Communications Engineering

The aim of the Communications Engineering Master's course is to prepare students for demanding roles in management, research, and academia. Building on the broad principles gained from a relevant Bachelor's degree, the course of study will deepen students' understanding of:

• higher mathematics, numerical mathematics, and electromagnetic field theory, which are required for demanding technical subjects;
• the technical subjects that provide a basis for demanding roles in electrical engineering and computer science;
• the technical subjects that are required for demanding roles in communications technology.

The course specifically aims to develop students' abilities to:

• engage with demanding areas of communications technology theory;
• solve demanding tasks that require the comprehensive theoretical tools of modelling, synthesis, and simulation.

In addition to in-depth lectures on electrical engineering, computer science, and information and communications technology, special additional lectures on data processing, information technology, and communications networks will allow students to choose their own study path.

Educational organisation

The Master's degree courses consist of the following elements:

• advanced theories
• core subjects
• electives
• non-technical courses

The Master's thesis is an examination paper, which concludes the scientific education in every Master's degree course within the academic International Studies in Engineering (ISE) programme. It is used to show that a student is capable of using scientific methods to autonomously deal with a problem from the corresponding field of engineering sciences. It is also used to demonstrate that a student can comprehensibly present their solution to a problem within a given period of time. The duration for work on the Master's thesis is six months.

Study abroad unit(s)

It is obligatory for German students to stay abroad for a period of three to six months.
During this time, the students can do one of the following:

• participate in lectures at a foreign university and earn credits by passing the examinations
• work on their final thesis

Forms of assessment

According to the examination regulations, the type and duration of the examination will be defined by the lecturer before the semester starts. Therefore, an examination can be a written test with a duration of 60 to 120 minutes or an oral examination lasting 30 to 60 minutes. The language of the examination is the same as the language of the lecture.

Course objectives

Graduates will gain the necessary skills to develop a sophisticated understanding of modern IT and communications systems, particularly as they relate to the needs of customers and corporations. Computer technology and software development are equally important to the individual electrical system components.
Graduates will be able to develop an independent understanding of the development, implementation, assessment, and networking of similar systems. In particular, they will be able to understand areas of application and be able to work as effective corporate managers as well as communicate with customers and official bodies.

Graduates will:
1) master profound knowledge of advanced principles of mathematics and become experts in the basics;
2) develop advanced knowledge and skills in communications technology and their different forms of technical implementation;
3) be qualified and skilled to develop concepts and operate complex systems and services in communications engineering and, in doing so, assess and apply new, complex methods for modelling, calculation, design, and testing;
4) be able to choose between the two possible paths - either a commercial or academic career based on the electives they have chosen from the spectrum offered in the degree course;
5) have an enhanced general education with advanced language skills in German or English as well as increased employability from learning teamwork and communication skills.
6) independently apply scientific methods to problems of electrical engineering and messaging technology (or apply this to another engineering discipline) within a specific time frame, and be able to present the issues clearly.

Language requirements

Applicants must be able to demonstrate German and English language skills corresponding to Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
At the start of the programme, students must undergo placement tests in order to determine their knowledge in both languages and be placed in the appropriate courses. Students with a language certification from a qualified institute are exempt from sitting the placement test.
During the course of the ISE Master's programme, students must work towards a level B2 certification in both German and English. Students must reach a B2 proficiency level by the time they register for the final thesis. In some individual cases, language courses are a required part of the programme.

Academic requirements

The qualification for a MSc course of study in the programme ISE is met by a student's successful completion of a related degree course (leading to a BSc or a comparable degree) of at least three academic years' duration in the field of natural sciences or engineering sciences or computer science. The student must have had an average grade of 2.5 or better in the programme.
Knowledge of German and English is also required - applicants should have at least a level B1 achieved on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Enrolment fees

All students are required to pay a social contribution of about 300 EUR per semester. The social contribution includes a semester ticket covering public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia, subsidised meals in the canteen of the university, and other services.

Costs of living

We recommend budgeting around 750/900 EUR per month for personal expenses.

Job opportunities

Students may be employed as student assistants at institutes within the Department of Engineering as well as by affiliated research institutions. Companies in the region also offer similar jobs.

Services and support for international students

The Support Center for (International) Engineering Students (SCIES) acts as a help desk for all study-related questions in the Department of Engineering. The mission of SCIES is to support all students at the Department of Engineering and to help them gain the most from their experiences at the University of Duisburg-Essen. SCIES consults in questions with regard to studies, helps in administrative matters, supports in finding accommodation, and is the first level support for the students in all questions.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 280 EUR.
For more information, see: http://www.uni-due.de/scies/accommodation.shtml.