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Programme Overview

SMARTLight offers a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme (120 ECTS) combining advanced education in photonics, optical and wireless communications, and artificial intelligence for next-generation 6G telecommunications.

The programme integrates theoretical learning, practical laboratory training and research-led projects across four European universities. Through six predefined mobility pathways, students develop specialised expertise while gaining international academic and research experience.

Training Framework

SMARTLight is a two-year, 120 ECTS Double Master's programme combining core academic training, advanced specialisation and research. Students complete their studies across two partner universities, following one of six predefined mobility pathways.

SEMESTER 1-2 · 60 ECTs

Year 1

Core Knowledge & Practical Skills

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SEMESTERS 3 & 4 · 60 ECTS

Year 2

Advanced Specialisation & Research

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Core Areas of Study

SMARTLight combines complementary disciplines to equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required for next-generation 6G telecommunications.

Photonics and Optical Communications

Optical networks, photonic devices and lightwave technologies.

Wireless and 6G Networks

Advanced wireless systems and emerging 6G connectivity.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Intelligent network control, optimisation and automation.

Advanced Sensing and Emerging Technologies

Integrated sensing and next-generation photonic systems.

Mobility Pathways

SMARTLight offers six predefined mobility pathways, allowing students to specialise in emerging 6G technologies while studying at two European partner universities. Each pathway combines complementary academic expertise and leads to a double Master's degree.

  • Kiel University → Aston University

    Year 1: Kiel University, Germany
    Year 2: Aston University, United Kingdom
    This pathway combines Kiel University's expertise in photonics and digital communications with Aston University's strengths in AI-enabled optical systems. Students develop skills in advanced communications engineering, intelligent lightwave technologies and machine learning for next-generation 6G networks.

    Degrees Awarded:

    • M.Sc. Electrical and Information Engineering — Kiel University

    • MSc Smart LightWave Technologies for 6G Telecom Systems — Aston University

  • Kiel University → University of Brescia

    Year 1: Kiel University, Germany
    Year 2: University of Brescia, Italy

    This pathway combines foundations in photonics and digital communications with advanced communication technologies and systems-level integration. Students develop expertise in incorporating photonic technologies into complex 6G communication infrastructures.

    Degrees Awarded:

    • M.Sc. Electrical and Information Engineering — Kiel University

    • Laurea Magistrale in Electronics Engineering — University of Brescia

  • University of Brescia → Aston University

    Year 1: University of Brescia, Italy
    Year 2: Aston University, United Kingdom

    This pathway combines wireless communication technologies and data-driven optimisation with advanced photonics and artificial intelligence. Students learn to apply machine learning to optical communications and optimise the performance of future 6G networks.

    Degrees Awarded:

    • Laurea Magistrale in Electronics Engineering — University of Brescia

    • MSc Smart LightWave Technologies for 6G Telecom Systems — Aston University

  • University of Brescia → Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

    Year 1: University of Brescia, Italy
    Year 2: Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, France

    This pathway combines communications engineering and data-driven modelling with advanced photonics. Students specialise in ultrafast, nano and quantum optics, exploring emerging photonic technologies and their potential applications in future 6G systems.

    Degrees Awarded:

    • Laurea Magistrale in Electronics Engineering — University of Brescia

    • Master in Fundamental Physics and Applications: Engineering Physics & Advanced Photonics Technologies (E-PhoT) — Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

  • Université Marie et Louis Pasteur → Aston University

    Year 1: Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, France
    Year 2: Aston University, United Kingdom

    This pathway integrates advanced photonics and fundamental physics with artificial intelligence and machine learning for optical communications. Students develop expertise in designing and optimising intelligent photonic systems for future 6G technologies.

    Degrees Awarded:

    • Master in Fundamental Physics and Applications: Engineering Physics & Advanced Photonics Technologies (E-PhoT) — Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

    • MSc Smart LightWave Technologies for 6G Telecom Systems — Aston University

  • Aston University → University of Brescia

    Year 1: Aston University, United Kingdom
    Year 2: University of Brescia, Italy

    This pathway combines intelligent photonic technologies with wireless communications and systems-level integration. Students develop interdisciplinary skills to support the convergence of optical and wireless technologies in next-generation 6G networks.

    Degrees Awarded:

    • MSc Smart LightWave Technologies for 6G Telecom Systems — Aston University

    • Laurea Magistrale in Electronics Engineering — University of Brescia

Learning Beyond the Classroom

SMARTLight extends academic learning through practical training, industry collaboration and international research exchange, helping students develop the technical and professional skills required for future 6G technologies.

Laboratory & Project-Based Learning

Hands-on laboratory sessions, simulations and research-oriented projects enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in photonics and telecommunications.

SMARTLight Summer School

An annual Summer School brings students together for intensive hands-on training, an industrial workshop and sessions on entrepreneurship and research commercialisation.

Industry Engagement & Placements

SMARTLight connects academic learning with professional practice through industry-led workshops, case studies, mentored research projects and internship opportunities. Placements may range from short visits to longer internships, typically lasting from two weeks to four months.

Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange

Through seminars, webinars and an annual cohort conference, students engage with academic and industry experts. Dedicated research translation and consultancy sessions develop skills in project delivery, intellectual property, ethics, entrepreneurship and research commercialisation.

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