Communication and Media Engineering (CME)

The Communication and Media Engineering (CME) degree program at the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg offers students an in-depth education in the interdisciplinary field that combines communication technologies, media production, and engineering principles. Designed to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the modern digital landscape, the program equips students with comprehensive technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop, operate, and optimize multimedia systems, communication networks, and media content delivery platforms. Throughout the course of study, students will explore a wide range of subjects, including digital signal processing, network architectures, multimedia systems, programming, and hardware design, alongside courses in media creation, user experience, and multimedia project management.

The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, integrating laboratory work, project-based learning, and internships to ensure graduates are prepared for real-world applications. Students learn to analyze complex communication problems, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to emerging trends such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and multimedia streaming. The curriculum fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work across engineering, computer science, and media design disciplines. In addition, students gain valuable soft skills such as teamwork, project management, and communication, which are essential for leadership roles in the media and telecommunications industries.

Graduates of the Communication and Media Engineering program are well-positioned for careers in a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, media production, software development, network service providers, and multimedia content companies. Alternatively, many students pursue further academic research or specializations through master's degree programs. With its combination of theoretical foundations and practical expertise, the CME program prepares students to become innovative engineers and media specialists capable of shaping the future of communication and media technology in a global digital economy.

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)

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.