Located in the green, high‑tech city of Erlangen, this MSc programme gives you the technical foundation and practical experience needed for a career in communications and multimedia engineering. Taught in English, the curriculum combines lectures, tutorials, laboratory work and hands‑on projects to build both theoretical understanding and applied skills in digital signal processing and communication systems.
Core courses such as information theory and statistical signal processing prepare you to engage with advanced areas like 6G networks, THz, optical and nano‑scale communications, as well as machine learning applied to communications and multimedia. The programme also covers immersive and interactive media technologies (XR/AR/VR, metaverse), high‑end video and audio coding, and speech, audio and music processing.
You will learn from experienced faculty and industry practitioners and benefit from close collaboration with prominent research partners, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) — known for the mp3 — and the International Audio Laboratories (AudioLabs) hosted by IIS and FAU. These links create strong opportunities for research projects, internships and thesis work. Intensive German language courses are offered to help students pursue careers locally or in German‑speaking environments. Visit the programme website for the full course structure, application deadlines and detailed information.
Requirements and next steps (summary)
This is a full-time, two-year Master’s programme (part-time study is also possible) designed to align with internationally recognised MSc standards and to satisfy requirements for later doctoral study. Teaching combines lectures, tutorials, seminars and lab courses with a research internship and a dedicated six‑month period for the Master’s thesis. In addition to technical training, the curriculum includes German language classes and soft‑skills seminars to support professional integration.
The first two semesters concentrate on building a solid grounding in the programme’s core topics: digital communications, digital signal processing, information theory and coding, statistical signal processing, mobile communications, and image & video compression. From semester one you also choose from a catalogue of compulsory and elective courses and labs, allowing you to tailor your learning path and develop a personalised qualification profile.
Two primary specialisation tracks are offered—Communications and Multimedia Engineering—though you may combine elements of both to suit your interests. Example advanced courses in Communications include Advanced Optical Communication Systems, Machine Learning in Communications, Next Generation Mobile Communication Systems (5G‑Advanced and 6G), and Molecular Communication. Example advanced courses in Multimedia Engineering include Advanced Topics in Perceptual Audio Coding, Machine Learning in Signal Processing, Music Processing, and Virtual Vision.
A complete list of modules and detailed course descriptions are available in the programme’s module handbook and on the CME website (PDF download). The mix of theoretical classes, hands‑on labs and a research internship is intended to prepare graduates both for specialised industry roles and for further academic research.
Key programme components
Core modules (first-year focus)
Representative advanced/specialisation courses
Expected learning outcomes
Admission depends on where you earned your Bachelor’s degree: FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg graduates and applicants from other universities are subject to different conditions. Full, detailed information and any department-specific steps are published on the CME admissions pages on the university website — check there for the exact documentation and procedures that apply to your case.
Admissions are generally granted to candidates who hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and who can demonstrate strong theoretical and practical preparation in signal processing and communications. The programme expects an excellent undergraduate education that includes solid mathematical foundations and hands-on programming ability so you can follow the advanced coursework and lab work.
Required background (you should be able to demonstrate knowledge in the following)
To help assess your readiness, the programme provides self-assessment test questions on the CME website — it’s recommended that international applicants try these to confirm they meet the expected prior knowledge.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles in telecommunications, multimedia and audio/video industries, and related high‑tech sectors. Typical positions include communications engineer, signal processing engineer, systems or software engineer, multimedia/audio researcher, and R&D specialist in industry or research institutes. The programme’s strong lab component, industry collaborations (e.g. Fraunhofer IIS/AudioLabs), and the mandatory research internship support a smooth transition into applied research or product development roles.
The degree also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies for those pursuing an academic career. Integrated German language training and the programme’s location in a vibrant industrial region further improve prospects for employment in the German job market and international companies with operations in Germany.
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