Communications Engineering — Major of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Students interested in the Communications Engineering major must apply for the Master's programme in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Once accepted and enrolled, they can choose one of the following five majors: Electrical Power Engineering, Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Systems and Automation, Communications Engineering, or Biomedical Systems Engineering. The Communications Engineering (COMM) major offers a broad range of topics in communication and information technology at multiple levels of abstraction. At the most abstract level, the focus is on system concepts: the parts and systems required for specific communication tasks. Students acquire the necessary mathematical foundations. The architecture of systems such as transmitters, receivers, and signal processors is studied in depth, along with their key components, including digital signal processing and its VLSI implementation, as well as analogue components such as mixers, amplifiers, filters, and antennas. Mandatory CORE courses focus on fundamental ideas and principles, while students can select from a broad catalogue of ELECTIVE subjects, allowing them to specialise in their areas of interest. CORE courses are: Estimation and Detection Theory Mobile Radio Networks 1 Principles and Design of Communication Systems and Networks RF Systems The COMM major covers the full spectrum of communication technologies, including wireless communication, electromagnetic waves, optical communication, and specialised areas such as radar and satellite navigation. The programme emphasises fundamental concepts, enabling graduates to apply their knowledge to any current and future communication systems. They learn to develop complex systems using hardware/software co-design methodologies and acquire skills in modelling, analysis, synthesis, and optimisation, providing strong career prospects. RWTH institutes offer numerous research assistant positions, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in current research projects. In brief – what to expect from COMM: everything about RF communication, ranging from audio up to mm-wave frequencies and beyond: mathematical foundations: modulation, detection, wave propagation communication media: electromagnetic and optical system-level design and architecture selection receiver and transmitter design digital circuit design: algorithms, DSP, VLSI analogue circuit design: power management, amplifiers, mixers, filters signal processing: speech, video, data streams additional topics: radar and satellite navigation The standard period of study is four full-time semesters (two years), including the preparation of the Master's thesis. The course of study may be commenced in either semester. The programme consists of a range of mandatory or mandatory-elective modules that define its specific profile. This part of the curriculum is complemented by a large offer of laboratory work, project work, and seminars. In addition, there is a selection of possible courses that comprise courses from all other Master's programmes offered by the faculty. Finally, there is an assortment of elective courses from the entire RWTH course programme, including courses in economics and soft skills as well as language courses. All Master's students must complete the "Scientific Integrity" module to meet ethical standards of scientific practice. German language courses are compulsory for all students who cannot certify a German language level of at least B1. During the 18-week industrial internship, students will learn how to solve current engineering problems while working with renowned industry partners. This is often the first step towards a future professional career. The Master's thesis is an independent, predefined scientific project to be completed in a fixed period of six months. It is concluded by an oral presentation and defence of the results. A total of 120 ECTS credits are required for the successful completion of the prog

Course details verified 09 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source

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English

E.G. TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026): 4.5 TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 4.5 TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026): 90 TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 90 IELTS Academic: 6 Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced

Prerequisites

1. In order to apply to the RWTH Master's programme in "Electrical Engineering and Information Technology" with a specialisation in Communications Engineering, applicants must have completed their basic studies (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, or equivalent) at an internationally recognised university. These basic studies should fulfil both the subject requirements listed below and those listed in detail on the homepage of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. More information about subject requirements at least 28 ECTS credits for advanced mathematics at least 10 ECTS credits for physics and physical principles of electronic devices at least 34 ECTS credits for fundamentals of electrical engineering including circuit technology at least 8 ECTS credits for informatics (computer science) and programming at least 10 ECTS credits for fundamentals of control and mathematical systems theory at least 10 ECTS credits for advanced electromagnetic field theory or theoretical information theory at least 20 ECTS credits for application-oriented courses 2. In addition, at the time of application, all applicants are obliged to prove that they have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The test score must fulfil the minimum requirements according to the current examination regulations. Applicants who are citizens of a European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) member state, as well as those with prior educational qualifications from Germany (so-called "Bildungsinländer"), are exempt from this rule. 3. Conditional admission is possible. In this case, additional study requirements must be fulfilled. 4. Admission to this Master's programme requires proof of adequate knowledge of the English language (see below).

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