Major: Computer Engineering (COMP)

 

General information on Master Degree Program

Read the information regarding the course of studies and a possible curriculum.

 

Program requirements: Major Computer Engineering (COMP)

Graduates with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Engineering with a specialization in Computer Engineering will have acquired a high level of specialization, a research-oriented view, and in-depth, domain-specific knowledge at a professional level in the areas of computer technology, information/communication technology, and/or media technology. They will be able to understand how the different components of a complex system are connected and functionally combined, and they will be able to apply theoretical concepts of system identification, modelling, and optimization in order to further develop such systems on their own, particularly by hardware/software co-design. Examples of such systems include general computer systems, media systems (image/video/speech/audio processing, recognition, and coding), automated and embedded systems, robotics, automotive systems, and many more. In the given field, the graduates will be able

• to take technical-scientific questions from practice, to understand the problems in detail, to formulate them, and then communicate them to others,
• to apply their deep technical and mathematical understanding to analyze engineering and technology questions and develop solutions,
• to understand the impact of design activities on the life cycle of products,
• to adequately report results and work practices both in writing and verbally using current technical language and terminology in order to persuade others about the benefits of new ideas and inventions, and
• to communicate adequately in their native language and in English

In order to achieve these goals, the Master Programme utilizes the following basic teaching forms:

• Lectures – a serial presentation of material including the treatment of specific methodologies
• Tutorials – the solidifying and deepening of expert knowledge and capabilities by solving problems associated with lecture material
• Seminar work – the elaboration of complex questions and scientific knowledge. Basic knowledge is presupposed. Students give oral presentations in the seminar
• Intensive Courses – compact intensive courses composed of lectures and tutorials.
• Important additional options for gaining technical competence are available such as
• Term and master projects in small groups and as individuals
• Excursions – expert guided tours of technical installations and facilities outside the university
• Practical (e.g. laboratory) work directly related to lectures
• Industrial experience and practice of 18 weeks minimum

Finally, the master thesis demonstrates the capability of the individual to work at a professional level contributing to research projects, i.e. to plan, conduct and report a programme of original research.

The Master Programme is mainly consisting of electives, which allow students to specialize in a particular area. The knowledge acquired in lectures and tutorials is normally tested in written (occasionally oral) examinations, while students achieve accreditation for seminars, projects and laboratory exercises. Group work in projects and presentation in seminars is also intended to enhance their interdisciplinary and social skills. Students must independently complete a master’s thesis (six months); these are normally in an area of specialization and often part of a larger research project.

 

The major Computer Engineering comprises three semesters of lectures, tutorials and lab courses, along with an industrial internship of at least 18 weeks and a final master thesis in the fourth semester. In total, the program amounts to 120 ECTS credits.

The major is mainly built up of two module groups, each containing a list of required elective courses: catalogue CORE and catalogue ELECTIVE focus on the study profiles Computer Engineering and Media Engineering.

Study profiles show you useful combination of modules. They are intended as proposals. However, other combinations within the respective major are possible.

The curriculum is complemented by a broad offer of laboratories, project works and seminars. In addition, there is an area of eligible courses which comprises the full master program of the faculty, hence including courses from all majors. Finally there is an area of free elective courses from the entire RWTH course program, including language courses, courses in economy, law or soft-skill courses and block lectures.

 

Study Plan (recommended)

Master of Science in "Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering"; Major Computer Engineering:

1. Semester

Modules	Credits	Total
5 compulsory elective modules from catalogue CORE or ELECTIVE of the major Computer Engineering (COMP)	20	32
1 elective module from catalogue GENERAL from the entire offer of the faculty	4
LABORATORY or PROJECT from the catalogue of the major Computer Engineering (COMP)	4
SEMINAR (offered by the faculty)	4
Module Scientific Integrity	0

2. Semester

5 compulsory elective modules from catalogue CORE or ELECTIVE of the major Computer Engineering (COMP)	20	32
1 elective module from catalogue GENERAL from the entire offer of the faculty	4
2 modules from catalogue ADDITIONAL	8

3. Semester

Industrial internship (18 weeks)	18	26
Seminar relating to the internship	4
1 module from catalogue ADDITIONAL	4

4. Semester

Master thesis incl. master colloquium	30 120
Total