Communication and Media Engineering (CME)

Lectures, lab work, and projects in the CME Master's degree programme cover the various aspects of communication and media engineering and are complemented by software-related and non-technical courses (business management, social skills, languages).

While in the first semester instruction is mostly provided in lectures, subsequent semesters require active and creative participation. Students should be able to learn and study independently. Many of the lectures are accompanied by laboratories. The laboratories give students the opportunity to immediately apply and deepen the theoretical knowledge.
An essential part of the programme is the project work in the third semester. Students work in intercultural teams and apply the project management methods they have learned in the classroom.
The fourth semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, which can be prepared at a company or within the university.

The CME programme has a strong focus on applied engineering. Students gain practical experience, develop and test new algorithms, and become part of one of the research groups in communication and media engineering at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences.

Educational organisation

The first three semesters are classroom semesters with various labs and project work. The fourth semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, which can be prepared at a company or within the university.
An optional internship can be pursued in industry or at the university.

Study abroad unit(s)

An optional internship or the Master's thesis can be pursued abroad. German students especially are encouraged to prepare their Master's theses abroad.

Internships

Students may complete an optional internship in industry or at the university during the semester break and can earn up to 9 ECTS (credits).

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examinations, graded laboratory reports, project work, and thesis presentation

Course objectives

The CME programme teaches indispensable knowledge and key skills within the dynamic, complex and fast-changing environment of information technology, including all relevant elements of communication technology in combination with multimedia issues. It is this joint effort that distinguishes our graduates. In addition, the programme provides students with management skills and social competence in an international environment. Graduates are prepared to succeed in a professional or academic career in the field of media and communication technology.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English and German skills.
English: IELTS 6.0 (recommended 6.5) or TOEFL iBT 79 (recommended 87)
German: CEFR level A1.1 (minimum 100 hours)

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, computer science, media engineering, or a related discipline
• English language competence IELTS (6.0, recommended 6.5) or TOEFL (iBT 79, recommended 87)

Enrolment fees

Service contribution and administration fee: 274 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses. This includes accommodation at a cost of 250-350 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

On-campus: A limited number of student assistant positions and tutoring jobs are available. Knowledge of English is usually sufficient for these positions.
Off-campus: Students are allowed to hold off-campus jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period and to work a maximum of 240 half days per year (according to regulations for foreign students requiring a visa). At least a basic knowledge of German is usually required for off-campus positions.

Funding opportunities within the university

Partial scholarships from various sources (DAAD, STIBET, among others) are available. Proposals and decisions will be made individually, depending on students' performance within the curriculum and social engagement outside of classes.

Arrival support

In the International Student Barometer 2011, the largest survey of international students worldwide, Offenburg University was rated number one among German universities for its arrival assistance for international students.

Before your arrival, we can arrange accommodation for you and put you in contact with a mentor ("Senior Buddy"). He/she will assist you in making preparations before you leave your home country, pick you up at the railway station, show you around, and help you on an individual basis during the first few weeks so that you can familiarise yourself with important aspects of life in Germany.

Each Master's degree programme of the Graduate School has a dedicated coordinator who will provide you with all necessary information for your studies in Offenburg. A preparatory German language course is offered in September. At the beginning of October, a special introduction day for international students is organised. Additionally, each programme has its own orientation weekend.

Offenburg is located about 200 km south of Frankfurt, Germany's main airport. There are hourly train connections to Offenburg throughout the day from the airport railway station; some are direct, and others involve one simple change of train.

Services and support for international students

The Graduate School's staff offers ongoing support throughout the programme:

• extensive assistance in finding accommodation
• Senior Buddy system (personal mentor for the first few weeks)
• assistance with immigration services and authorities
• guided tours of Offenburg and Gengenbach
• individual support and advice by the coordinators of each programme
• individual academic advising
• German language course in September and ongoing language courses during the lecture period
• cultural and social programme (excursions, get-togethers, company visits, etc.)
• Senior Service (an initiative bringing together local senior citizens and international students)

Accommodation

The Graduate School team can arrange accommodation for new students (student residence hall or private accommodation). Rent usually ranges from 250-350 EUR per month.