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International Programmes in Germany 2017

Intelligent Systems Bielefeld University Bielefeld
Degree
Master of Science
Joint Degree/Double
Degree

[http://www.techfak.unibielefeld.de/en/master-programintelligent-systems-isy]

A few selected students can acquire a double degree,

i.e. Laurea Magistrale in Informatica at the University of
Bologna and Master of Science in Intelligent Systems
at Bielefeld University.
In order to do this, they have to study in Bologna for
one or two semesters. All exams successfully passed
at the host university in Bologna are automatically
recognised by Bielefeld University.
Course language(s)
Courses are held in English. It is possible to choose
only courses in English for the entire duration of the
programme. The Master's thesis can be written in
English.
Admission semester

CONTACT
Universitt Bielefeld
Technische Fakultt / CITEC

Winter semester only

Prof Dr Philipp Cimiano

Inspiration 1
33615 Bielefeld

Beginning

Tel. +49 (0) 5 21-10 61 22 49

Winter semester - October

E-mail [mailto:cimiano@cit-ec.uni-b

Programme duration
Four semesters (two years)

ielefeld.de]
Course website [http://www.techfak
.uni-bielefeld.de/en/masterprogram-intelligent-systems-isy]

Application deadline
15 July for start in October

Facebook
[http://www.facebook.com/StudyingAtBielefeld
University]

Course content
The aim of the Master's programme Intelligent Systems
is to convey knowledge and skills that enable students
to analyse, design and develop complex cognitive
systems. Such cognitive systems are characterised by

Submit application to
Online application
Please see the information here: http://www.u
ni-bielefeld.de/application [http://www.uni-biel
efeld.de/application]

the fact that they can perceive their environment and

react accordingly in an intelligent manner. Another
significant feature of these intelligent systems is their
ability to learn and to thereby adapt to complex and
changing environments, requirements and users. Such
systems are especially relevant in the areas of
robotics, virtual agents, multimedia and web
information systems. Students are guided increasingly
to work independently following scientific principles and
methodologies. The programme is explicitly designed
to convey practical skills and abilities.
Industry, service providers, and intelligent systems
research create a large demand for computer science
specialists with an interdisciplinary training as
facilitated at Bielefeld University. Computer science
specialists with a background in Intelligent Systems are
needed urgently in all areas where robots, intelligent
assistants, virtual agents (avatars) or intelligent
information systems are being developed. Possible
areas of employment are therefore e.g. in mechanical
engineering, production, the automobile industry, the
media as well as in the development of autonomous
systems (robots, avatars, dialogue systems, intelligent
assistants), the computer game industry and scientific
research.
Educational organisation
First semester
foundations
Advanced Intelligent Systems
Interdisciplinary and Cognitive Foundations
Second semester
foundations
Advanced Intelligent Systems
Interdisciplinary and Cognitive Foundations
Basic Project Intelligent Systems
Third semester
project
Advanced Intelligent Systems
Interdisciplinary and Cognitive Foundations
individual choice
Fourth semester
Master's thesis
To allow for individual specialisation of the study
programme, students can choose appropriate modules
from the subjects "Basic Addition", "Advanced
Intelligent Systems", and "Interdisciplinary and
Cognition Basics". During the second semester, the
module "Basic Project Intelligent Systems" should be
taken. Within this module, two practical projects have
to be conducted (containing 5 CP respectively) and
should mainly be carried out independently by the
student. At least one project is done in a team
consisting of more than two students. In the project
module of the third semester, students expand their
practical skills necessary for the design of intelligent
cognitive systems. They practice and develop the skills
necessary for planning and carrying out projects on

their own. The Master's thesis provides students with

the opportunity to investigate a scientific problem and
to develop an appropriate approach independently.
They gain skills necessary for the planning,
implementation, and evaluation of experiments as well
as documenting results in line with scientific practice.
Forms of assessment
Written and oral exams, projects, presentations, papers
ECTS credits
120
Diploma supplement
Yes
Course objectives
The aim of the Master's programme Intelligent Systems
is to convey knowledge and skills that enable students
to analyse, design, and develop complex cognitive
systems. Students are guided to work increasingly
independently following scientific principles and
methodologies. The programme is explicitly designed
to convey practical skills and abilities.
Digital Course Module(s)
Virtual Classroom
Video-Learning
Webinar
Blogs
Chats with lecturers
Wikis
Description
Moodle is used as an e-learning platform in many
courses.
Digital modules are
compulsory elements of
the study programme
Yes
ECTS Points for digital
element(s)
Yes
Tuition fees
As education is fully subsidised by the government,

there are no tuition fees at public universities in North

Rhine-Westphalia.
Enrolment fees
Currently approx. 270 EUR per semester, including a
ticket for public transport in the city of Bielefeld and the
whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia
Costs of living
The following monthly costs can be expected: the rent
in a student hall of residence, in private halls, rooms, or
flats amounts to about 300 EUR per month; health
insurance is about 80 EUR per month; and a meal in
the students' canteen (Mensa) costs less than 3 EUR.
According to lifestyle, about 150 EUR per month can
be expected to be spent on food. So the cost of living
amounts to approx. 670 EUR monthly, i.e. some 8,000
EUR per year.
Job opportunities
Basically, international students are allowed to work
parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half
days per year without a work permit once they have
successfully completed preparations for their studies
and started a course.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university;
however, jobs for students can also be found in
companies in and around Bielefeld.
Funding opportunities
within the university
The university society "Westflisch-Lippische
Universittsgesellschaft" awards some partial stipends
for excellent international Master's students.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English is verified by a language test
(TOEFL iBT) with a minimum of 87 points or TELC
English with a minimum grade of B2.
Academic requirements
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in informatics
40 ECTS in computer science foundations
30 ECTS in computer science subjects related to
Intelligent Systems
Where to apply
Online application
Please see the information here: http://www.uni-bielefel
d.de/application [http://www.unibielefeld.de/application]

Arrival support
Personal mentoring programmes as well as several
welcoming services are offered by the International
Office. Additionally, the International Office organises
introduction days for all international students and
provides individual counselling.
See: http://www.unibielefeld.de/(en)/International/Students/brother-sister [h
ttp://www.unibielefeld.de/(en)/International/Students/brother-sister]
Services and support for
international students
In addition to many services and facilities available to
all students, the International Office offers a wide range
of special services helping you to adjust to your new
surroundings and provides you with continuing support
that will enhance your learning.
At the beginning of each semester, a leisure day
programme with a variety of activities is published to
which all international students are invited: day
excursions, weekend trips, journeys taking several
days and evening meetings in the international contact
centre.
The PunktUm project offers interdisciplinary assistance
for the acquirement of basic academic skills to
international students. Project offers are composed of
individual advice, workshops and courses on the
following contents: academic writing, oral study
achievements, and scientific language for subjectrelated and interdisciplinary use. Bielefeld University's
Brother-Sister Programme is a personal tutoring
programme for all foreign freshmen and participants of
the German language courses. Students of all
semesters and fields of study support students new to
Bielefeld during their first semester in dealing with
organisational difficulties and other new situations.
In 1985, the Society for the Support for International
Students was founded with the purpose to support
international students and scholars/scientists of the
Bielefeld academies and encourage new contacts and
relationships to the people of the region.
Accommodation
In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options
can be found at affordable prices.
There are 17 halls of residence run by the public
"Studentenwerk" and private organisations.
Additionally, single apartments as well as rooms in
shared flats with other students are available. The rent
for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300
EUR per month. The International Office supports
students who are searching for accommodation.
Course website
www.techfak.uni-bielefeld.de/en/master-programintelligent-systems-isy [http://www.techfak.uni-bielefeld.

de/en/master-program-intelligent-systems-isy]
About the university
Bielefeld University was founded in 1969 with an
explicit research assignment and a mission to provide
high-quality, research-oriented teaching. Today it
encompasses 13 faculties covering a broad spectrum
of disciplines in the humanities, natural sciences, social
sciences and technology. With around 23,600 students
in more than 100 degree courses, it is one of
Germany's medium-sized universities. Since its
foundation, the university has been guided by the
principle of interdisciplinarity. A shining example is the
Center for Interdisciplinary Research.
A transparent course structure with great permeability
between subjects, flexibility of subject combinations,
and elective elements allows each student to create an
individual profile that paves the way to an excellent
career in new occupational and research fields.
As an architectural expression of its interdisciplinarity,
the university unites almost all its departments in only
two adjacent buildings. This striking structure brings
people working in different disciplines together in close
proximity. The culture of communication is
characterised by a great openness to new ideas. The
central services are just a short distance away - this is
true for the student guidance centre, the counselling
centre, the computer centre, and the university library.
All major rankings and evaluations confirm that it is one
of the best and most service-oriented university
libraries in Germany.
Bielefeld University is infinitely networked. Through
this, people from more than 100 countries invest their
cultural potential in research, teaching, and study.
Another important building block in the Bielefeld
network for excellence is the promotion of young
scientists. Numerous junior research groups make
Bielefeld even more interesting for young scientists.
Total number of students
23,600
Total percentage of
international students
8%
About the city
With around 330,000 inhabitants and an area of 258
square kilometres, Bielefeld is one of the 20 largest
cities in Germany and the economic and cultural
metropolis of East Westphalia-Lippe, located in the
heart of Germany. Globally operating companies such
as Dr. Oetker, Miele and Bertelsmann have their
headquarters in the city area of Bielefeld. Historical
industrial planning and building has left a lasting
impression on the city to this very day. This is
complemented by modern architecture and a wealth of

intentionally created green areas. Over 60% of the city

consists of green areas, parks, and woods. The city of
Bielefeld is varied and colourful. Culture and sports
fans will find a wide range of tempting offers here.
These include an independent theatre culture, cabaret,
and local concerts as well as large international cultural
events. The heights of the Teutoburg Forest stretch
from the south-east to the north-west of the town,
offering hundreds of kilometres of walking trails. As
one of the safest metropolises in Germany, Bielefeld
offers a high quality of life.

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"International Programmes in Germany".