Automation and IT

Automation technology has been influenced primarily by developments in information technology (IT) for a quarter of a century now. These developments are of ever-increasing significance both in the areas of hardware and software. The international Master's programme Automation & IT is a fully-accredited programme with an innovative interdisciplinary focus. With respect to the above-mentioned trend, it covers the areas of both industrial automation and computer science.
Strong connections to industry and well-equipped laboratory and research facilities enable students to gain experience in this exciting and emerging area.

The Master's programme focuses on the following subject areas:

• Modelling and Simulation
• Automation and Control
• Industrial Communications
• Industrial IT
• IT Security

For further information: http://www.master-ait.de

Educational organisation

The Master's programme comprises four semesters:

• Semesters one and two impart technological know-how in the form of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory courses.
• In semester three, case studies are carried out in small teams of three to five students.
• In semester four, the programme is concluded with the Master's thesis.

The programme ends with the award of the degree Master of Engineering (MEng).

The instructional philosophy emphasises real-life experience through extensive hands-on, laboratory-based training, cooperations, and internships. Project work forms part of the course in research projects as well as in projects with industry.

Study abroad unit(s)

The Master's programme encourages study abroad. Modules from other universities are recognised. We offer opportunities to study abroad, in particular, at our partner universities.

Internships

The instructional philosophy emphasises real-life experiences through extensive hands-on, laboratory-based training, coops, and internships. Project work forms part of the course in research projects as well as in projects with industry.

Forms of assessment

Forms of assessment include written or oral examinations, presentations and group work.

Course objectives

The main aim of the course is to expand students' knowledge and methodological skills in automation technology and application-oriented computer science, both in depth and in breadth. The Master's degree course also expands students' structural, processing and decision-making capabilities in complex situations. In particular, analytical thinking is cultivated as a pre-condition of a professional approach, as is responsible action in technical projects. With our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, students are able to meet the demands of rapidly developing technologies. They are also able to take up responsible posts in the research, development, production, designing and management fields.

Language requirements

Certified proficiency in English: TOEFL (550 points), Computer TOEFL (213 points), Internet (80 points), IELTS (band 6.0), Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, Level C1 or equivalent certificate

Academic requirements

For admission to the Master's programme "Automation & IT" (MEng), applicants are required to have successfully completed studies in the fields of engineering science or computer science (Bachelor's or comparable degree). The following branches of studies are eligible: engineering science, computer science, computer engineering, informatics.
The following application documents are required:

• graduation certificate (certified copy)
• curriculum vitae (in tabular form)
• proof of English proficiency (see language requirements)
• a two-page description of your motivation to study, including your further research interests (in English)

Please find further details and check list at:
http://www.master-ait.de

Enrolment fees

The fee of about 250 EUR per semester includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Costs of living

The costs of living for your stay largely depend on your personal needs. When planning your stay, you should calculate monthly costs of approximately 700-800 EUR.

Job opportunities

Taking on a part-time job while studying has lots of benefits. Students can make some extra money, gain valuable professional experience, and might take a first step up on the career ladder.
Whether and how long you are allowed to work during semester breaks is determined by your immigration office. The provisions applying to your specific case will be stated in your residence permit. To find out about these provisions, we recommend you make an inquiry at the immigration office during your first visit. International students from countries that are not member states of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland are normally permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days per year if they are in possession of a valid residence permit for Germany.
TH Köln can assist you in finding a job that suits your profile and interests. Our Career Service and our Nebenjobservice (Part-Time Job Service) offer comprehensive counselling and specific information events on all aspects related to part-time jobs.
Please be aware that the level of your German language skills will strongly affect your chances of finding a part-time job, as German is the language of communication in Germany.

Funding opportunities within the university

TH Köln as well as other institutions offer different scholarships for international students such as the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. Recipients receive approx. 300 EUR per month.
https://www.th-koeln.de/en/international_office/deutschland-stipendium-scholarship---information-for-students_9164.php

Arrival support

German language classes with a limited number of places are offered for international students. During the first semester, additional tutorials are offered.

Services and support for international students

TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences - follows the National Code of Conduct on Foreign Students at German Universities established by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).
The International Office provides advice and support for international students on all aspects related to studying at TH Köln. The International Office accompanies your stay at our university with a variety of programmes and events and invites you to become a part of our international community (e.g., mentoring programmes for new first semester students, TH Köln Buddy programme KARIBU, or Language Partnership programme).
Every semester, the International Office organises a semester programme including exciting cultural events to connect German and international students as well as activities to jointly discover different aspects of Cologne (e.g., a guided tour of Cologne, trips to museums and theatres, or a semester trip to the German capital Berlin).

Accommodation

Boasting a population of slightly more than one million, Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest metropolis - a highly attractive one on top of that. The increasing influx of people can make the search for adequate accommodation quite difficult. Dozens of apartment hunters often compete for a single apartment. That is why the International Office strongly recommends that you start looking for a place to live as soon as possible.
The fierce competition on the housing market has resulted in above-market rents - particularly in proximity of the city centre. We therefore encourage you to be flexible: try to look for apartments outside the centre, as you will encounter less competition and lower rents.
Student dormitories
Cologne's most convenient and economical housing option is often a student dormitory. Kölner Studierendenwerk operates 86 student dorms offering roughly 4,700 rooms. Please be aware that TH Köln does not allocate the rooms in these dorms. In order to be allocated a room, please apply online on the website of Kölner Studentenwerk by clicking on "online-application". See: http://www.kstw.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=315&Itemid=11&lang=en.
The seemingly large number of dorm rooms is misleading; as the dormitories are open to the roughly 80,000 students enrolled at all Cologne universities, they are in extremely high demand. Make sure to apply for a dorm room at Kölner Studierendenwerk as early as possible.