This programme strengthens core theoretical foundations while combining them with hands-on scientific work in communication systems and networks. It is offered in close collaboration with Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (St. Augustin), giving students access to a broader range of courses and supervision options. The curriculum is designed to build academic rigour and research skills alongside applied knowledge.
In the first semester you follow foundational modules such as advanced mathematics, networks, and signal processing. After that, you select one of two specialised study profiles — Communication Systems or Communication Networks — and must take at least four courses within the chosen profile. To develop research competence, the programme includes an individual research project in addition to taught modules, and a wide selection of elective modules is available through the partnership, drawn from electrical engineering, optical technologies, informatics, and media technologies.
The degree is completed with a Master’s thesis in the third semester. Both profiles can be pursued entirely in English (some additional modules may be offered in German), and the final thesis must be written in English — making the programme accessible to international students while also offering the chance to pick up German if desired.
Program highlights and requirements
Curriculum overview
This master’s programme is organised in a modular way and starts in the March (summer) semester. It follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS): the full programme is 90 ECTS, with each semester carrying 30 ECTS and each regular module worth 5 ECTS. The modular structure and ECTS weighting are designed to make student mobility and participation in European exchange schemes straightforward.
Programme structure and key modules
Typical courses in the first semester include Advanced Mathematics (5 ECTS) and Basics in Systems and Networks (5 ECTS). A 10‑ECTS Research Project is part of the curriculum and has no fixed start date (it can be initiated in the first or second semester). Students also take two profile courses (5 + 5 ECTS), a Project Management module (5 ECTS), and one elective (5 ECTS). In the second semester, students continue with two further profile courses (5 + 5 ECTS), finish or start the Research Project if not yet begun (10 ECTS), may take Project Management again if offered, and select two electives (5 + 5 ECTS). The third semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis (27 + 3 ECTS, including the thesis presentation), which completes the programme.
Profiles, specialisation and learning outcomes
Students specialise by selecting courses from one of two study profiles: Communication Systems or Communication Networks. At least four courses must be chosen from a single profile; both profiles offer more than four courses in English. Expected learning outcomes include a solid mathematical and systems foundation for communications engineering, practical and methodological research experience via the Research Project, project planning and management skills, deep technical expertise within the chosen profile (systems or networks), and the ability to carry out, document and present an independent Master’s thesis.
Key facts and requirements (concise)
Applicants must hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific or technological discipline and meet both the credit- and grade-based thresholds. The programme expects substantial prior coursework in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering and computer science — together these areas must account for a large portion of your bachelor studies. Grades submitted should meet the German equivalent of 2.3 or better.
If you fall short of the total credit requirement, conditional admission is possible: you would be required to complete the missing prerequisite courses before you are allowed to register for the Master’s thesis. The exact nature and extent of any conditions will be decided individually by the programme’s examination board based on the courses you already completed. Note that application requirements can change; always verify the current rules in the “How to Apply” section for the semester to which you are applying.
Requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Summer Semester (International)
31 October 2026
Graduates are equipped for technical and research roles in telecommunications, network engineering, wireless systems, optical communications, and IT infrastructure — for example as systems engineers, network architects, R&D engineers, or consultants in industry and service providers. The blend of theoretical foundations, applied projects and project-management skills also prepares alumni for positions in product development and technical leadership.
The programme’s research components and double-degree opportunities support progression into doctoral studies or international career paths. Electives across related disciplines (optics, informatics, media technologies) broaden employment options in interdisciplinary teams and emerging technology sectors.
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