Mobile Robotics University of Bonn

In the programme, students learn the foundations to develop intelligent robots that can understand and model their surroundings, navigate the world, and act smartly. The study programme is strongly research-oriented and aims at educating the newest generation of top talents in robotics. It focuses on probabilistic and learning techniques enabling mobile robots to operate reliably in the real world, tackling perception, state estimation, modelling, action generation, planning, manipulation, and interaction with the world.

The programme will teach students methods for robot perception, modelling, action generation, planning, and interaction with the world to act smartly and autonomously. It will combine competencies from engineering and computer science to build such systems and solve relevant problems of our society today – from sustainable technology and agricultural robotics to service robotic applications and autonomous vehicles.

The programme links the engineering and computer science side of robotics with relevant societal applications, such as agricultural robotics and other fields such as autonomous cars. A key element is that such relevant applications operate at a high of excellence (supported, e.g. through PhenoRob). Furthermore, it tackles mobile systems, robots, and other vehicles that navigate and act autonomously without humans in the loop.

The Mobile Robotics programme is extended over 24 months and is structured into mandatory and elective modules, including teaching units with a duration of one semester. Each module is completed with an exam. Three different types of modules are offered: lectures, seminars, and projects. The basis of evaluation is credit points (CP).

The curriculum of the Mobile Robotics MSc programme is structured as follows:

• The modules of the first semester cover the basic knowledge required for the remaining programme. Lectures and exercises cover the following topics: Robot Planning and Control, GNSS, Inertial Navigation Systems, Python and Computer Vision, Graph SLAM, 3D Mapping and Machine Learning.
• In the second and third semester the students choose elective modules from the fields of geodesy and computer science. This gives the students a broad overview about the subject. It is also possible to choose a course from the university-wide offer with six credit points. Two project modules introduce the students to current research topics and train them to be able to do self-sufficient research. These topics are meant to be preparation for the Master's thesis.
• The last study semester is devoted to the Master's thesis.

The programme addresses highly motivated students with an excellent Bachelor’s degree in computer science, geodesy, or related subjects such as electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or similar. Students are expected to have a background in mathematics, programming (e.g. Python), and basic engineering skills.

We expect a minimum average BSc grade of 2.0 (German University grading system). The grade is calculated using the modified Bavarian formula during the application process.

In detail, students must submit proof of the following:

1. a total of at least 24 credits from mathematics
2. a total of at least 6 credits from programming
3. Additional achievements from at least one of the subject areas
   1. mathematics
   2. programming
   3. engineering sciences
   4. physics
   5. computer science or
   6. geodesy
      Students must achieve in total at least 26 credits from the areas 3.1 - 3.6.
4. An academic thesis worth at least 10 credits.

Before you apply, please check the requirements carefully.

GRE Test

Students with a European Bachelor's degree are not required to submit a GRE test. All other students are requested to submit a GRE test. Minimum recommended GRE test scores are:

• Quantitative Reasoning: 160 points
• Verbal Reasoning: 145 points
• Analytical Writing: 3 points

Further Requirements

Students with BSc degrees from non-European countries that administer nationwide university entrance exams (such as the JEE in India or the Gaokao in China) are asked to submit their results as part of their application. In particular, this means:

• India: Students must submit their Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced) results, including the All India Rank (AIR), with their application. 
• China: Students must submit their Gaokao results with their application.
• Pakistan: Students are asked to submit their ECAT (Engineering College Admission Test) or their university-specific entry test results.

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students at the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory owned by the Studierendenwerk Bonn (see www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation for more details).

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website at www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn.