Master’s programs

Applied Photonics

Research and Educational Center for Photonics and Optoinformatics

Format of study

full-time

Language

russian

Place of study

st. petersburg, russia

Outcome (diploma/credits)

master of science

Duration

2 year

Annual tuition fee

610 000 ₽

Application deadline

28 august 2026

Special features

With PhD fast-track

Program manager

Natalya Vladimirovna Andreeva

nvandreeva@itmo.ru

+7 (911) 975-58-48

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Subject areas

12.04.03 Photonics and Optoinformatics

Tuition-free

Fee-based

About the program

This Master’s program trains specialists who are proficient in physics, coding, and R&D. You’ll build a solid toolkit to work in both research and production.

During your studies, you can shape your own learning track by choosing one out of 18 micromodules (two courses in each) – or opt for one of the four key specializations:

Ultrafast photonics. This specialization offers a set of skills and knowledge at the intersection of femtosecond and quantum optics:

data processing, storage and transmission;
quantum information theory;
nonlinear optics;
terahertz optics;
terahertz applied technologies;
digital and visual holography.

Quantum communications. The track provides an opportunity to delve into both science and industry, including at the country’s leading centers in the development of quantum communications.

Within this specialization, students can gain hands-on experience in applying modern-day engineering solutions at the partner corporation.

The track is implemented as part of the roadmap for the development of quantum communications within the state program Digital Economy.

Photonics materials. The track covers a range of topics from the development of optical materials and technologies to the design of photonic components and devices based on new optical materials.

Art photonics. Among the track’s partners are optical laboratories of museums in St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. Within the specialization, students will receive a broad range of competencies needed to work with art objects and valuables:

analysis of artwork using optical technologies;
use of specialized databases;
use of machine learning for attribution and dating of objects;
fundamentals of international legislation in the field of cultural heritage protection and copyright.

As a student of the program, you can complete your internship at VOLO, SMARTS-Quanttelecom, and other industry leaders.

Program partners

Program team

Curriculum

Explore your curriculum (in Russian) to see what you will study

Career

Possible career options for applied photonics majors are:

– an operator of high-tech devices and systems;
– a process engineer;
– a high-tech system application engineer;
– a department / project head;
– a research engineer / a researcher.

You will get to work at these companies

Or at ITMO’s laboratories

OUR GRADUATES

After graduating from ITMO in 2022 with a degree in photonics and optical informatics, I was inspired to continue my education by applying for the...
After graduating from ITMO in 2022 with a degree in photonics and optical informatics, I was inspired to continue my education by applying for the Applied Photonics program. I didn’t take entrance exams; I enrolled thanks to my diploma for the best report among young researchers that I received at the Congress of Young Scientists. When I got my Bachelor’s degree, it wasn’t obvious for me what to do next and how to build a career in the field. So, I expected that the Master’s program would help me figure that out.

In the end, I got exactly what I wanted. During my studies, my focus shifted more towards research because (1) Master’s programs have fewer classes than Bachelor's and (2) the module-based system, in my opinion, is designed to expand the competencies you already have from your Bachelor’s rather than giving you a comprehensive education. That’s why I believe that you need to be as conscious as possible when selecting your courses and shaping your individual learning path. Sadly, I didn’t do that and missed out on some courses, which would’ve helped me professionally in the future.

That said, my Master’s studies gave me quite a few things:
- This period, especially the second semester, was a financial peak for me thanks to the many stipends and grants available to Master’s students. Thanks to my work at the Research and Educational Center for Photonics and Optical IT, I built a research portfolio that helped me win these competitions.
- I authored and co-authored several papers, including those published in Q1 journals, and attended around six national conferences in different parts of Russia: Kazan, Moscow, Svetlogorsk, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, and so on. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible if not my colleagues and mentors at the center.
- I’ve firmly decided to pursue my career as a researcher as I realized that science is my true calling.
- During my studies, I obtained valuable contacts and experience that helped my career after graduation.
- I systemized, clarified, and broadened what I learned during my Bachelor’s. Now, I am a second-year PhD student at the Research and Educational Center for Photonics and Optical IT, a junior researcher at ITMO University, and a researcher at SMARTS-Quanttelecom. As per my research, I’m developing quantum sensorics technologies that are pivotal for the research and technological development of Russia.
From one student to another, here is my advice:
- The Applied Photonics program is the best fit for those who have a prior background in a similar field because it’s meant to upgrade your skills, not educate you, as I see it.
- Select courses wisely: try to understand what courses you should take and why. What you get from a course greatly depends on how motivated you are.
- You’ll often study in small groups, which makes the education almost personalized and your lecturers will be practicing researchers and employees of research and technological companies. Use this to ask the professors as many questions as possible about your research and career. Your lecturer could very well end up being your colleague or mentor.
- Actively pursue research at the center and other specialized organizations. Thanks to your achievements at the lab, you can win contests and grants, boost your portfolio, and thus secure a good salary.
Show all
Mikhail Guselnikov
Graduate, class of 2024
1/3

ADMISSION OPPORTUNITIES

International students can study tuition-free by securing a scholarship through the Rossotrudnichestvo federal agency as part of a Russian Government scholarship. Applications can be submitted to the Rossotrudnichestvo office at a Russian Embassy/Consulate or an office of the Russian Center of Science and Culture.

Visit our international website for more information.

International opportunities

ITMO supports and encourages students to participate in online and offline educational events in Russia and abroad. We also count 70+ leading scientific institutions around the world among our partners.

You can apply for participation in online and offline conferences, seminars, schools, crash courses, competitions, championships, research internships, and other events in Russia and abroad that are organized by ITMO’s partner universities as well as other scientific and educational organizations.

Educational events and internships

Want to take part in a conference, summer school, or seminar abroad? ITMO University will cover up to 70% of your expenses.

Semester exchange / Study abroad

Found an interesting program in another country and want to go on an exchange semester? Tell us why you chose it and receive financial support.

Study Abroad at Home

Get your international learning experience without leaving ITMO: study in English with international students from all over the world!

Buddy System

From your first day at ITMO as an international student you will be supported by a buddy – another student, who will help you settle in, solve any issue, and explore the city! Maybe one day you, too, will want to support a newcomer at ITMO and get to share your experience as their buddy. You can learn more about the opportunity here

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