MSc Autonomy Technologies FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

English

Autonomy Technologies offers a unique combination of engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Students gain a broad knowledge base of hardware and software components and in-depth system understanding. Graduates of the programme are competent engineers, perfectly prepared for careers in the rapidly growing field of autonomous systems. The degree qualifies students for jobs in different branches of industry such as automotive, automation and robotics, communication services or industrial services.

Autonomy Technologies aims to address the technological challenges of tomorrow’s technical systems by providing a unique blend of electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Therefore, the study programme conveys a system-oriented understanding and a broad knowledge base for software and hardware components to design autonomous systems. In particular, the study programme comprises the following four cutting-edge specialisation areas: Human-System Interfaces, Networking & Collaboration, Planning & Control, and Sensing & Perception.

The Welcome Week for international students takes place at the beginning of October or at the beginning of April of each semester.

Semester dates at FAU: https://www.fau.eu/education/study-organisation/semester-dates/

Winter semester: 15 July
Summer semester: 15 January

The MSc programme provides advanced knowledge to tackle autonomy technologies and create autonomous systems. The research-oriented programme focuses on the design and development of autonomous systems as one of today's most relevant technological challenges and consists of mandatory and elective modules in two of the four areas of specialisation:

Beyond this, students obtain advanced knowledge in elective modules and seminars. Lab courses provide a practical perspective, which is deepened and supplemented by soft skills in a team project or an internship in the industry. The programme is completed by a Master's thesis.

Areas of specialisation:

• Human-System Interfaces
• Networking & Collaboration
• Planning & Control
• Sensing & Perception

Erasmus+ programme:

• Study visits to European partner universities
• Partners: Bristol, Glasgow, Madrid, Valencia, San Sebastian, Prague, Pilsen, Rennes, Helsinki, Trondheim, Riga, etc.
• Recognition of study achievements with ECTS
• Organisational support for planning and implementation
• Waiver of foreign tuition fees
• Moderate financial support (mobility grant)

GE4 (Global Education for European Engineers and Entrepreneurs):

• Study visits to universities in South America and Asia
• Waiver of tuition fees, assistance with entry formalities

Internship in industry or research internship are part of the curriculum.

No tuition fees

FAU does not charge tuition fees. However, each semester students must pay semester fees consisting of a student service fee (72 EUR).

General guidelines on the average costs that can be expected are provided by the results of the social survey undertaken by the German National Association for Student Affairs in 2021:

According to this study, students who no longer live with their parents should have an average amount of 1,106 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details on average expenditure:

• Rent, including ancillary costs (in Erlangen, Nuremberg and surrounding areas): 410 EUR
• Food: 198 EUR
• Clothing: 46 EUR
• Travel costs (public transport and/or car): 89 EUR
• Study materials (depending on subject): 31 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 100 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure, culture, sports: 65 EUR

Prerequisites:

• Engineering mathematics: linear algebra, calculus and analysis, geometry, probability theory, information theory, signal processing
• Control Theory (e.g. as covered in Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers (Åström & Murray, 2008))
• Sensors (e.g. as covered in Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and Applications (Fraden, 2010))
• Mechatronics (e.g. as covered in Mechatronic Systems: Fundamentals (Isermann, 2007))
• Electrical Engineering
• Basic knowledge in programming, e.g. C, C++, Python, Matlab
• Knowledge in fundamentals of algorithms and data structures

Applicants must be fluent in English on level B2 according to the Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

Both TOEFL (iBT 85 or equivalent) and IELTS (band 6.0) can be accepted as a proof of language proficiency. An exemption only applies to students whose undergraduate degree has been conducted entirely in English (certificate).

All courses are taught in English and do not require prior knowledge of the German language. Students can participate in intensive German language courses to prepare for a career in Germany.

Winter semester: 15 July
Summer semester: 15 January

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

https://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies

According to a study by the German National Association for Student Affairs, around 63 percent of all "first-time students" have a regular job – and not just during the holidays. On average, they work around eight hours a week for an average wage of 12 EUR per hour. Students can have a "500 EUR job" or work as a student trainee in a company or as a student assistant in the university – both during and outside the lecture period. Information on the legal conditions relating to part-time jobs for students is available in the brochure "Jobben" (part-time jobs) published by the German National Association for Student Affairs. FAU’s job portal is also updated regularly with new advertisements for part-time jobs.

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 40,996 students and 276 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines – from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently go beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching is reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities – Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.