Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology — Specialisation: Communication Systems Ruhr-Universität Bochum

The goal of the specialisation in Communication Systems is to train graduates who are familiar with the diverse methods and techniques of communication engineering, machine learning, optimisation and data science, and who can appropriately select and apply those most suitable for a given application.

The following areas of study are of particular importance:

Systems thinking: Knowledge of methods for describing linear and non-linear (physical) systems, theory of signals, information processing and machine learning, analysis and simulation methods, principles of human-to-human and human-system interaction.

Problem-solving approaches combined with application-oriented examples: theoretical and practical knowledge of components, devices, and systems; transmission methods; all types of signal processing from source to sink; methods of fault diagnosis and fault tolerance.

Tools and resources: Sound programming skills at both macro and micro levels (software engineering), statistical methods, optimisation techniques, machine learning methods and software frameworks, knowledge of computer architectures and methods for circuit analysis, synthesis, and simulation

Interdisciplinarity: Applications in medical technology, acoustics and acoustic signal processing, methods of control engineering, basic knowledge of management/logistics and economics, and understanding the interactions of people, technology, and organisations

This specialisation is based on the following mandatory courses:

• Digital Signal Processing
• Mobile Communication Systems
• Communication Acoustics
• Wireless Communications
• Optimisation
• Advanced Topics in Machine Learning

It also offers many additional elective subjects.

The research-oriented Master’s programme spans two years and encompasses 120 ECTS credits. It aims to equip you with advanced knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic fields of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Communication Systems is one of three areas of specialisation offered entirely in English.

The programme is designed to provide a balanced and in-depth learning experience, divided into four key areas, each worth 30 CP:

1. Compulsory courses (30 CP)
   The compulsory courses, typically completed in the first two semesters, lay the foundation for your specialised studies. These courses ensure a solid understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin your chosen area of specialisation.
2. Compulsory Elective Courses (30 CP)
   The compulsory elective courses allow you to tailor your education to your interests and career goals. Choose from a variety of courses that align with your academic passions. Additionally, participate in a seminar (3 CP) and a laboratory practical (3 CP) to gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art research labs and engage in cutting-edge scientific discourse.
3. Free Elective Area (30 CP)
   Broaden your horizons by selecting from the diverse offerings at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the University Alliance Ruhr. You can choose further courses in your field of specialisation or another engineering discipline, or focus on soft skills such as language courses, intercultural competence and so on. This area is also well-suited for a study abroad experience, for example, through one of our numerous co-operations within the Erasmus programme.
4. Master’s Thesis (30 CP)
   The Master’s thesis is a capstone project where you demonstrate your ability to tackle complex engineering challenges with innovative solutions. Over a six-month period, you will independently conduct research using scientific methods, applying both technical and interdisciplinary skills. You will document your findings in a comprehensive written report, and you will present your key results in a colloquium lecture to showcase your presentation and argumentation skills.

Applicants who have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and information technology, or a comparable degree from a scientific university consisting of at least six semesters of study (three academic years, 180 ECTS) may be admitted to the Master's programme. The equivalence or comparability of the degree is determined by the examination board.

The Bachelor's degree submitted must include methodological and research-oriented content totalling at least 25 CP from the field of mathematics and at least 50 CP from the fields of information technology or electrical engineering / electronics.

Students have to pay a social contribution fee of approx. 380 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany (https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/re-registration-and-social-contribution).

Minimum of 950 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses in Germany

Studying with practical research experience
Do you want to earn money and gain relevant practical experience whilst studying?

Students in the Master’s degree programme in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology have the opportunity to work part-time at one of our participating departments from day one. Fund your studies this way and work on exciting projects and topics relating to the technologies of the future!

Further information on application deadlines and the participating departments can be found on the following website: https://etit.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/studies/study-funding-and-research-practice/studying-with-research-practice/.

Students with good academic achievements and a high degree of social responsibility can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium” grant. They will receive a one-year scholarship of 300 EUR per month from the Ruhr-Universität Scholarship Fund: http://www.rub.de/bildungsfonds/info-studierende/en/index_en.html.

International students can also apply at the International Office, e.g. for financial support during their final phase of study, such as graduation grants: https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/scholarships?_wrapper_format=html.

The Career Service for International Students was established to support international students as they move from their studies into the German job market.

• Events & Workshops: From networking events to web seminars, learn the best tips from career experts and get to know start-ups from the region.
• Digital Career Guide: The Moodle course “Career Service for International Students” prepares you for starting a job in Germany.
• FIT4Job — Mentoring for Internationals: RUB alumni share their professional expertise and good practices with you one-on-one.
• Counselling services: Identify your talents and career goals in a personal counselling session. Our RUB Career Service team provides support in preparing application documents and interviews.

In the city of Bochum, you can find different types of accommodation. On average, students in Bochum pay approximately 400 to 800 EUR per month for a single apartment, which is below the average rent in Germany. A room in a shared apartment is usually less expensive.

About 5,000 students in Bochum live in multiple student halls close to the campus, which are run by the Akademisches Förderungswerk (AKAFÖ). In the halls, each student has a single room and shares a kitchen and bathroom with other students, rents an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen, or shares an apartment with one or several flatmates. 

More information on the student halls can be found at https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/wohnen.

In addition, private and church-affiliated student halls accommodate up to 1,000 students: http://www.stuwo.de/wohnheim-region/bochum/.

Situated in the centre of the dynamic, hospitable Ruhr metropolis in the heart of Europe, Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's largest universities with a student population of over 43,000. Twenty departments offer around 190 study courses covering a broad spectrum of natural and social sciences, economics, medicine, engineering, and humanities on a single campus. With excellence in both research and teaching, Ruhr-Universität Bochum has truly earned its reputation as an innovator. In the 1960s, the university was one of the driving forces behind the Ruhr region's successful industrial transformation from mining and manufacturing to high-tech and services. International research, an interdisciplinary academic approach, and favourable study conditions attract around 4,000 foreign students and some 350 to 400 visiting scholars annually from all around the globe to the university. 

Four reasons to study in Bochum:

• International and multidisciplinary research
• More than 190 innovative degree programmes and a unique range of subject combinations
• Excellent services for international students and researchers
• Located in the heart of the metropolitan Ruhr region in the middle of Europe, with a wealth of cultural and leisure activities available nearby

Bochum, a very lively modern city with around 370,000 inhabitants, is situated in the heart of the Ruhr area, a metropolitan region with a population of around five million, close to the Dutch and Belgian borders. The region has one of the highest concentrations of institutions of higher education and research in Europe as well as a very rich cultural life with many theatres, concert halls, cinemas, and museums. There are also many opportunities to discover the living history of industrial culture in and around Bochum, and there are many places to unwind and relax in the green belts and forests south of the city.