Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering

The Master's degree program in Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is a highly specialized postgraduate program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the fields of signal processing, communications systems, and their advanced applications. This program aims to train the next generation of engineers and researchers who can contribute innovatively to the rapidly evolving landscape of digital communication technologies. The curriculum covers fundamental and advanced topics, including digital signal processing, wireless communication systems, mobile networks, information theory, coding, and data transmission. Students will also explore cutting-edge areas such as machine learning applications in signal processing, multimedia communication, and the integration of communication systems with Internet of Things (IoT) architectures. The program emphasizes a rigorous theoretical foundation coupled with practical laboratory work and projects to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world engineering challenges. Comprehensive modules on system design, optimization, and simulation are complemented by seminars and collaborative projects with industry partners, fostering an environment of innovation and applied research. Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. The program also prepares students for doctoral studies or careers in academia, research institutions, and high-tech industries specializing in telecommunications, broadcasting, data transmission, and wireless network deployment. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborations with industry leaders, students gain valuable hands-on experience and insights into current technological trends. Graduates of this program will be equipped to contribute to advancements in communication technology, improve network performance, and innovate in areas such as 5G/6G wireless systems, satellite communications, and secure data transmission. Overall, the Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering Master's program offers a rigorous, research-oriented education that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, fostering innovation and excellence in the dynamic field of communication engineering.

Educational organisation

This two-year programme consists of lectures, exercises, seminars, experimental laboratories, research projects, a summer school, a winter school, and a kick-off seminar in Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering and a six-month period for the Master's thesis. In addition, students are able to attend German language courses or optimise their abilities in soft skills seminars.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills, e.g. TOEFL or an equivalent internationally recognised test.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in

• electrical engineering
• communication engineering
• computer science
• applied mathematics or physics

Enrolment fees

The contribution to student services currently amounts to 42 EUR per semester. An additional charge of 65 EUR per semester covers the mandatory basic "semester ticket", a transit pass that provides students with unlimited access to public transport in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg from 7pm to 6am on weekdays and at all times at weekends. (For an additional optional charge, the validity of the pass can be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)

Costs of living

The cost of living can only be approximated very generally, as the needs and living conditions of every student are different.
Rent: 250-600 EUR per month
Health insurance, doctor, medicine: approximately 70 EUR per month
Food: approximately 165 EUR per month
Study materials: approximately 30 EUR per month (depending on the subject)
Transport: minimum 65 EUR per semester
Student services: 42 EUR per semester
For more information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies/costs-of-studying
General information on the average cost of living in Germany is available online: http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/financing/costs_of_living

Job opportunities

All ASC students can be employed as student assistants at the university. The salary amounts to 450 EUR or more per month.

Services and support for international students

The Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) will provide you with detailed information on all important topics relating to your studies (study courses, subject combinations, application requirements, support with organising your study programme and complying with all assessment/examination requirements) and on settling in at the beginning of the semester (coping with particular difficulties, changing subjects or suspending studies). For more information, see http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/student-advice.
The Career Service of FAU will provide you with information on career opportunities and the specifics of an application procedure in Germany. For information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/current-students/career-service.
The Student Service Centres (SSC) and student advisers in the faculties will provide you with further advice on your particular course of study. Programme coordinators organise subject-related orientation events and guide you through the entire study period.
The Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) will provide you with detailed information on accommodation, visa issues, and scholarship possibilities. In cooperation with the IBZ, it also organises information events and general orientation courses for first-semester-students.
See: http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants.
The Alumni network provides students with many topics and events for professional advancement. See: http://www.fau.eu/alumni.

Accommodation

Erlangen and Nuremberg are attractive cities with a historic flair and modern infrastructure. Therefore, the housing market is quite tight. FAU will do its best to assist new students in finding accommodation.
Student halls in Erlangen and Nuremberg can only provide accommodation for a small number of students. Another option is the private housing market. If you extend your search to neighbouring towns, such as Fürth and Forchheim, your choice of accommodation is much larger and rents are lower, while the well-developed local public transport system ensures that you're never far away from the university. In addition, there is the option to sublet a room, or you can share a flat with other students. This option not only saves you money but also helps you settle in quickly and make friends in your new home. You can find information to help with your housing search on specialised websites and the university's notice boards.
Detailed information on finding accommodation is available at http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/important-information.
If you need further assistance, you can also turn to the Accommodation Service of the Central Office for International Affairs (RIA). E-mail: accommodation@fau.de.