Media Informatics

Media Informatics at RWTH Aachen University is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with both technical skills and creative insights necessary for the rapidly evolving world of digital media. The curriculum combines computer science, design, and media studies to enable students to develop innovative multimedia applications, digital content, and interactive systems. Students learn to program and implement complex software solutions, analyze media content, and understand the societal impacts of digital technologies. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory courses, project work, and collaborations with industry partners, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as media production, user experience design, digital content management, and software development for multimedia applications. The study program fosters critical thinking and encourages students to engage creatively with emerging media trends. Throughout the course, students gain proficiency in programming languages, software engineering, data processing, and human-computer interaction, all tailored to the demands of modern media environments. Additionally, the program includes modules on multimedia algorithms, virtual and augmented reality, and mobile media, reflecting current technological advancements. Interdisciplinary projects aim to develop problem-solving skills and promote teamwork, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in the digital media industry. The degree offers a solid foundation for pursuing research careers or industry positions, with a focus on innovation, technological understanding, and media design. Graduates of Media Informatics are well-equipped to contribute to the development of next-generation digital media technologies, shaping the future of communication, entertainment, and information dissemination. The program's close ties with industry and research institutions further enhance employment prospects and professional development opportunities.

Educational organisation

The standard duration of the study is four semesters (two years). In each semester, about 30 credits have to be achieved in lectures from different areas, seminars, labs, and the Master's thesis in the fourth semester, which can be done in cooperation with industry. Additional courses are offered during the summer and winter breaks enabling students to increase their knowledge or to finish earlier. All subjects are offered as modules that can be combined flexibly and which are fully integrated into the ECTS.

Study abroad unit(s)

Since the goal of Media Informatics is to attract international students to study in Germany, the study usually takes place in Germany. If very attractive positions abroad at especially renowned institutions or companies are offered, students may do an internship or their Master's thesis there on request.

Internships

The programme is characterised by a significant proportion of research lab courses embedded in both basic and applied research of the participating Fraunhofer Institutes of Applied Information Technology (FIT), and Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS) at Birlinghoven Castle. One lab course can be done at the participating universities or in cooperation with industry.

Forms of assessment

The exams for lectures are either written or oral; for seminars and labs written exams accompanied by an oral presentation are possible.
The Master's thesis is a written work which concludes the course of studies and which shall demonstrate the candidate's ability to successfully master a problem in the field of media informatics with scientific means and within a fixed time frame (six months).

Course objectives

This interdisciplinary programme will educate its participants to successfully master novel technical and economic challenges at the crossroads of computer science, software engineering, next-generation communication systems, and media.
Besides good theoretical foundations, they will get hands on experience in current research at RWTH Aachen University, University of Bonn, and at the participating Fraunhofer Institutes at Birlinghoven Castle.
Soft skills like writing research papers or working in a highly international environment will complement the skills achieved.
The alumni of Media Informatics are doing their PhD in Germany or abroad or are working at prestigious companies.

Language requirements

Candidates must be able to speak and write fluently in English (TOEFL 550 paper-based/ 213 computer-based/ 80 Internet-based or IELTS 6.0).

Academic requirements

A recognised first degree (Bachelor of Science or Engineering) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or other closely related disciplines, awarded by an internationally recognised university-level institution
Candidates should have performed above average in their undergraduate studies and should have a substantial background in computer science and mathematics. Typically, this would include courses in the following areas: calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics and logic, numerics, probability theory, fundamentals of computer programming, computer architecture, data structures, analysis of algorithms, programming languages, automata theory, computability and complexity theory. In addition, an applicant should have at least two advanced undergraduate courses on specialised topics like distributed systems, information systems, operating systems, multimedia techniques, or similar.

Enrolment fees

A fee of approx. 240 EUR per semester covers reduced prices for meals and free public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Costs of living

The average cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 700-900 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Student assistant positions are available on a competitive basis at the many Computer Science departments involved in Media Informatics. A student assistant position can increase your knowledge and earns about 300 EUR to 600 EUR per month.
For examples of possible employers in industry, please have a look at the MI homepage under b-it impressions.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships from various organisations is available to help students finance their studies. Please see the following website for a list of exchange programmes, scholarships, and grants, together with their specific application requirements and conditions, and/or contact the International Office directly for advice and assistance.
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/scholarships

Arrival support

Prior to arriving in Germany, students are informed about how to apply to student dormitories and about their first steps when arriving in Germany (getting short-term accommodation, registration at the residents' authority, registration at the university etc.).

Services and support for international students

Students can live in one of the many student dormitories which have basic to full furniture and Internet and cable access or in a private room. Usually rooms are available in a range from 160 EUR to 290 EUR (more apartment like), and the prices in the student dormitories usually already include costs like heating, water, electricity, and internet access. Information about accommodation is sent to accepted applicants well before their arrival in Germany.
Prior to their arrival in Germany as well as afterwards, students also get help with regard to visa matters, study planning, and other related matters. This assistance is provided in a joint effort by the international office of RWTH Aachen and the study adviser of Media Informatics.
Besides intensive counselling, a German language course is offered two months prior to the semester and during the first year.
During your studies, sports and social activities are offered.

Accommodation

Students can live in one of the many student residence halls which have basic to full furniture and Internet and cable access, or in a private room. Usually, rooms are available in a range from 160 EUR to 290 EUR (more apartment-like), and the prices in the student dormitories usually include costs like heating, water, electricity, and internet access. Information about accommodation is sent to accepted applicants well before their arrival to Germany.