Information Engineering and Computer Science, MSc Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Why choose Information Engineering and Computer Science?
Mainstream terms like "Information Society" or "Information Era" illustrate quite clearly that information is one of the most valuable goods in today's economy. In times of global networking and dynamically changing economic and working environments, success increasingly depends on effective information and knowledge management. Efficient information processing or good information logistics is essential when data have to be acquired and information has to be delivered in the right format, at the right place, at the right time and to the right people. At the same time, data acquisition, validation, presentation, and security have to adhere to very high standards. A dynamic environment like this needs individuals with a broad range of skills and knowledge who are able to understand and realise the requirements of information management, from design and development up to the implementation of suitable IT solutions.

Our unique Master's degree programme has been designed to meet those needs. It provides a deep insight into the acquisition, processing, and handling of data while giving you the chance to exploit the power of distributed network and computing units. At the same time, you will be able to acquire the knowledge needed to analyse and process large amounts of data. To cover all these different aspects and to give you the chance to specialise in a field that fits your interests and career plans, the programme offers three different tracks from which to choose:

• Software and Systems
• Environmental Sciences
• Supply Chain

Career prospects
Our degree programme aims to equip you for a career that matches future labour market needs and trends by putting a special emphasis on innovative problem solving methods while considering interdisciplinary and international approaches.

Complementing the individual skills you have gained in your Bachelor's degree, our Master's degree will strengthen your employability and will make you an ideal candidate for all international companies and research institutes operating in the fields of:

• information and data management
• Artificial Intelligence
• development and operation of large web-based and cloud-like storage and computing facilities
• simulation of complex systems (e.g. modelling the environment)
• development of decision support systems
• hardware and software development for automation and control of logistic systems
• hardware and software development of embedded systems (e.g. used by companies situated in the automobile or medical equipment industry)

This course is a three-semester, "follow-up" Master's degree programme that builds on the knowledge you have acquired in your undergraduate degree programme.

The first two semesters provide you with the theoretical and practical foundation vital to your professional career while the third semester is devoted to your Master's thesis and colloquium. All courses have been designed to offer you not just factual knowledge but also various chances to apply what you have learned. You will be given the opportunity to enhance your knowledge through lectures and deepen it in advanced seminars and exercises. Practical training is integrated into every module.

In your first two semesters, you will develop substantial skills in areas such as "System Simulation", "Data Mining", "Data Analysis and Information Engineering", "Artificial Intelligence" and "Machine Learning". At the same time, you will gain important key competencies in the fields of "Scientific and Technical Communication" as well as "Innovation Management" and will have the chance to specialise by choosing lectures and modules out of the three tracks previously mentioned. Each semester also includes an applied research project, giving you the opportunity to put theory into practice on a larger scale.

In your third semester, you will develop your Master's thesis. Again, a high academic standard as well as the real-world relevance of your topic are of major importance.

None

Admission to our Master's degree programme is subject to an application process.
The formal entry requirements for the Information Engineering and Computer Science MSc programme include the following:

• Proof of a completed undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, German "Diplom" or equivalent) that included subjects in the fields of practical computer science and computer engineering as well as fundamentals in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. In exceptional cases, the absence of specific subjects can be compensated by providing proof of other related academic training or qualifications. Please elaborate on your supplementary knowledge and experience in an essay of no more than 1,000 words.
• An overall mark of at least 2.3 in your undergraduate degree
• Proof of a relevant TestAS certificate (minimum 100 points) or, alternatively, Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE; Q = 160, V = 145, A = 4,5)
• A sufficient level of English language proficiency (CEFR level B2 or better).

Please find more information on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/current-application-period/masters-programmes.

Enrolment fees amount to approximately 300 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administrative fees and a public transport ticket valid for the entire federal republic of Germany.

The average cost of living for students in Germany is around 1,150 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and general expenses (https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php).

Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring an additional visa. Student jobs within the university can be solely in English, but the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. German courses are available for students through our International Center.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German. This will open up many more part-time job opportunities in later semesters.

The university offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships ("Deutschlandstipendium") to both current students and students who are soon to be enrolled with excellent marks. This scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of 300 EUR and applies to international students as well. Further information is available on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/get-involved/companies/germany-scholarship.

Internship, student job, or first steps in a new career – Rhine-Waal’s Career Service is here to help with a broad range of useful services.

Correspondingly, we act as bridge builders between students and fresh graduates, the university, and companies or organisations from industry, science, social sectors, etc. Our overall goal is to "help others help themselves" by supporting capacity development in students and fresh graduates with respect to their individual career paths.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to arrange your accommodation before arrival. One option is accommodation at the residence halls run by student services ("Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf") with one-, two- or three-room flats and rent starting around 290 EUR per month (with a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent). Availability is limited, so register online as soon as possible. See our website for details.

Most students live in private flats shared with other students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany. Contact the Welcome Centre for more information or look into social media platforms because some students might be graduating when you plan to start. Additionally, the Welcome Centre is always ready to offer advice or help with conversations or correspondence in German.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort and around 6,200 students, is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international university of applied sciences. The university currently offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, the natural and social sciences, technology, design, and more. Our programmes are geared towards your employability, addressing current and future needs of industry by giving you valuable expertise and experience in your field of study. We are unique in that some 75% of our programmes are taught exclusively in English, resulting in a vibrant campus culture and a rich, intercultural exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences prides itself on top-notch teaching, excellent research, and a strong network of international partnerships with research institutions and industry. Our team of professors bring a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching and continuously support, encourage, guide, and inspire students. Professors are often on a first-name basis with their students. Teaching takes place in a range of cutting-edge facilities, laboratories, workspaces, smart classrooms, and auditoriums.

The result is a memorable and valuable university experience, which will help you grow as a person and set you on the path to your chosen career. We look forward to welcoming you!

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is centrally and conveniently located on the Lower Rhine between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis.

Kleve, where our main campus is located, is a city rich in tradition and history, and it has approximately 50,000 residents. It offers the best of both worlds: the bustle and excitement of nearby cities like Nijmegen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with the safety, comfort, and ambience of a smaller town. The flat landscapes, mild climate, and good infrastructure of the Lower Rhine make it ideal for getting around by bicycle. Noteworthy sights include the Swan Castle, Baroque-style botanical gardens, museums, and art galleries. The town is home to large department stores and smaller boutiques, pubs, cafés, and more. Students can also participate in a range of sports offered both by the university and local clubs.

Kamp-Lintfort, our campus for the Faculty of Communication and Environment, has a current population of around 39,000 and is located 60 km (37 miles) south of Kleve. Kamp-Lintfort takes its name from a nearly 900-year-old monastery, maintained in its original style to this day. The city's proximity to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis made it an integral part of post-WWII coal production in Germany. In recent years, Kamp-Lintfort has redefined itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and higher education. The Kamp-Lintfort campus is centrally and conveniently located in the centre of town. In addition to its historical sights, Kamp-Lintfort offers a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and sports.