Communications Engineering – Major of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

This major teaches communication and information technology from system-level concepts down to component design. You will learn the mathematical foundations behind modern communication tasks, study system architectures (transmitters, receivers, signal processors) and examine their building blocks: digital signal processing and its VLSI implementation, analogue circuitry (mixers, amplifiers, filters) and antennas. The compulsory CORE courses introduce the fundamental ideas and principles, while a wide range of elective modules lets you specialise in the areas you find most relevant.

Topics span the full breadth of communications engineering: wireless systems and mobile radio, electromagnetic wave propagation, optical communications, and specialised fields such as radar and satellite navigation. The curriculum emphasises transferable theory and methods rather than one particular technology, so you can apply your skills to present and future systems. You will be trained in hardware/software co‑design and gain abilities in modelling, analysis, synthesis and optimisation of complex communication systems — skills valued across industry and research.

RWTH institutes also offer many research assistant positions, so students frequently gain hands‑on experience and get involved in current research projects. Lectures cover core concepts within a relatively compact lecture phase (about two semesters), and electives allow deeper focus areas thereafter, helping you build a portfolio of practical and theoretical competencies for strong career prospects.

Requirements / key points

• Applicants must apply to the Master's programme in "Electrical Engineering and Information Technology" — majors (including Communications Engineering) are chosen after admission and enrolment.
• The COMM major combines mandatory CORE courses with a broad catalogue of ELECTIVE subjects for specialisation.
• CORE courses include: Estimation and Detection Theory; Mobile Radio Networks 1; Principles and Design of Communication Systems and Networks; RF Systems.
• Coverage includes wireless communication (RF up to mm-wave), electromagnetic and optical media, radar and satellite navigation.
• Emphasis on skills: modulation/detection, wave propagation, system‑level design, receiver/transmitter design, DSP and VLSI, analogue circuit design, and signal processing for speech, video and data.
• Numerous student research assistant positions available for hands‑on experience.

Overview

This two-year, full-time Master's curriculum is structured over four semesters (120 ECTS) and can be started in either semester. The program combines a core set of mandatory and mandatory-elective modules that establish the degree’s technical profile with extensive hands-on components—laboratory courses, project work and seminars—to develop both theoretical depth and practical skills. Students may also pick courses from other faculty Master’s programmes and from the wider university catalogue, including economics, soft-skills and language classes, to broaden their qualification.

Key modules and practical components

• CORE department modules are compulsory and must account for at least 20 ECTS, forming the technical backbone of the programme.
• A required "Scientific Integrity" module ensures students meet current ethical standards in research and scholarly practice.
• Extensive laboratory work, project-based coursework and seminars give repeated opportunities to apply concepts, present results and work in small teams.
• Elective choices span other Master’s programmes and the whole university portfolio (including economics, professional skills and languages), allowing for interdisciplinary tailoring of the degree.
• German language classes are mandatory for students who cannot demonstrate at least B1 proficiency.
• A mandatory 18-week industrial internship places students with industry partners to tackle real engineering challenges and to build professional networks.
• The Master’s thesis is an independent scientific project carried out over six months and culminates in an oral presentation and defence.

Typical teaching and expected learning outcomes

Teaching formats include lectures (for systematic presentation of material), tutorials (problem-solving and consolidation), seminars (research-focused work and oral presentations) and intensive courses (compact lecture–tutorial combinations). Additional forms of technical training include semester projects or Master’s projects (individual or small-group), excursions and laboratory work tied to lecture content. Graduates can expect to leave the programme with: advanced technical competence in communications and electrical engineering, practical experience solving contemporary engineering problems in industry, the ability to conduct independent scientific work and defend results orally, interdisciplinary awareness (economics, soft skills, languages) and adherence to professional and ethical research standards.

Program requirements (concise)

• Duration: 4 full-time semesters (2 years) including thesis
• Total credit requirement: 120 ECTS
• Start: either semester (winter or summer)
• CORE modules: minimum 20 ECTS (mandatory)
• Compulsory module: "Scientific Integrity"
• German language: B1 certificate required or compulsory German courses provided
• Industrial internship: minimum 18 weeks with industry partner
• Master’s thesis: 6 months, followed by oral presentation and defence
• Teaching formats: lectures, tutorials, seminars, intensive courses; plus projects, excursions and practical lab work
• Electives: courses from other faculty Master’s programmes and the full university catalogue (economics, soft skills, languages)

For complete module lists and detailed credit distribution, consult the programme’s module catalogue (PDF).

Graduates are prepared for roles in industry and research that require modelling, analysis, synthesis and optimisation of communication systems. Typical positions include RF/analog/digital design engineer, communications system architect, signal processing engineer, and roles in wireless networks, satellite/navigation, radar and optical communications. The hardware/software co-design and VLSI skills also suit careers in semiconductor and telecom equipment companies.

Many students gain practical experience through the compulsory 18-week industrial internship and research assistant positions at RWTH, providing pathways into R&D roles or further academic study (PhD). The broad, principle-focused curriculum supports adaptability to evolving communication technologies, enhancing long-term employability.