic Fibers, Materials and Devices

• Photonics in Production and Process Technology

• Biomedical Photonics and Image Data Processing

Course organisation

New members enter SAOT with differing levels of knowledge in optical fundamentals and optical application fields. At the beginning of the programme, therefore, a common entry standard for all tentative members is established in a one-week entrance academy. In this academy new members acquire a common basis of knowledge through lectures and discussions on fundamentals of optics and optical applications in four SAOT research fields. At the end of the academy a written examination must be passed to achieve full admission as a regular SAOT member.
Following full admission to the graduate school, the emphasis of the work lies on the doctoral research project, supervised by a principal investigator and mentors of the graduate school. 
Knowledge in fundamentals will be deepened in a lecture on basic concepts of optics, which is mandatory for all doctoral candidates who have not covered this topic in their prior education.
The education and training programme lasts for three to five years. During this time period candidates must obtain at least 90 credit points. Credit points can be earned, for example, in three categories, as follows:

• science (publications, international conference contributions, patents, internships, visits to foreign research institutions, German language course, invited talks)
• education (winter and summer academies, international SAOT workshops, key qualifications, lecture course from the MSc programme, teaching activities, supervision of students' theses)
• acquisition of funding and earned awards

A Diploma supplement will be issued

Yes

International elements

• Integrated study abroad unit(s)
• Language training provided
• Courses are led with foreign partners

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Internships abroad are supported. Language courses are provided by the language centres.

Integrated internships

Internships abroad, with a typical duration of three months, are encouraged but not compulsory.

Attendance of international conferences is supported.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

Yes

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

FAU does not charge tuition fees. However, each semester students must pay a fee for student services and purchase the "basic ticket" for public transportation.

Costs of living

According to a study by the German National Association for Student Affairs, students in former West Germany who no longer live with their parents have an average amount of more than 930 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. The study shows that approx. 25 per cent of the students asked have less than 700 EUR while 10 per cent have more than 1,300 EUR per month. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details regarding average expenditures:

• Rent, including bills (in the Erlangen-Nuremberg area): 325 EUR (250 to 600 EUR)
• Food: 168 EUR
• Clothing: 42 EUR
• Transport (public transport and/or car): 94 EUR
• Learning materials (depending on the subject): 20 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 80 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure activities, culture, sports: 61 EUR

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

https://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies

Academic admission requirements

SAOT admits excellent graduates in the fields of engineering, physical sciences and medical sciences with an outstanding result in the degree earned (Master's or "Diplom" or comparable degree). Interest in optical applications is essential; experience in this area is very desirable.
For the application guidelines, please see:
https://www.saot.fau.de/program/application-and-admission/

Language requirements

Applicants are not required to provide proof of their German and English skills but available test results should be included in the application. Desirable achievement levels are TestDaF 4 or DSH-2 or equivalent for German and TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (Internet-based), IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for English.
A high standard of spoken and written English is expected. German language skills are not compulsory, but advantageous.

Application deadline

Applications may be submitted at any time.

Submit application to

SAOT office: [email protected]

Accommodation

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

SAOT helps with all administrative issues and offers advice for your professional career after the doctoral degree.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Cultural and linguistic preparation

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