Englisch 
Deutsch Who this German-taught online Master fits and what you need to join
This programme suits international professionals who want a German Master of Science in Electrical and Information Technology (90 ECTS) while working. Typical profiles include: engineers in power systems or automation who need advanced theory for project lead roles; telecoms or embedded systems specialists aiming to deepen expertise in digital communication or high-frequency systems; professionals in energy or industrial IT who plan to move into intelligent energy grids. Teaching and study materials are in German, learning is largely online, with limited campus dates in Duisburg.
Admission requirements
For enrolment you generally need a relevant first degree and the ability to study in German. Key points:
- A completed first university degree (e.g. Bachelor or equivalent) in electrical/electronic engineering, information technology, or a closely related discipline.
- International degrees are considered if they are equivalent to a German first-cycle degree; the university conducts the formal recognition. Certified translations may be required.
- No Abitur needed for a Master’s: the decisive entry qualification is your prior university degree.
- Language: the programme is taught in German. Proof of adequate German proficiency is required; the university specifies accepted certificates during application.
- On-site dates: on average, four attendance dates take place per semester in Duisburg. You must be able to travel to Germany for these sessions and exams (check visa requirements in good time).
Personal requirements
Studying from abroad calls for strong self-organisation, reliable internet access and a quiet study space. You should be comfortable with German technical texts, recorded lectures and written assignments, and able to communicate in German during campus sessions. A solid foundation in mathematics, circuits, signals and systems helps you follow advanced modules without delay. Plan regular weekly study blocks alongside your job and reserve extra time approaching assessments; the programme runs part-time and includes several fixed on-site dates each semester. Perseverance, realistic time planning across time zones and the flexibility to travel to Duisburg are essential to complete the degree successfully.
What will you study in the Electrical and Information Technology (MSc) at the University of Duisburg-Essen?
The programme is taught in German. You need to be able to follow lectures, complete assignments and take exams in German. Standard proofs used in Germany include TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat; check what evidence of language proficiency the university will accept before you apply.
This is a 90-ECTS Master’s designed as a Fernstudium (distance learning) with structured online teaching and defined on-site dates. You choose from four modern specialisations and complete advanced coursework plus a Master’s thesis. As a German university degree, it is research-oriented and method-driven. For context: “ZFU” is the state authority that approves private distance-learning courses in Germany; public university degree programmes like this one are not subject to a ZFU approval number.
Automation technology: You build depth in autonomous and industrial systems. Typical topics include modelling and control of dynamic systems, digital/optimal control and PLC-based automation with safety and diagnostics in the loop.
Digital communication systems: This strand focuses on information transfer and networking. You cover areas such as digital signal processing and modulation/coding, mobile and wireless communications, and network architectures and protocols for reliable data exchange.
High frequency systems: You specialise in the design and analysis of RF and microwave components. Expect topics around electromagnetic fields, antenna and wave propagation, and RF circuit/measurement techniques for high-speed systems.
Intelligent energy grids: Here the emphasis is on modern power systems. You address power generation and distribution, grid automation and protection, and smart-grid optimisation with renewable integration and demand response.
Electives and thesis: Within your specialisation you select electives to tailor your profile. You conclude with a Master’s thesis that documents an independent piece of research or development work. The programme schedules on-site dates during the semester for selected activities, colloquia or examinations; on average, four attendance days per semester are required.
How does the Electrical and Information Technology (MSc) distance programme work?
You study largely online via the university’s learning platform with video lectures and supplementary materials, but you must plan regular travel to Germany. On average there are four compulsory on-site days each semester in Duisburg; purely remote completion is not possible.
Teaching language and language certificates
The teaching language is German. All learning materials, assessments and on-site sessions run in German. You should be confident at an advanced level (C1) to succeed. German universities typically accept established certificates such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat as proof; verify the exact evidence required for admission.
Learning format and study materials
Lectures and exercises are provided as video clips with downloadable resources on Moodle. You study asynchronously and can access content at any time. The distance-learning format (Fernstudium) is structured for working professionals: you progress through modules each semester and receive academic support from university staff.
Exams and taking assessments from abroad
Assessments are organised per module and include written exams, assignments and colloquia. A significant part of the assessment takes place during the scheduled on-site dates at the Duisburg campus. Remote exam centres or online proctoring are not the default; if you live outside Germany, plan for periodic travel to Duisburg for examinations and academic events.
Mandatory on-site sessions in Germany
Attendance is required on campus in Duisburg on average four times per semester. These days are set by the faculty and published in advance. A long-stay study visa is not required because the programme is not campus-based, but you do need to secure short-term travel permissions where applicable for each visit.
Weekly workload, time model and time zones
The standard study time is six semesters part-time (90 ECTS). Asynchronous videos reduce time-zone friction, but any live Q&A or on-site activities follow German time (CET/CEST). Your weekly workload depends on your prior knowledge and the number of modules you take per term; many students combine the programme with full-time employment.
Note on ZFU: the ZFU is Germany’s state approval authority for private distance-learning courses. Public university degree programmes like this one are not ZFU-approved, so no ZFU admission number applies.
What does the Electrical and Information Technology (MSc) cost?
The total regular cost is €2,500 for the complete 90-ECTS programme over the standard duration of six semesters. Spread evenly, that equates to a very low effective monthly burden compared with many international options. The university publishes fees as a total amount; any optional services, travel and accommodation for the required on-site days in Duisburg are additional and should be budgeted separately. If you pay from abroad, international transfer fees or exchange-rate costs may apply depending on your payment method.
If you extend your studies beyond the standard duration, the university may charge administrative or continuation fees for additional semesters. Check current fee regulations before you plan an extension.
What careers and recognition does the Electrical and Information Technology (MSc) offer?
You earn a 90-ECTS Master of Science from a public German university within the Bologna framework. The University of Duisburg-Essen is system-accredited by ACQUIN (an EQAR-listed agency); the programme has been re-accredited internally for the current period to 30 September 2029. For employers and universities abroad, this signals quality assurance compatible with European standards and supports international comparability and recognition.
With specialisations in automation, communications, RF and smart grids, typical next steps include:
- Automation or control systems engineer in manufacturing, process industries or robotics
- RF/microwave engineer for antennas, radar, 5G/6G front-ends or EMC
- Communications/network engineer in telecoms, IoT and embedded connectivity
- Power systems or smart-grid engineer at utilities, grid operators and energy tech companies
- R&D engineer or systems architect in high-tech and mobility sectors
The MSc also qualifies you for doctoral study in electrical engineering in Germany and internationally, subject to each university’s PhD admissions rules. Salary levels vary widely by country and sector; in most markets, Master’s-level electrical engineers command higher mid-career pay than Bachelor’s holders, particularly in specialist roles.
Who is the Electrical and Information Technology (MSc) right for – and who not?
This programme is built for experienced or aspiring engineers who want a German public-university Master’s while working. It combines flexible online teaching with clearly scheduled on-site days in Duisburg.
- You want to study advanced electrical engineering at a public German university
- You prefer a part-time, structured Fernstudium with asynchronous video lectures
- You are interested in one of the four specialisations: automation, digital communications, high frequency systems or intelligent energy grids
- You can travel to Germany several times per semester for compulsory attendance dates
- You value a Bologna-compliant MSc (90 ECTS) with system accreditation to 2029
There are also clear exclusion points. Read these carefully if you live outside Germany or are looking for an English-taught, fully online option.
- You need a 100% online programme with no travel – this MSc requires on average four on-site days per semester in Duisburg
- You do not speak German at an advanced academic level – all teaching and exams are in German
- You cannot obtain short-term entry permission to Germany for repeated visits each semester
- You require a 120-ECTS or one-year Master’s for a specific licensing or immigration pathway – this degree awards 90 ECTS
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