Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Master of Science in Technology and Design (Optics and Photonics)
About programme
The Master of Science in Technology and Design (Optics and Photonics) is a condensed 1-year program established in collaboration with the Abbe School of Photonics in Jena, the world’s cradle of optics, conducted at SUTD the world’s first Design.AI university.
This program inspires students to be proficient in the technology behind some of the latest global megatrends that are enabled by photonics. It incorporates practices in design-driven engineering with solid foundational principles, practical and hands-on skills in this rapidly growing field of optics and photonics.
Programme structure
Spanning three terms, the curriculum blends foundational science, computational design, AI integration, and hands-on fabrication to prepare graduates for impactful roles in industry and research.
Students begin with the ‘Innovation by Design’ course, where you learn to integrate marketing, engineering, and design thinking to tackle real-world challenges. You will explore the transformative role of photonics in global megatrends through ‘Let There Be Light: Optics and Photonics in Action’, and build rigorous theoretical foundations in ‘Theory of Light’.
In Term 2, deepen your design capabilities in ‘Design Science’, and gain practical skills in simulation and optimisation through ‘Computational Optics Design and Engineering (CODE) and AI-OPEN’, which bridges photonics with artificial intelligence. Term 3 culminates in ‘NanoLab’, a hands-on cleanroom course in nanofabrication and metrology, and a faculty-mentored design project where students prototype and test photonic devices.
This programme is ideal for aspiring technologists, designers, and researchers seeking to shape the future of optics-enabled innovation.
Possible career paths and opportunities
Graduates are uniquely equipped to lead innovation in industries where light-based technologies are transforming the future. With a curriculum that blends design thinking, theoretical foundations, AI integration, and hands-on cleanroom experience, students are prepared for high-impact roles across a wide spectrum of sectors. Key career paths include:
- Optical engineer / scientist – designing advanced imaging, sensing, and communication systems.
- Photonics R&D specialist – developing next-generation devices in quantum photonics, metasurfaces, and integrated optics.
- Laser engineer – building precision laser systems for medical, industrial, and defense applications.
- Nanofabrication process engineer – fabricating and characterising nanoscale photonic devices in cleanroom environments.
- AI-Photonics integration specialist – applying machine learning to optimise photonic designs and smart sensing systems.
- Application engineer – customising optical components for AR/VR, autonomous vehicles, and consumer electronics.
- Technical marketing / sales engineer – bridging technical expertise with business development in photonics firms.
- Quality assurance and metrology engineer – ensuring precision and reliability in optical systems.
Graduates are also well-positioned for PhD programmes in photonics, quantum technologies, and computational optics, or for roles in government labs, multinational tech companies and deep-tech startups.
Message from the academic programme director
Step into the future of technology with SUTD’s Master of Science in Technology and Design (Optics and Photonics), a programme designed for both recent graduates and professionals eager to upskill for tomorrow’s breakthroughs. As light-wave technologies become the driving force behind advancements in AI, quantum computing, data communications, and cybersecurity, this specialised master’s degree places you at the heart of global megatrends, where innovation meets opportunity.
With traditional electronics reaching its physical limits, optics and photonics are emerging as game-changers, delivering unparalleled energy efficiency and speed across industries. Our programme offers a unique blend of big-picture insights and deep technical mastery, starting with an inspiring overview of how optics and photonics are transforming the world. You’ll then dive into foundational theories, cutting-edge skills, and real-world applications.
Whether you’re looking to build a robust foundation for a future PhD or seeking practical skills to accelerate your career in industry, this master’s programme bridges academic knowledge and hands-on expertise. You’ll develop advanced computational design skills, gain practical experience in nanofabrication, and work extensively in SUTD’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. Benefit from our university’s strengths in metasurfaces and nanophotonics, and learn directly from world-class researchers and industry experts.
Join a vibrant community of innovators in this exciting field of light control and manipulation, and prepare to lead in a field where your ideas can reshape the future.
Associate Head of Pillar (Research and Advancement), Engineering Product Development
Director (Cleanroom)