MSc in Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering is a field that involves the analysis, design, and evaluation of computer systems with their hardware and software layers, and the use of computer-controlled systems in cars, smartphones and medical technology, for example. As a modern engineering science at the interface of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering is a key information technology discipline.

The Master's Program

The 4-semester Master's program in Computer Engineering aims at deepening in one or more Computer Engineering fields the knowledge students acquired in the Bachelor's program. The Master's program is designed to be research-related and provides especially the abilities necessary for analyzing problems in Computer Engineering independently and for developing the scientific methods required to describe and solve these problems.

The Master's program consists of two compulsory modules each in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, an elective area, a module "Scientific Workstyle", the project group and the final thesis. The compulsory modules in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering strengthen the skills in the central fields of Computer Engineering. In elective courses, the students specialize in a specific field by choosing an area of specialization and also acquire a broad base of knowledge through more elective modules. The Master's program offers the following areas of specialization:

• Embedded Systems
• Nano/Microelectronics
• Computer Systems
• Communication and Networks
• Signal, Image and Speech Processing
• Control and Automation

In the module "Scientific Workstyle", students complete a research-oriented seminar and, in parallel, a further elective course that strengthens their individual competence in the language, writing, or presentation skills. The project group is a two-semester course in which a team works together in collaboration on a research-related topic. The final thesis project covers the Master's thesis and a preparatory work planning phase and is often derived directly from the topic of the project group or from the student's own area of specialization. The final thesis can be started after students successfully complete a total of 45 credits (ECTS) in the modules.

Computer Engineering is a field of studies with an internationally reputable and recognized profile and job outline. In the prescribed 4-semester study period and with a total performance of 120 ECTS, students acquire a degree whose contents and scope match international standards.

The following diagram provides a descriptive overview of the Master's program in Computer Engineering. For a detailed description and explanation of the various subjects, modules, and elective courses, see the Examination Regulations and the Module Handbook.

Additional Prerequisites

The prerequisites for being granted admission to the Master’s program in Computer Engineering is a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Paderborn University or a similar Bachelor's degree from another college or university. In addition, proven sufficient proficiency in English and, for international applicants, a GRE Revised General Test or a very good or good CGPA in the Bachelor program are required for admission.

As an international applicant, you have to apply via the uni-assist online portal, which allows you to submit your application electronically. The uni-assist web site lists Paderborn University under "Universities (Master)" and heading "Northrhine-Westphalia". Before registering, please check whether you meet the admission requirements.

The Master’s program can be started in either the winter semester or the summer semester. The contact persons listed below are available for more information.

Paderborn University is the University for the Information Society. Our strong foundation in computer science and its applications, as well as the importance of IT for a growing number of disciplines, are the pillars for this claim. But we want to achieve more: we want to contribute to the scientific and technical development of the information society, simultaneously critically reflecting these developments by taking into account the history, norms, and values of our society. To achieve this, we need the spectrum from “hard” sciences to the arts and humanities to complement and learn from each other.

Our mission includes a strong international and cultural presence since the information society is decidedly global and should not remain a purely intellectual undertaking. Our university orchestra, our drama group, and more than 70 different sports are some of the important university activities that help characterize academic life here in Paderborn.

Our five faculties cover a broad range of courses of study in the arts and humanities, business studies, natural sciences, and engineering. We offer 63-degree programs at the bachelor and master level. Additionally, teacher education programs play an important role in Paderborn.

With over 20,300 students, 255 professors, and a library that is open 350 days a year, our compact campus university provides a friendly, green, connected environment with excellent services for student life.

Research at Paderborn University: interdisciplinary, international, application-oriented and innovative

Paderborn University is a young and thriving university that conducts excellent research within five key research areas. A wide range of research activities in all faculties is performed with a high level of interdisciplinarity and internationality. Paderborn University is embedded in an innovative and dynamic business environment in the region of Ostwestfalen-Lippe, which engenders numerous cross-sector collaborations with benefits for researchers and the regional economy.

We emphasize interdisciplinarity, as complex scientific challenges require the collaboration of complementary disciplines. One example is the close link between computer science and engineering, generating common solutions with exploitation potential and real added value in the mechanical-electrical engineering fields. Together with basic research in the natural sciences, such collaborations form an essential basis for shaping the modern information society. Similarly, the analysis and exploration of cultural and economic developments and changes in the information and knowledge society also require interdisciplinary approaches. These questions are addressed in cultural and social sciences as well as economics and have an impact on teacher training and vocational education.

Business

The University of Paderborn is an excellent choice for successful cooperation between industry and a university geared towards innovation. Technology and knowledge transfer have a high priority here. We educate graduates who can inspire your business. Innovative ideas are incubated, promising developments are competently nurtured, and entrepreneurs are led towards successful start-ups.