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The master degree course Computer Engineering enables you to combine the areas Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The fused exploration of software and hardware qualifies you for a future career in these fields. Since this course is heavily research-based, it provides you with the ability to autonomously analyse problems in hardware/software systems and solve them by applying academic methods.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Academic Prerequisites
The Examinations Board shall determine compliance with these requirements.
Language Prerequisites
Accepted certificates include: TOEFL iBT 80 points, TOEFL paper & pencil 550 points, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English grade B or British Council IELTS, minimum band 6.5.
Please note: for international applicants, a GRE Revised General Test (at least 157 points in „Quantitative Reasoning“ and at least 4.0 points in „Analytical Writing“) or a very good or good CGPA in the Bachelor program are required for admission.
German proficiency is not needed for this course, it can only be studied in English.
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
Please check the admission requirements in advance and also consult our departmental website.
Please note: As an international applicant you have to apply via the uni-assist online portal, which allows you to submit your application electronically. Before registering, please check whether you meet the admission requirements and it is essential that you contact the International Office.
Besides completing mandatory modules in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, students specialize in one of the following focus areas:
The program also includes a two-semester project group, where teams of about six to twelve students work on an advanced research and development project and practice professional and social skills. The module scientific work style includes research-oriented seminar work and prepares students for their Master‘s thesis. The Master‘s thesis is related to the chosen focus area and lasts a full semester.
Unsere Universität ist eine weltoffene Hochschule, die sich auch im Themenbereich Gender und Diversity klar positioniert hat.
Die Universität Paderborn setzt sich seit vielen Jahren aktiv für Chancengleichheit, eine geschlechter- und familiengerechte Arbeitskultur sowie die Einbeziehung von Genderfragen in Forschung und Lehre ein. Für ihre Gleichstellungsstrategien wurde sie wiederholt ausgezeichnet, so erhielt sie bereits mehrfach die Zertifizierung „audit familiengerechte hochschule“ und das „Total E‑Quality-Prädikat“. Im Jahre 2009 wurde sie darüber hinaus mit dem Genderpreis des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen für das beste Gleichstellungskonzept ausgezeichnet.
Wir sehen in der Diversität unsere Studierenden die Chance für mehr Kreativität und Entwicklung. Gerade in den ingenieurwissenschaftlichen Disziplinen ist kreatives Denken ein Motor für eine zukunftsfähige Wissenschaft, die sich immer neu erfindet. Wir arbeiten mit internationalen Partnern über den ganzen Globus zusammen und leben eine weltoffenen Wissenschaftskultur. Die Geschlechtergerechtigkeit ist in unserer Fakultät eine Aufgabe die wir aktiv wahrnehmen und zur Mitarbeit auffordern. Jedes Jahr entwickeln wir neue Angebote, die uns dabei Fördern und Fordern sollen.
Ein wichtiges Ziel besteht dabei in einer im Alltag gelebten Kultur der Familienfreundlichkeit; hierzu zählen u.a. Maßnahmen für eine bessere Vereinbarkeit von Studium bzw. Beruf und Familie, wie z.B. das FamilienServiceBüro. Weiterhin organisiert und veranstaltet die Initiative „Frauen gestalten die Informationsgesellschaft“ unterschiedliche Angebote für Schülerinnen im Bereich Mathematik, Informatik, Naturwissenschaften und Technik (MINT).
Für eine klare Definition des zusammen Arbeitens hat die Hochschule die Richtlinie „Partnerschaftliches Verhalten an der Universität Paderborn“ entwickelt, die bereits seit langem eine wichtige Grundlage bildet und gelebt wird.
A semester abroad can be of great benefit to your professional and personal development. We offer a wide variety of exchange programmes in cooperation with universities all over the world. Because of this cooperation, you benefit from the fact that you do not have to pay tuition fees at our partner universities (which otherwise can be very high, especially in North America, the United Kingdom or Australia). Oftentimes, we are even able to offer cost compensation for your travels. Depending on which university you choose, we have a programme representative that can act and answer questions on the universities' behalf. Exchange programmes and contact partners can be found on the website of the International Office.
There is no mandatory internship. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you to make use of an opportunity of gaining professional experience through a voluntary internship in the time in between terms or during a semester of leave.
Research and technology transfer are one of the most important priorities at the Department of Computer Science. Thus, prospective graduates of the Department of Computer Science get the opportunity to gain insights into interdisciplinary research, to work hand in hand with scientists and to establish first contacts with industrial partners through our renowned research institutions such as the Paderborn Center for Parallel Computing (PC²) or the Software Innovation Campus Paderborn (SICP).
The SICP - Software Innovation Campus Paderborn (SICP) is a strategic research and innovation network of the Paderborn University and numerous companies with other partners from business, science and society. The SICP deals with the topics of digitalization in a trans-organizational and interdisciplinary way. Together, the members of the SICP research, design and develop software- and data-driven innovations for the digitally networked society. The goal of the SICP is to form a powerful, trans-organizational institution that links excellent research via application orientation and collaboration with effective research and science transfer. The campus model of the SICP provides for close cooperation between science and industry.
What does the future of engineering look like? Fraunhofer IEM in Paderborn works on convincing solutions to this question, covering the business idea, implementation, and market success stages in the process. Through it all, the focus is on intelligent products, production systems, services, and software applications. Scientists take an interdisciplinary approach to working on new methods, tools, and processes – and use innovative technologies to ensure the long-term competitiveness of customers and partners. Fraunhofer IEM offers jobs for student assistants, assignments for term papers and bachelor or master theses and is looking for dedicated computer sciences or engineering graduates to work on industrial and research projects. Jobs & Career - Fraunhofer IEM
The Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS focuses on research and development in the fields of Smart Systems Integration by using micro and nano technologies with partners in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Based on prospective industrial needs, Fraunhofer ENAS provides services in:
Development, design and test of MEMS and NEMS (micro and nano electromechanical systems) Wafer-level packaging of MEMS and NEMS Metallization und interconnect systems for micro and nano electronics as well as 3D integration New sensor and system concepts with innovative material systems Integration of printed functionalities into systems Reliability and security of micro and nano systems
The Paderborn Center for Parallel Computing (PC²) is a scientific institute Paderborn University and a National High Performance Computing Center in the NHR network. PC²'s research focuses on the development of new methods for programming and using parallel computer systems for scientific computing and the investigation of innovative, heterogeneous computer architectures. As a National High Performance Computing Center, the PC² operates several supercomputer systems to provide computing resources to researchers from all over Germany and offers consulting and training services for the education and training of users.
The Heinz Nixdorf Institute is an interdisciplinary research institute whose research focuses on intelligent technical systems. In cooperation between Computer Science and Engineering, concepts are designed for these systems, which are adaptable, robust, user-friendly and act with foresight. The Heinz Nixdorf Institute imparts technical, methodological and social skills and prepares those interested to assume responsibility in business and science. Around 20 young scientists complete their doctorates here every year.
The Bielefeld-Paderborn Joint Artificial Intelligence Institute follows a trans- and interdisciplinary approach, focusing on the interplay between AI and applications, as well as studying ethical, legal, and social implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Its goal is to lay the foundations for human-centered AI systems that act as competent partners and feature real-world problem-solving abilities in specific domains. Instead of replacing humans, such systems will complement and empower humans by supporting them interactively in decision-making processes.
The Competence Center for Sustainable Energy Technology (KET) was founded by Paderborn University as a central scientific institution in January 2012. The tasks of KET are research, teaching and technology transfer in the field of environmentally friendly and innovative energy generation, conversion and utilization. The scopes and competences of the five research groups from the departments of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering cooperating in KET enable the interdisciplinary development of solutions to energy-related challenges. Acting as an interface between industry and university research facilities, KET addresses institutional and industrial users and offers comprehensive cooperation opportunities through consulting, development, simulation and implementation in regards to modern energy technology.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
Throughout the course of your degree, you may have some questions regarding vocational guidance and goal-setting. As the gateway between university and working life, the Career Service is on hand to answer all your career planning questions. Want to find out about potential careers, forge contacts with employers, identify your personal strengths and interests or clarify specific questions about starting out in a given career? Then make sure that you take advantage of the university’s comprehensive range of talks and workshops, practical projects, job and career portal and vocational preparation certificate upb+.
On completion of your degree, you can also choose to continue your studies with a PhD programme, thereby gaining the experience and qualifications you’ll need to subsequently take up a research position at a university or non-university research institution.
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Maybe one of our other courses suits you better?
Campus life
There’s far more to studying at Paderborn University than just your degree course. Those thirsty for knowledge, those seeking discussion and debate and all those looking for something new can, for example, benefit from the opportunity to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills at the university’s Centre for Language Studies or brush up their software skills on a doIT course. IMT:Media offers dedicated media workstations on which you can give your creativity free reign, while the university’s wide and varied sports programme ranges from Aikido to Zumba. Or why not get involved with the university’s radio station L’UniCo or its “universal” magazine or join one of our multitude of project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular programme of plays and shows performed by our University Drama Group, poetry slams and readings, our big band and university choir are just a few examples of the diverse cultural activities and events on offer at Paderborn University. One particular highlight is our AStA (German General Students’ Committee) summer festival: Up to 15,000 people each year attend what is probably Germany’s largest outdoor campus festival, to enjoy the summer party vibes to the beats of a host of local student bands, plus well-known headliners on a number of stages.
Campus
Almost all of Paderborn University’s buildings are located on campus, with ample green spaces for relaxing and plenty of places to eat: “Mensa Academica”, “Mensa Forum”, “Grill | Café” and “Caféte”, as well as “Lädchen”, our small campus kiosk. Everything is within easy reach, within just a short walking distance. Our library is also centrally located, and a great place to study, thanks to its handy opening hours.
Accommodation
If you’d like to live on or close to campus, you can apply to Paderborn University’s Student Union for a place in university accommodation. You can also find private accommodation to rent, both near the university and city centre and in Paderborn’s various residential areas though the usual housing portals.
Finance
Students who need or wish to work alongside their degree should easily be able to fit a part-time job around their studies. A scholarship or BAföG federal student grant or loan are further options to help you fund your course and living expenses.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every question and concern. Our advice and service centres, for example, are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your academic or research work, applying for your dream job, funding options and much more.
Our university is a cosmopolitan university, with a clear gender and diversity policy. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender and family-friendly work and study culture for a number of years now. This includes helping students achieve a better study-life balance and supporting students with health issues.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb(at)upb(dot)de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Academic Advisors Electrical Engineering
Prof. Dr. Sybille Hellebrand
E-Mail: sybille.hellebrand(at)uni-paderborn(dot)de
Phone: 05251/60-3002
International Office
E-Mail: io-info(at)zv.uni-paderborn(dot)de
Student Council Electrical Engineering
Registrar’s Office
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
Examination Office
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b(at)upb(dot)de
Phone:05251/60-5498