Communication Systems and Networks

The focus of the study programme lies on the consolidation of theoretical knowledge in combination with practical scientific work in the field of communication systems and networks. This programme is organised in close cooperation with the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences in St Augustin.

During the first semester some basic courses on fundamentals from the area of communication systems and networks are conveyed (advanced mathematics, networks and signal processing). In addition, the programme is structured in such a way that students can focus on one of four different study profiles:

• Communication Systems
• Communication Networks
• Information Security
• Information Theory

Students have to take at least four courses within a profile. To improve their scientific capabilities, students have to conduct an individual research project. A broad range of further modules from the fields of electrical engineering, optical technologies, informatics, and media technologies are available as electives due to the close cooperation between both universities. A final Master's thesis completes the programme in the third semester.

The profiles Communication Systems, Communication Networks, and Information Theory can be studied entirely in the English language. In the other profile, the lectures are offered partly in English or in German. The thesis must also be written in English.

Educational organisation

The educational organisation is based on a regular start in March/summer semester. The study programme has been developed in a modular way. Each module is assessed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This facilitates participation in European exchange programmes. Each semester has a scope of 30 ECTS points, in total 90 ECTS. Each module counts for 5 ECTS.

Semester one

• Advanced Mathematics (5 ECTS)
• Digital Signal Processing (5 ECTS)
• Next Generation Networks (5 ECTS)
• Research Project, Part A
• Two profile courses, depending on the study profile (5 + 5 ECTS)

Semester two

• Two profile courses, depending on the study profile (5 + 5 ECTS)
• Research Project, Part B (10 ECTS)
• Project Management (5 ECTS)
• Two electives (5 + 5 ECTS)

Semester three

• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

Study Profiles:
(Language of lecture titles corresponds strongly to lecture language)
Communication Systems

• Advanced Channel Coding
• Audio-/Video Coding
• Digital Communications
• RF System Design
• Optische und drahtlose Übertragungssysteme

Communication Networks

• Advanced Multimedia Communications
• Optische und drahtlose Übertragungssysteme
• Planung, Realisierung, Optimierung u. Inbetriebnahme von Netzen
• Routing and Traffic Engineering
• Sicherheit in Netzen

Information Security

• Identifikationsverfahren
• Cryptography
• Embedded Security
• Sicherheit in Netzen
• Malware

Information Theory

• Advanced Channel Coding
• Audio-/Video Coding
• Digital Communications
• Information Security
• Cryptography

A start in October (winter semester) is possible.

Forms of assessment

Apart from the course lectures, students must perform exercises, do practical work, or give presentations. Most course exams will take place at the end of each semester, either in written or in oral form. Within the first two semesters, an individual research project with report, seminar, and presentation has to be carried out. For the final Master's thesis (including final presentation) 30 ECTS are granted.

Course objectives

Information and communication technologies are well established in nearly all industrial fields and in the private sector. The study programme on Communication Systems and Networks allows students to achieve a deeper understanding of the complex features of modern and future communication systems and services.
Economic and technological developments in the information and communications industry are strongly influenced by joint soft and hardware solutions and by system internetworking. A wide range of standards and technologies has to be used to find optimum solutions. Therefore, a broad interdisciplinary education is necessary in order to be able to cope with future problems.
Job opportunities for Master's graduates can be found in the mobile radio and telecom sector, with companies that provide telecom components and installations, in consumer electronics, mechanical engineering and automobile industries, in research centres, and with public authorities.
A close cooperation with a large number of such companies is maintained by both universities, resulting in many joint projects and theses.

Language requirements

The predominant language of instruction in the Master's programme is English. Applicants therefore need to meet one of the following requirements:
a) TOEFL with at least 550 points on the paper-based test, 213 points on the computer-based test or 80 points on the Internet-based test
b) IELTS with 6.5 points
c) An alternative language test with a test score equivalent to those of TOEFL and IELTS
d) Prior enrolment of at least one year in a university programme conducted entirely in English
e) Prior schooling of at least one year conducted entirely in English
f) Completion of a suitable degree programme which included courses in Technical English comprising at least 3 credits. This specifically includes the degree programmes in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at TH Köln.
g) English as mother tongue

Students may provide evidence of their English language proficiency within the first semester of the Master's programme.
When choosing the profile which includes German-language modules, students must additionally submit proof of the German Language Proficiency Test for Admission of Foreign Students (DSH first level) if they have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification at a German-language institution.

Academic requirements

Successful applicants are required to have obtained a recognised undergraduate degree in a suitable scientific or technological field with at least 210 credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and a final cumulative grade of 2.3 or better in the German grading system or equivalent.
A degree programme is deemed suitable if it teaches competencies in the fields of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering and computer science comprising a total of at least 110 credits.
If applicants do not meet 210 ECTS, they can only be admitted under the condition that they will be able to attest to the missing prerequisites before registering for the Master's thesis by having successfully completed specific courses offered in Bachelor's programmes. The nature and scope of these conditions are individually determined by the examination board based on the courses completed by the applicant in his/her undergraduate programme. Admission to the Master's programme will be denied if the applicant has obtained a final cumulative grade of worse than 2.3.

The predominant language of instruction in the Master's programme is English. Applicants therefore need to meet one of the following requirements:
a) TOEFL with at least

• 550 points on the paper-based test
• 213 points on the computer-based test or
• 80 points on the Internet-based test

b) IELTS with 6.5 points
c) An alternative language test with a test score equivalent to those of TOEFL and IELTS
d) Prior enrolment of at least one year in a university programme conducted entirely in English
e) Prior schooling of at least one year conducted entirely in English
f) Completion of a suitable degree programme which includes courses in Technical English comprising at least 3 credits. This specifically includes the degree programmes in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at TH Köln.
g) English as mother tongue
Students may provide evidence of their English language proficiency within the first semester of the Master's programme.
h) When choosing a profile that includes German-language modules, students must additionally submit proof of the German Language Proficiency Test for Admission of Foreign Students (DSH first level) if they have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification at a German-language institution.

Application deadline uni-assist: 31 March for the following winter semester and 31 October for the following summer semester

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

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.