Electrical Engineering and Information Technology — International Master of Science

Overview

This English-taught Master’s is practice-oriented: students spend two semesters on campus followed by a six-month industry internship and then a six-month Master’s thesis carried out in industry. The strong integration of lab work and industry placements is designed to make the move into a professional role—whether in Germany or internationally—smooth and direct. Teaching emphasizes hands-on application of lecture material through laboratory courses and semester projects, and the programme maintains close links with regional industry to support applied learning and employability.

Curriculum and specialisations

All students take modules in Technical Management and complete a semester project; the remainder of the curriculum depends on the chosen specialisation. The Automation track covers control engineering, robotics, factory automation and Industrial Internet of Things topics, with practical work on system identification, adaptive control, process visualisation, bus/control technology and sensor/actuator systems. The Communications track goes deeper into modern communication techniques, modulation and coding, microwave components and discrete-time signal theory with a research- and project-oriented approach. The Embedded Electronics and Microelectronics track focuses on contemporary microcontrollers, FPGAs, embedded programming, real-time systems and hardware-driven design for devices such as wearables, IoT and automotive systems. The Power Engineering track addresses power generation and distribution, renewable energy, smart grids, e-mobility and electric drives, focusing on safe, efficient and environmentally compatible energy systems.

Key programme components (concise)

• Two semesters of on-campus study with lab-based teaching and semester project
• Six-month industry internship after the taught phase
• Six-month Master’s thesis conducted in industry
• Common modules in Technical Management for all students
• Four specialisations: Automation; Communications; Embedded Electronics & Microelectronics; Power Engineering
• Strong industry connections in the Rhein-Main region and practical orientation to support transition into professional careers

For full course content, schedules and admission details, consult the programme website.

Curriculum overview

This two-year Master’s program blends classroom-based study with substantial industry experience. The first and second semesters focus on academic coursework delivered through lectures and laboratory sessions, alongside German language classes to support academic integration and professional life in Germany. The third semester is spent in industry as an internship where students carry out an industrial project, and the fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, giving students opportunity to apply their knowledge to a substantial independent research or development task.

The structure is deliberately practical: intensive lab work and theory in the initial semesters build the technical foundation, while the industrial internship and thesis develop professional skills, problem-solving in real-world environments, and research competence. This combination aims to prepare graduates to design, analyze and implement electrical engineering and information-technology solutions and to transition smoothly into technical roles in industry or further research.

Key components and learning outcomes

• Core academic semesters: advanced theory courses delivered with accompanying laboratory work to consolidate practical skills.
• German language classes: support for academic study and workplace communication in Germany.
• Industrial internship (semester 3): a full-semester placement featuring an industrial project that exposes students to applied engineering challenges and workplace practices.
• Master’s thesis (semester 4): an extended independent project demonstrating the ability to undertake scientific/engineering research or development and to present results in writing and orally.
• Expected outcomes: ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, design and test EE/IT systems in lab and industrial settings, carry out project work in industry, communicate technical results effectively, and conduct independent research leading to a master’s-level thesis.

Program structure (semester-by-semester)

• Semester 1: Academic theory courses (lectures and labs) + German classes
• Semester 2: Academic theory courses (lectures and labs) + German classes
• Semester 3: Industrial internship (industrial project)
• Semester 4: Master’s thesis

For a detailed course listing and module descriptions, see the official program page: https://mse.h-da.de/program/overview (PDF download available on the site).

Graduates are equipped for technical and R&D positions in industry, particularly in sectors such as automation and robotics, telecommunications, embedded systems and microelectronics, and energy technology including smart grids and e-mobility. The extended industrial internship and an industry-based Master’s thesis offer direct employer engagement and often serve as stepping stones into permanent roles.

Typical starting functions include development engineer, control systems engineer, embedded systems engineer, communications engineer, power systems engineer, and roles in product development, testing and applied research. The programme also prepares students for further research or doctoral studies in related fields.