Communications and Multimedia Engineering (CME)
Communications and Multimedia Engineering (CME) (M.Sc.)
The challenging Master’s degree program Communications and Multimedia Engineering combines a strong foundation in the fields of communication systems, advanced multimedia technologies, and digital signal processing with cutting-edge research topics. The program prepares you perfectly for a career in the communications and multimedia industries and all related fields that use embedded information technologies (e.g., automotive, energy systems, medical technologies).
- Degree
- Master of Science
- Duration of studies in semester
- 4
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Engineering sciences
- Special ways to study
- International degree program, Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in English
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
The CME Master’s degree program is meticulously designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of communication systems, advanced multimedia technologies, and digital signal processing.
Through a balanced blend of lectures, tutorials, lab courses and hands-on projects, you will delve deep into various topics related to the field.
Courses on fundamentals such as information theory and statistical signal processing will prepare you well to explore 6G communication networks, THz, optical and nano-scale communications, machine learning for communications and multimedia, XR/AR/VR and metaverse technologies, high-end video and audio coding schemes, speech, audio and music processing, and much more.
Learn from distinguished professors and industry experts who are committed to nurturing your talents and guiding you towards success in your chosen career path.
Collaborations between world-class faculty at FAU and the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS), which is the home of mp3, with their excellent expertise on audio, video and communications as well as the International Audio Laboratories (AudioLabs) hosted both by IIS and FAU offer unique opportunities to learn, research and work.
CME also provides intensive language courses in German for students who do not have advanced German language skills when they join the program.
Find out more about our Master’s degree program on the CME website.
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CME is a full-time two-year Master’s program. Part-time studies are also possible.
The program structure complies with internationally recognized Master’s programs and meets the requirements for subsequent doctoral studies.
The schedule comprises lectures, tutorials, seminars, lab courses, a research internship and a six-months period for the Master’s thesis. It is completed by German language courses and/or soft skill seminars.
The first two semesters focus on building a strong foundation in the core subjects of CME:
- Digital Communications
- Digital Signal Processing
- Information Theory and Coding
- Statistical Signal Processing
- Mobile Communications
- Image and Video Compression
From the first semester onwards, you complement your studies in the core subjects by freely choosing from a catalogue of compulsory and elective courses and labs that allow you to delve deeper into the fields of your interest and develop your own specific qualification profile.
Essential information:
- Two-year full-time postgraduate degree program (4 semesters)
- 120 ECTS credits, including 30 ECTS credits for the Master’s thesis
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CME offers two basic directions of specialisation:
- Communications (example courses: Advanced Optical Communication Systems, Machine Learning in Communications, Next Generation Mobile Communication Systems: 5G-Advanced and 6G, Molecular Communication, and much more)
- Multimedia Engineering (example courses: Advanced Topics in Perceptual Audio Coding, Machine Learning in Signal Processing, Music Processing, Virtual Vision, and much more)
Both directions may also be combined according to an individual schedule.
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CME focuses on fundamental concepts of modern technologies in the areas of signal processing and communications.
In order to benefit from our challenging Master’s program, you need to have an excellent education in these fields at the Bachelor’s level, encompassing both theoretical understanding and programming skills facilitating the involvement in practical applications.
In particular, strong foundations and working knowledge in the following fields are required:
- Engineering Mathematics: linear algebra, complex analysis, linear differential equations, Fourier transform, Laplace transform, z-transform, probability and random variables
- Signals and Systems
- Communications
- Stochastic Processes
- Skills in a programming language such as C/C++, MATLAB, and Python
Are you ready for the CME challenge?
Check out our self-assessment test questions on our website.
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Why should you study CME at FAU?
- Learn from excellent, leading professors and researchers in the field of Communications and Multimedia Engineering.
- Benefit from the strong local industry in and around Erlangen. Many worldwide leading companies such as Siemens, Diehl, Schaeffler and many others are present in the area.
- Make easy connections with fellow students and teachers in our relatively small Master’s degree program.
- Build your own individual qualification profile by freely choosing from our catalog of elective courses.
- Learn German and expand your soft skills as an integrated part of your studies (15 ECTS electives in non-engineering subjects).
Not convinced yet? Ask our students about their experience in CME!
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The Master’s degree qualifies students for roles in the communications and multimedia industries and all related fields that use embedded information technologies (e.g., automotive, energy systems, medical technologies).
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.07.
- Content-related admission requirements
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The Master’s degree program Communications and Multimedia Engineering builds on Bachelor’s degree programs with relation to information and communication technology:
- Information and Communication Technology,
- Computational Engineering,
- Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Information Technology,
or a Bachelor’s degree that can be regarded as equivalent, e.g. Information Technology, Telecommunications Engineering or Automation.
The CME website provides an overview of the current application deadlines as well as information on the local selection process and how to apply.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- No DSH, English (level B2, CEFR)
- General language skills
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The Master’s degree program CME is taught entirely in English. Students must provide evidence of proficiency in English on at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR).
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.