International Information and Communication Engineering

This interdisciplinary study programme is focused on the theoretical basics, models and applications of information transmission and processing. This includes communication techniques and algorithms, as well as methods for their microelectronic integration in hardware/software solutions with application in mobile and multimedia communication, coding, data compression, security, image processing and medical systems. The technical lectures cover the following areas:

• Microelectronics
• Electronic Systems Design
• Communication Technology
• Communication Systems
• Computer Science & Media Technology
• Information Technology
• Device Technology and Circuit Design

Educational organisation

The iCE Master is a four-semester programme: three semesters with lectures, seminars and projects, and a Master's thesis in the fourth semester. All lectures in the first year are held in English, parallel to German language and culture courses. In the third semester, which is made up primarily of elective courses, students can choose courses in German or English.

Study abroad unit(s)

Master's thesis possible at several partner institutions on different continents

Internships

An internship (twelve weeks minimum, six months maximum) must be completed before the students begin to work on their Master's thesis. The recommended period is the summer break between the third and the fourth semester. During this period, students can gain practical experience working in a company or research lab. Most companies pay the students on a monthly basis for such internships.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, project work, lab reports

Course objectives

The programme aims to educate engineers who can build bridges between the areas of computer engineering, telecommunications and electronics. Such skills are currently sought by the industry, especially European consumer electronics companies, as well as by the academic research community. Our graduates have had no difficulty finding employment or a PhD position.

Language requirements

All our candidates are expected to be proficient in the English language. An English proficiency certificate should accompany the application material. We accept the following certificates: TOEFL 570 (paper-based), TOEFL 230 (computer-based), IELTS 6.5, Cambridge CPE level C.

Academic requirements

The international Master's programme in Information and Communication Engineering is a programme of excellence. We expect our students to have a solid background in basic engineering subjects, as well as good foundations in information technology and communications. Our students should be proficient in:

• mathematics and statistics
• physics
• foundations of communication technology
• foundations of communication systems
• signal theory
• software engineering
• computer architecture
• electronics and semiconductor devices

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a related area is mandatory, and the transcripts of the Bachelor's degree must confirm the candidates' solid background in the field of information and communication engineering. Degree programmes in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science and communications engineering are known to provide such background, but a Bachelor's degree in one of these majors does not guarantee acceptance to the programme. And the opposite is also true: students with degrees other than those listed above will be considered for acceptance if their transcripts show that they have a solid background in the fields of information and communication engineering. All degree certificates and transcripts are carefully analysed by a committee in order to ascertain whether the candidate has the right background for the programme.

Enrolment fees

263.46 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket for regional public transport in the Darmstadt metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Monthly expenses are approx.:

• accommodation: 250 EUR to 350 EUR
• health insurance: 65 EUR
• other expenses (including food, clothing, etc.): 250 EUR

Job opportunities

Starting from the second semester of studies, iCE students can apply for research assistantships at several institutes of the Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Department. Such assistantships are paid on an hourly basis and allow students to become involved in state-of-the-art research and development projects.

Arrival support

Darmstadt is close to the major airport hub in Germany, Frankfurt/Main airport. From the airport a bus, the so-called "Airliner", runs directly to the main railway station in Darmstadt.
Once in Darmstadt, students will receive an introduction to the university, the city and the language through a series of meetings organised by the university's Language Centre and the iCE Programme Coordination.

Services and support for international students

A special tutor system is provided for making and updating study plans as well as active support in finding accommodation and social integration.

Accommodation

The university has an agreement with an organisation that manages a large number of rooms and apartments for students in Darmstadt and nearby cities. Hundreds of such rooms are made available every year. The rental price is around 250 EUR per month for a single furnished room with a shared bath and kitchen. Double rooms are also available. As the number of apartments is limited, only some requests can be granted. Those who could not be assigned such a room or apartment will be assisted by our staff in finding a privately-owned room.