Control, Computer and Communications Engineering (CCCE) Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences

All lectures are taught in English (except for the module "German as a Foreign Language").

The CCCE Master of Science (MSc) degree programme provides students with established theoretical and advanced application-oriented knowledge in the areas of "Control Engineering, Computer Engineering and Communications Engineering" (CCCE). Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in cutting-edge engineering sectors, leading positions in industrial companies and research institutions. It can also be the basis for a further scientific qualification such as a PhD.

Due to the international character of the study programme, including increased intercultural skills, the graduates are well prepared for work in internationally operating companies. English is the language of instruction.

The special profile and unique feature of the degree programme is the concentration on synergies of different areas of electrical, information and communication technologies, with a special focus on the development of safety-critical, networked and intelligent electrical systems. Such systems are subject to special requirements in terms of sensors and actuators, communication technology and protocols, control and signal processing as well as computing performance and safety, taking into account time and energy restrictions.

The degree programme offers an international, future-oriented and interdisciplinary approach, conveying scientifically established concepts, methods and techniques. This enables students to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems in an international and intercultural environment and equips graduates with the skills to develop novel products and services in this interdisciplinary context.

During their studies, students can choose their own individual focus and major in one of the three specialisations (study programmes: Control Engineering, Computer Engineering or Communications Engineering) or focus on a broad generalist path (study programme: no specialisation) and enjoy joint elective courses that reflect current research – from intelligent systems to industrial automation and combine the synergies of all specialisations. The programme focuses on a high degree of practical work, which is established through state-of-the-art research and development projects and an optional industrial internship. 

All degree programmes in the Federal state of Hesse are accredited. The CCCE MSc programme was successfully re-accredited in 2018 (accredited by ASIIN Düsseldorf) and is currently undergoing re-accreditation for the start of the 2025 winter semester.

Orientation Days are organised in the first week of every semester (first week of October and April), to not only ensure a smooth transition and successful start to the Master's programme but also to have the opportunity to make new contacts.

Orientation Days are followed by the start of classes in presence on-campus. 

• Applicants with non-German degrees: 1 April to 1 June for the following winter semester | 1 October to 1 December for the following summer semester
• Applicants with German degrees: 1 June to 1 September for the following winter semester | 1 December to 1 March for the following summer semester

Excellent teaching, state-of-the art research and superb student support services are our strengths. We strive to enable students to benefit from our cooperation with industrial and research partners. We encourage and foster both individual and group work. Our programme is open to international as well as to German students. This gives all participants first-hand experience in projects with international teams.

Beginning: Every winter and summer semester (1 October and 1 April)
Duration: Three semesters including Master's thesis & defence
Curriculum: Total of 90 credit points
Language of instruction: English

The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective modules in one of the specialisations. In order to fulfil the main goal of the degree programme, professional qualification both in the selected major as well as in an overarching interdisciplinary area such as IoT, Industry 4.0, smart system, smart grids and electromobility, are incorporated.

The compulsory modules are organised in the "problem-based learning" (PBL) form. In these modules, students work together in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams. The groups work on a current research task from the field of IoT, Industry 4.0, smart systems, smart grids or electromobility, supplemented by accompanying seminar-like teaching, supported by teaching staff from the THM.

If interested, the second semester can be used to complete a voluntary internship of four to twelve weeks. The last semester is devoted to applied research and development work to complete the Master's thesis, culminating in the thesis defence.

Throughout the whole programme, communication skills, team-working, intercultural competence and methodological training skills are developed.

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Other international elements that foster intercultural awareness and integration on campus:

• THM's International Buddy Programme
• THM's International "Stammtisch" (Regular get-together)
• Language training

All of these international elements help our students in gaining international experiences, establishing local and international contacts, improving their foreign language skills and enhancing their intercultural and social competence.

Varying Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP – short study abroad periods)

A voluntary, full-time internship of four to twelve weeks may be undertaken in the second semester. We encourage students to combine the internship with the Master's thesis project.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 335 EUR per semester. This gives students access to free regional public transportation. It also includes certain discounts such as for the following: university cafeterias, a local outdoor pool, city theatre and a bike rental system. Further details can be found here: https://www.thm.de/site/hochschule/zentrale-bereiche/studiensekretariat.html/.

Possible costs of living per month:

• Rent (fully furnished room in a student hall of residence or a private shared flat): approx. 300 EUR to 400 EUR per month, a one-time deposit for your room is approx. 250 EUR
• Semester contribution fee per semester (including free public transport): approx. 315 EUR
• Health insurance: 90 EUR to 125 EUR
• Groceries: approx. 170 EUR

Other budget items include:

• Study materials
• Phone, Internet usage
• Sports, culture, leisure
• Clothes & hygiene articles

Overall, you have to provide at least 934 EUR per month (since 1 January 2023) or have proof of a blocked account (11,208 EUR) for the extension of your residence permit.

A first academic degree (Bachelor's degree, German "Diplom" or comparable) from an accredited university in one of the following areas:

• General electrical engineering
• Communications and computer networks engineering
• Electrical engineering and information technology
• Technical computer science
• Other suitable study programmes in the areas of electrical engineering and information & communication technology

Average final grade of the Bachelor's degree: (equivalent to) at least 2.5 according to the German grading system (Grade "good" or better according to the THM grading scale) with achievements of at least 210 credit points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Detailed admission requirements and a complete list of application documents can be found on our website (https://go.thm.de/ccce). Please feel free to contact the CCCE course coordinator at THM in case of further questions.

English language: Good proficiency in English (level B2) proven by an internationally recognised examination (e.g. TOEFL 85 iBT / the IELTS test - at least 6.5 / or a comparable, internationally recognised test with comparable results)

German language: International applicants also need to have basic knowledge of German (level A1– Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The successful completion of a German examination at level A1 (Goethe-Institut or related institute) must be certified.

• Applicants with non-German degrees: 1 April to 1 June for the following winter semester | 1 October to 1 December for the following summer semester
• Applicants with German degrees: 1 June to 1 September for the following winter semester | 1 December to 1 March for the following summer semester

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Qualified and motivated students are usually able to find student jobs in companies or at big trade fairs, particularly in the Rhine-Main area. Finding a student job at the THM is also possible, e.g. as a tutor in a lab or as an assistant in an office. With a student visa, it is possible to work 140 full days/year without an additional work permit. Since our programme is fast-paced, it is recommended to focus on studying in the first year.

THM provides international students with information on finding suitable and affordable accommodation.

https://www.thm.de/site/en/international/welcome-stay/live-and-study-in-central-hesse/live-international.html

Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.

THM's International Career Centre offers a wide range of career planning and career entry services for international students and graduates.

https://www.thm.de/site/en/international/welcome-stay/icc.html

The "InternationalTalents@THMprofession" qualification programme supports international students in their transition to the labour market and improves their career and residence prospects through the acquisition of interdisciplinary and professionally relevant skills through individual counselling and coaching.

https://www.thm.de/site/en/international/welcome-stay/coaching-career-entry-for-international-students.html

The Incoming Team in the International Office supports international students from the application process through to the completion of their studies and connects them with local students.

go.thm.de/WelcomeStayInternational