Communication and Information Technology (Master of Science)

Program overview

This MSc programme trains you in advanced aspects of modern communication and information technology through four specialised tracks: Communications Circuits and Systems, Sensor Circuits and Systems, Communications Engineering, and Intelligent Systems. Across the tracks you will build a solid foundation in mixed‑signal and RF/analogue circuits, RF engineering and radar design, wireless communications and signal processing, optical communication devices, and machine learning methods. The curriculum blends theoretical courses with practical work, preparing you for both research and industry roles.

Each track targets a different focus area:

• Communications Engineering concentrates on modern digital communications — coding, networking and advanced modulation techniques — with a strong emphasis on mobile communication methods and systems, reflecting the research priorities of the Electrical Engineering faculty.
• Communications Circuits and Systems focuses on the hardware side of communications (microwave and millimetre‑wave engineering, microelectronics and optoelectronic devices) and benefits from extensive millimetre‑wave and microfabrication laboratory infrastructure for hands‑on experience.
• Sensor Circuits and Systems covers integrated circuit and sensor design, mixed‑signal and RF integrated circuits, mm‑wave engineering, and sensor interfaces.
• Intelligent Systems is the software‑oriented option, emphasising machine learning, pattern recognition and secure system engineering for information systems and computer engineering backgrounds.

This programme is taught in English and is well suited to students who want a mix of theory, practical lab work and research opportunities in communications, sensors or intelligent information technologies. Graduates typically move into roles in wireless and optical communications, RF and microelectronics design, sensor development, or machine‑learning driven systems engineering, or continue into doctoral research.

Recommended prerequisites and candidate profile

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, electronics, computer engineering or a closely related field
• Solid foundations in signals and systems, analogue and digital circuits, and basic electromagnetics or communications theory
• Programming skills and familiarity with signal processing and/or machine learning are advantageous (especially for Intelligent Systems)
• Interest in hardware design, RF/mm‑wave technologies or sensor interfaces for the circuits‑oriented tracks
• Proficiency in academic English (programme language: English)
• Motivation for a mix of theoretical study and practical laboratory work; prior lab experience is beneficial but not mandatory

Overview

The program begins with an optional six-week pre-semester course that starts in March each year. This intensive offering focuses on “Survival German” for everyday life and includes an introduction to living and studying in Germany, with practical orientation specific to life at Ulm University. It’s designed to help international students settle in and gain basic language and cultural confidence before classes start.

Following the pre-semester period, the taught portion runs over three semesters. The fourth and final semester is dedicated entirely to a full-time research thesis (six months), allowing you to apply what you’ve learned to a substantial independent project.

Curriculum structure and teaching methods

The curriculum is organised into four types of modules: core subjects, specialisation subjects (aligned with your chosen track), practical subjects, and complementary subjects. Complementary modules can be scientific-technical to deepen specialisation or non-technical, emphasizing areas such as languages and transferable “soft” skills. Teaching typically combines lectures and class sessions; some modules use blended formats that add seminars and laboratory work to give hands-on experience.

Learning outcomes

Graduates emerge with solid foundational knowledge across core areas of communication and information technology and deeper expertise in their chosen specialisation. Practical modules and lab-based work develop applied skills needed for engineering tasks and real-world problem solving, while the six-month research thesis builds independent research competence and the ability to manage a substantial technical project. The pre-semester German course and complementary non-technical options support language acquisition and intercultural and professional soft skills, helping international students integrate academically and socially.

Program structure and requirements (concise)

• Six-week pre-semester intensive German course and orientation (starts in March)
• Three semesters of taught coursework
• Final semester: six-month, full‑time research thesis
• Module types: core, specialisation, practical, complementary (technical or non-technical)
• Teaching formats: lectures and classes; some modules include seminars and laboratory experiments

Graduates are prepared for technical and engineering roles across telecommunications, semiconductor and sensor industries, automotive radar and ADAS development, optical communications, and wireless systems design. Typical positions include communications/RF engineer, mixed-signal or RF IC designer, sensor interface developer, systems engineer for wireless networks, and machine learning engineer for embedded/intelligent systems.

The programme's combination of hardware labs, RF/mm-wave facilities and software-oriented tracks also makes graduates well suited for research and development roles in industry and for pursuing PhD studies in electrical engineering, communications or related fields. The optional industrial internship further enhances employability by providing industry experience and professional contacts.