Communications and Signal Processing

The study programme focuses on communications and signal processing. Basic knowledge in these fields of engineering is required for admission. The courses provide a detailed insight into modern communication technologies from the physical layer to the application layer. Challenging problems in radio propagation, hardware and algorithm design, protocols and applications are treated in class as well as in assignments and research projects.

Within the research projects, students work closely with the advising professors or assistants. Accurate planning and implementation of the team-work aspect is of particular interest. A literature review based on current publications for the subtasks and a detailed milestone plan for the project improve student's skills in functioning successfully in projects. Students learn to present their research results. An evaluation and documentation of the results in the form of a scientific publication complete the project.

Educational organisation

First Semester:

• Advanced Digital Signal Processing
• Information Theory and Coding
• Microwave Engineering
• Communication Networks
• Communications Engineering

Second Semester:

• Advanced Mobile Communication Networks
• Multimedia Standards
• Mobile Communications
• Antenna Engineering
• Research Project

Third Semester:

• Cellular Communication Systems
• Audio Coding
• Advanced Topics in Communications and Signal Processing
• Measurements in Communications
• Adaptive and Array Signal Processing
• Advanced Research Project

Fourth Semester:

• Master's thesis

Non-technical Elective Courses (5 CPs during semesters 1-3):

• e.g. language courses

Forms of assessment

Depending on the individual courses, oral or written exams
Additionally graded homework and student projects

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills.
English: Good skills to follow the lectures:
TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language: 79 iBT, 213 CBT, 550 ITP
IELTS, International English Language Testing System: min. 6.5
CEFR,Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: min. C1
Cambridge Exam: min. CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)
APIEL, Advanced Placement International English Language Test: min. 3

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree (at least six semesters/180 LPs) in one of the following disciplines:

• Electrical Engineering, Information Technology
• Media Technology
• or similar courses

Basic knowledge in the following subjects is required:

• Information theory and communications engineering
• Digital signal processing
• Signal and system theory
• Telecommunications and networks
• Linear algebra
• Random processes, stochastics
• Matlab, Octave, etc.

• Very good English skills
• Basic German skills
• One semester abroad for applicants with German as a native language is recommended

Enrolment fees

Currently 111.40 EUR for the first semester and 96.40 EUR per semester for all following semesters, including a public transport ticket

Costs of living

Approx. 670 EUR per month (including accommodation)

Job opportunities

Each semester, several positions are available as student assistants in international research programmes.

Arrival support

See: http://www.tu-ilmenau.de/we4you/

Services and support for international students

The "we4you" network at Ilmenau University of Technology supports international students starting on the day of their arrival. "We4you" tutors provide help in personal and organisational issues. Furthermore, "we4you" organises events and excursions for international students - a great opportunity to get to know each other.
See: http://www.tu-ilmenau.de/we4you

Accommodation

The TU Ilmenau is a campus university. Most of its academic buildings and all of its dormitories are located on the Ehrenberg campus. The dormitories have been renovated in the past few years in order to accommodate students in single and double-bed rooms. The Student Guild guarantees all first semester students a room in the dormitories, provided that they apply on time. The dormitory rent in Ilmenau is approx. 150-230 EUR per bed per month, depending on the type of apartment and how well it is furnished. Of course, you may also look independently for a privately rented apartment in Ilmenau and the surrounding area. We cannot offer estimates on the cost of private accommodation because prices vary widely and are not comparable due to the wide range of conditions.