Research in Media Engineering Technische Universität Ilmenau

The research-oriented Master's degree programme in Media Engineering offers the opportunity to deal intensively with various aspects of media technology and media informatics.

With a standard period of study of four semesters, we offer a structured programme that can be completed in both German and English. In the first three semesters, students acquire in-depth knowledge in the core modules of media technology as well as in related engineering fields. There is a particular focus on practical teaching content in order to provide a holistic insight into the world of media engineering.

State-of-the-art laboratories at the institute and at the Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Centre (I3TC) are available for practical research work. An important part of the course is the media or research project in the third semester, in which students have the opportunity to deal with a topic from current research and directly apply the knowledge they have acquired. In the fourth semester, the focus is on the Master's thesis, in which knowledge is further deepened and application-oriented research is carried out.

In the Research in Media Engineering (RME) Master's programme, students are encouraged to translate personal inspirations and curiosities into their own research projects. In order to make the programme more flexible, we thus group connecting fields into the following main focuses:

• Media Technology
• Signal Processing and Transmission
• Practical Computer Science
• Graphic Imaging and Virtual Techniques
• Light and Optics
• Usability

Examples of these priorities include the following modules:

• Audio Signal Processing & Audio Systems
• Advanced Psychoacoustics
• Audio Coding
• Video Coding
• Video Systems Technology
• Image, Video, and Perception
• User-Centric Engineering
• Communication Networks
• Multirate Signal Processing
• Adaptive and Array Signal Processing
• Mobile Communications
• Practical Informatics
• Neuroinformatics
• Advanced Computer Graphics
• Game Development
• Virtual Reality in Industry
• Technical Optics

Students can combine these modules according to their interests and goals. Typical module combinations for job possibilities in research, development, and management include the following examples:

• Audio Engineering
• Video Engineering
• Augmented and Virtual Reality
• User Interface Design
• Multimedia Engineering
• Lighting Engineering
• Television Studio Engineering

The programme offers a great variety of interdisciplinary fields of specialisation and will be completed in four semesters.

Within the first three semesters, the programme offers courses in three different categories:

• Core modules from Media Technology, including a mandatory research seminar (25 ECTS), e.g.: 
  • Audio Signal Processing and Audio Systems
  • Audio Coding
  • Crowdsourcing and Human-Based Computing
  • Video Systems Technology
  • Advanced Psychoacoustics
  • User-centric Engineering
  • Multimedia Standards
• Media project (10 ECTS) as group work or a research project (20 ECTS) as individual work, allowing students to apply their new knowledge and inspirations
• A wide selection of modules from other engineering fields (50 ECTS if media project was chosen, 40 ECTS if research project was chosen) to individualise your study experiences and goals, e.g.
  • Human-Machine Interaction
  • Deep Learning
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality
  • Mobile Communications
  • Applied Neural Computing
  • Game Development
  • Fundamental of 3D-Image Processing
• Soft skills (5 ECTS)
  • Language module or "studium generale"

In the fourth semester, the Master's thesis (30 ECTS, independent work on a research project) is completed, including a thesis colloquium (defence of the work).

The completion of the Master's thesis will allow students to enter a subsequent PhD programme at TU Ilmenau.

Please visit: https://campus.tu-ilmenau.de/apply

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, media technology, computer engineering or computer science respectively (media) informatics with a programme duration of at least six semesters (180 credit points) from a university

It is highly recommended that this includes, in particular, a solid foundation in mathematics (including linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory), physics (including wave theory, vibrations, optics, acoustics), electrical engineering (including fundamentals of electrical engineering, signal and system theory), and digital signal processing (including filters, quantisation, transformations). Applicants are expected to be familiar with scientific research methods.

Basic knowledge of media technology (audio engineering, video engineering) and programming (Python and/or Matlab) is very helpful for a successful start to the programme.

Approx. 320 EUR per semester (including a rail/bus ticket and reduced prices in the university canteen and cafeterias)

Approx. 860 EUR per month (including apartment rent)

Temporary jobs are available at local enterprises. In some departments of TU Ilmenau, students are regularly employed as scientific assistants.

Information on funding opportunities is available at: https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/international/service/we4you-student-service/funding-opportunities.

TU Ilmenau's we4you career counselling service provides assistance to international students, enabling an easier transition from the classroom to the working world.

Through individualised career counselling, workshops on CV writing, and interview practice, we give students the tools they need to succeed in today's job market. Opportunities for internships and part-time or graduate jobs are further promoted by our industry network and accessible job portal. Visits to local and nationwide job fairs are also on the agenda. These activities and events seek to equip students with the tools to confidently pursue their professional aspirations in the region surrounding the university, in Germany, and beyond.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/international/campus-international/we4you/boost-your-career.

Various student dormitories are available on campus. Rent for the residences ranges from 225 EUR – 417 EUR per room per month, depending on the type of accommodation. Advance registration is required via the Studierendenwerk Thüringen administrative office.

Information about the residences and the registration process can be found at: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/.

Student applicants have a good chance of getting a room if the application for a room is submitted in good time, approx. three months before the start of the semester.

Of course, there is also the option to look for a privately rented apartment/room in Ilmenau or the surrounding area. For further information on privately rented accommodation, please contact TU Ilmenau's international student service, we4you, at: https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/international/service/we4you-student-service/team.

Technische Universität Ilmenau is a state university with a strong research focus. Located in Central Germany, TU Ilmenau has had a long tradition in engineering and natural sciences since 1896, making it a sought-after destination for interdisciplinary research and education. With five faculties dedicated to delivering cutting-edge and sustainability-oriented programmes, the university offers 20 Bachelor's degree programmes, 27 Master's degree programmes, and doctoral education designed for real-world impact. Interested students can apply for a programme in the fields of engineering (e.g. Biomedical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering), technology (e.g. Computer Science, Micro and Nanotechnologies, Renewable Energy Technology), mathematics (e.g. Business Mathematics), natural sciences (e.g. Biotechnical Chemistry, Technical Physics), or economic and social sciences (e.g. Media and Communication Science, International Business Economics). Eight of the university's Master's programmes are taught fully in English, and the large number of registered patents per staff provides just one example of the university’s many innovation activities. Students at Technische Universität Ilmenau enjoy a great supervision ratio, access to excellent facilities conducive to research-driven learning (including modern labs and makerspaces), and career counselling and events to support global professional connections. The international student service, we4you, assists students in integrating into the university’s vibrant campus community, which comprises over 100 nationalities. Through its extensive national and international partnership network and mobility options, Technische Universität Ilmenau fosters the expertise and personal development of its students and staff.

Ilmenau is a vibrant hub of innovation and enterprise, where tradition intertwines with a strong focus on the future. The university town with its approximately 40,000 residents is situated in the centre of Germany in the federal state of Thuringia. Thuringia is known for its rich cultural heritage, with influential historic figures such as Goethe, Bach, and Luther having strong ties to the region. Thuringia offers stunning green landscapes, meandering rivers, and idyllic lakes, with the Thuringian Forest covering large areas of the state.

Ilmenau, located in the picturesque valley of the Ilm River and nestled in the northern foothills of the Thuringian forest, is more than a living monument to the past. Once renowned for its exquisite glass and porcelain craftsmanship, Ilmenau pulsates with a dynamic energy as a science and technology centre.

For TU Ilmenau students, this blend of heritage and innovation offers ample opportunities, such as forging connections with experienced and visionary mentors, fellow students, and pioneering companies. It allows them to immerse themselves in a realm where theoretical knowledge meets real-world application.

Ilmenau is well-connected by public transport and positioned at an equal distance (about two hours) from the major German cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, as well as their international airports.