While flexible study paths allow students to spread the program over multiple years, this option may not suit everyone due to time constraints or work-life balance considerations. To offer a more accessible alternative, we launched a Micro-credential: Photonic Integrated Circuits – from theory to practice and applications. This compact program provides a focused and practical introduction to the field, tailored for professionals and lifelong learners.
Microcredentials are short academic programmes that meet the high quality standards of Ghent University. Both in terms of content and practice, the development of a micro-credential is primarily focused on the needs of professionals and lifelong learners. The focus of the programme is on a well-defined set of learning outcomes. They consist of a limited number of subjects to which credits are linked. For following a micro-credential, your learning account will be used . If you successfully complete the programme, you will receive credit certificates for the individual subjects and a recognised certificate that offers clear added value for professionals and employers. Micro-credentials are organised by the 'academies for lifelong learning' of Ghent University.
Driven by the current needs of data centers and artificial intelligence, the field of integrated photonics is growing rapidly, resulting in a shortage of skilled researchers and engineers. This micro-credential is designed to equip lifelong learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a difference in this cutting-edge field, from core technologies to diverse applications in telecommunications, data communications, sensors and biomedical technology, and quantum information processing.
Both simulation and modeling of chip design are covered, as well as insight into the necessary materials and fabrication techniques to ultimately characterize and measure a working photonic chip.
Classes start on Friday September 26 2025.
During the
first semester, the classes take place weekly on Fridays from 13h to 16h in Lecture room 0.1 in the iGent building, UGent Tech Lane Science Park building 126, Campus Ardoyen, Ghent-Zwijnaarde.
In the second semester the classes will take place weekly on Mondays from 13h to 16h on the UGent Tech Lane Science Park.
The last session will be given on the 11th of May 2026.
Several high-tech companies and research institutions in Flanders (and abroad) are increasingly seeking professionals with expertise in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), also known as photonic chips. In this micro-credential, professionals will gain a solid foundation in the theory behind PICs, understand the practical aspects of design and fabrication, and explore real-world applications of photonic chips. The course empowers learners to contribute to the next generation of miniaturized, scalable photonic systems, and to play a role in the growing European photonics ecosystem.
This course is also a great fit for business development professionals looking to grasp the value of Photonic Integrated Circuits and capitalize on the dynamic market opportunities emerging in this field.
Participants must have at least a bachelor’s degree ‘Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering’ or ‘Bachelor of Science in Engineering’. Students who obtained (at least) a bachelor's degree abroad are also eligible to join.
The language of instruction is English, which requires a sufficient command of the English language.
The course encompasses the entire spectrum of PIC development, covering design, fabrication, testing, and characterization. So, next to the theoretical background, the students will actively design their own PIC which will be fabricated and later on in the course tested and characterized. Additionally, it includes special lectures delivered by industry experts, shedding light on major application areas, and includes company visits to get familiar with the ecosystem and allows for networking opportunities.
Course Specifications, content and learning outcomes 🔗
The company visits will be scheduled during the second semester, next to the Ghent Photonics ecosystem, a company visit to imec is foreseen. Optionally, students can also engage in the visit to PhotonDelta-TU/e (Technical University of Eindhoven) visit.
Participants take the classes together with the students of the Advanced Master of Silicon Photonics.
The training is supported by the Ufora learning platform, which contains, among other things, the course material.
