The best of both worlds
Are you familiar with electronics, computer hardware, multimedia and wireless communication?
Do you enjoy programming technical systems and would you like to learn more?
Are you interested in the wider context of networked technical system?
Then, studying Information and Communications Technology (ICT) could be the right choice for you!
Why combine electrical engineering and computer science?
The most exciting innovations often come about where conventional disciplines overlap, which is why computer scientists and electronics engineers work together in interdisciplinary teams. Complex networked products and services need intensive communication between developers and engineers from various disciplines, companies and research institutes – for today and tomorrow’s applications.
Will it get you a good job later?
The Free State of Bavaria provides additional funding for the expansion of the Faculty of Engineering and the development of the degree programme in Information and Communications Technology to supply the labour market with the specialists it urgently needs in this field. The funding enables the support provided to students to be improved and finances new professorships, which extends the range of courses for students.
Why should I study in Erlangen?
ICT is especially well positioned in Erlangen thanks to the short distances and excellent collaboration between the Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Communication, and the Department of Computer Science, two Fraunhofer Institutes specialising in ICT and a unique landscape of international companies and small and medium-sized companies also active in this field.
Did you know?
This excellent collaboration led to the development of the MP3 format, which became a global success. Some of the ICT professors in Erlangen were involved in developing the MP3 format. With such inspiring teachers, ICT students in Erlangen have a positive outlook towards collaboration and look forward to welcoming new students to the degree programme.
Embedded systems (products in which a computer is embedded) are a particular focus of ICT. German research and industry is at the top of the game worldwide in embedded systems. Well-known researchers in this field teach in Erlangen, several small and large companies operate in and around Erlangen, in Bavaria and in Germany in this field and every year Nuremberg is host to Embedded World, the most important trade show in this sector. The region is also well known for developing open source software for embedded systems.
Electronics engineers and information scientists in Erlangen are currently working on joint research projects such as the Communicating Cars (CoCars) project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in which traffic information is sent rapidly between vehicles via UMTS mobile technology. In this project, mobile communication companies are working with the automotive industry, electronics engineers in Erlangen are developing wireless transmission systems and computer scientists in Erlangen are developing higher-level communication protocols. Further work includes simulating the interaction between traffic, hardware and communication and developing strategies for commercial exploitation. The project can only succeed if everyone communicates efficiently and can understand each other’s work. ICT students have the opportunity to work on such projects in current research, gain experience and make contacts.
What qualities should I have for an ICT degree?
In addition to being interested in the topics mentioned above, prospective students need good mathematical skills and a high level of motivation, as is required for all degree programmes at the Faculty of Engineering. As is the case with successful businesses, good degree results are only awarded on the basis of hard work. In return, we offer a targeted degree programme.
It is not for nothing that this program produces numerous outstanding award winners at Techfak’s graduation ceremony!