Media Informatics M.Sc.

 

This international program will educate the participant to successfully master the novel technical and economic challenges at the crossroads of computer science, software engineering, next-generation communication systems, and media.

Whilst a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science typically qualifies a person to participate in large software projects, the Master's degree provides the skills needed for leadership.

Graduates of the Media Informatics program can be expected to be technically innovative, to work as system architects, and to manage large projects. Students who excel during the Master's program will also have the necessary qualifications to pursue a doctoral degree.

 

Degree Content

The program will educate the participant to successfully master the novel technical and economic challenges at the crossroads of computer science, software engineering, next-generation communication systems, and media.

It consists of three main blocks:

• Computer science and mathematical foundations
• Multimedia Technology
• Media science and business aspects

The program is also characterized by a significant proportion of research lab courses embedded in both basic and applied research of the participating Fraunhofer Institutes of Applied Information Technology (FIT) and Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS). A further lab can be done at the University, at the Fraunhofer institutes, or in cooperation with industry.

Major topics include:

• Data Science
• Big Data
• Machine Learning
• Computer Graphics/Animation/Visualisation
• Speech/Image/Video Processing and Technology
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Digital Interactive Media
• Designing Interactive Systems
• Management of Information and Knowledge
• Cooperative Work Environments
• E-Business

The course of study also includes methodological aspects of designing media informatics systems from the perspectives of software engineering, usability, media design, and business requirements.

The standard period of study is four semesters. Per semester about 30 credits have to be achieved in lectures from different areas, seminars, labs, and the Master's thesis in the 4th semester.

Most courses take place in the new B-IT building in Bonn. All subjects are offered as modules that can be combined flexibly and which are fully integrated into the ECTS.

The program is offered by RWTH Aachen University and the University of Bonn in collaboration with the Fraunhofer institutes in St. Augustin within the Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology (B-IT) and is distinguished by its international orientation, its focus on IT competence, and its high level of integration of research and teaching.

 

Prerequisites

A candidate should have a recognized first degree (Bachelor of Science or Engineering) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or other closely related discipline, awarded by an internationally recognized university-level institution. Detailed information is available on the course of study website.

 

Career Prospects

Computer scientists with an applied focus have been in great demand in the past, and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. With an M.Sc. degree in Media Informatics you will be well-prepared for the typical challenges faced when working in computer systems engineering and for creative work with audio-visual media.

The ABCD region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne; Düsseldorf) is home to many prospective employers, including global players such as Microsoft, Philips, Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Bertelsmann Group, as well as many television stations such as WDR, VIVA, etc.

Alumni of Media Informatics are doing their PhD in Germany or abroad or are working at prestigious companies. For examples of companies and universities where our alumni accepted positions or to read what our alumni say about Media Informatics please see the b-it impressions on the Media Informatics homepage.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Contact

If you have specific questions on course content please contact:

RWTH Aachen
Media Informatics Advisory Team
D-52056 Aachen, Germany
msc-mi@b-it-center.de

Media Informatics Homepage