General Information

The need for engineers and scientists has continued to increase since the mid 1990s. Nevertheless, there currently is a shortage of graduates in classical degree programmes such as electrical engineering or telecommunications engineering, as well as in computer science. Nearly all complex equipment and structural components involved in information, communications and media technologies function on the basis of embedded computers and software, we would not be able to operate electronics systems e.g. for automobiles without understanding the underlying function and characteristics of the hardware.

The Bachelor programme Information and Media Technology (IMT) is designed to impart the most important fundamental knowledge in a combination of computer science and electrical engineering fields. Devices, technical facilities and structural components involved in information and media technology often require a professional ‘handling’ that is not specifically technically oriented.

Students thus discover information and media technology in their practical applications, allowing them to professionally converse and cooperate with non technical users of their systems. With courses such as Introduction to Media Science, Media Design and Media Law, the programme offers a unique combination of fundamental technical training in telecommunications engineering and computer science.

The IMT Bachelor is thus a novel engineering programme that introduces students to the world of media designers. Because the IMT Bachelor programme offers students such a broad spectrum of specialist fields in computer networking, information systems management and hardware or software development, undergraduates have many career opportunities in numerous practical application fields.

Course Structure

The Bachelor programme Information and Media Technology comprises two years of foundation courses and one year of advanced courses.

A broad range of foundation courses covers a wide focus area including mathematics, computer science and electrical engineering, as well as introductory lectures in the fields of communications and media technology. The programme also features interdisciplinary social and economics subjects.

Advanced courses serve to consolidate and broaden the knowledge acquired in the context of the first professionally qualifying degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). The Bachelor degree requires a thesis to be written within 3 months.

To gain practical experience beyond the core curriculum, students can also be involved in various projects, e.g. Campus TV of the BTU Cottbus.

Areas of related interests

Graduates in possession of a Bachelor diploma have excellent prospects in the job market. Studies show that well-trained university graduates are much in demand to meet the challenges of the rapidly expanding IT field. Our graduates are considered trustworthy experts, able to master the most diverse and complex challenges and flexibly react to the constantly evolving requirements of the forthcoming information society. Potential employers include the IT departments of small and medium sized companies, retailers, telecommunications companies, Internet service-providers, and consulting firms.

Some graduates decide to start their own companies. All these options are open to those who successfully complete this demanding study programme.

Students interested in working in researching and developing new systems and technical components should consider enrolling in one or our Master programmes. This option is open to students with an IMT Bachelor, and not just at the BTU Cottbus. Other institutions of higher learning including even Oxford University recognise our IMT Bachelor.

Special Features

Though popular, the IMT Bachelor academic programme is not overcrowded. As a young university the BTU Cottbus offers numerous advantages that should not be underestimated:

• We are a down-to-earth university, where teachers and students can easily meet and interact. Overcrowded, impersonal study conditions are unknown at the BTU!
• Working in small groups promotes good communications and team skills.
• As a young, growing university the BTU Cottbus possesses impressive, state-of-the-art technical facilities (e.g. broad W-LAN coverage) and exceptionally well-equipped libraries (e.g. direct access to electronic magazines or conference reports).
• It is natural that our students be actively involved in the research activities of the various Chairs, which assists them in finding employment as student research assistants and contributes substantially to defraying costs associated with university studies. Students not only get to work on cutting-edge research projects, but they get paid as well!
• The BTU promotes hands-on training methods: In addition to internships, many of the educational events we organise have integrated, practical frameworks.
• With the many international relationships maintained by the BTU, students have excellent opportunities to gain experience abroad, an important advantage in our globalised world.