© Philipp Arnoldt

Audio Communication and Technology, M.Sc.

Program overview

Music and language can be communicated via acoustic, electro-acoustic, and electronic systems. The Audio Communication and Technology master's program provides students with the technical knowledge and methods needed to analyze acoustic and medial communication processes in all their technical, psychological, artistic, and social aspects. Students’ studies include metrology and room acoustics, the development of electro-acoustic systems and facilities and the analysis of individual and social reception of language and music through empirical methods. Technical tools and artistic concepts for designing and performing acoustic media art (electro-acoustic music, computer music, sound art) are another area of focus. The program qualifies students for further academic studies in this field as well as for planning and consulting roles related to acoustics and electro-acoustics, software development to process and shape music and language, for media companies, or medial market research.

DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study 4 semesters
Credit points120
Program start Winter semester
Admission Open admission
Language of instruction German

Admission requirements

The formal admission requirement for the Audio Communication and Technology master’s study program is a first university degree in natural science, engineering, humanities, social science, business, or law, or in an artistic-scientific discipline or an equivalent teacher training degree. You must additionally have a good knowledge of higher mathematics (analysis, linear algebra) at the introductory lecture level of a natural science or engineering study program (at least 10 credits) as well as of a programming language or computer algebra system. These can be proven by previous study units or the equivalent.

The Audio Communication and Technology master’s program is taught in German. If you are applying with a foreign school-leaving certificate, you must provide proof of German skills at a specific level. This is a prerequisite for admission.

As a majority of the technical literature as well as several courses are in English, you must be able to submit proof of English skills at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Program structure

The master’s study program consists of a basic (12 credits), compulsory (36 credits), advanced (18 credits), and elective component (24 credits). Students complete the program by writing a master’s thesis (30 credits).

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of four semesters. It provides an example of which modules to take in which semesters. While this proposed course schedule is ideal on paper, it is not mandatory. It’s simply an example of how to successfully schedule and shape your studies. You can find the proposed course schedule in the program’s study and examination regulations.


Content and modules

The master’s degree program in Audio Communication and Technology consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include various study and teaching formats such as seminars, lectures, practical tutorials, excursions, and projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module.

The academic chairs involved in the master’s program conduct research and teaching in the following fields:

•   Technical acoustics, electro-acoustics, room acoustics, numerical acoustics

•   Virtual acoustics and 3D audio technologies

•   Digital audio signal processing

•   Musical acoustics, psychoacoustics, and music psychology

•   Electro-acoustic music, computer music, and sound art

•   Audio and video data compression

•   Quality and usability

•   Media history and theory

As the program builds on a solid foundation of engineering and empirical-psychological skills, students can specialize in any of the areas named above.

A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS also provides an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information on the content, learning outcomes, participation requirements, workload, assessment methods, and much more.

The module catalogue is based on the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

To module database

Internships

Students are required to complete a mandatory media internship lasting at least 4 weeks. They have the opportunity to complete further internships in the compulsory elective and elective components of the curriculum.

Stays abroad

The program is designed in such a way to allow students to complete a stay abroad and still finish the study program within the standard period of study. The study abroad officer at the Faculty will assist you in choosing a university and putting together a course schedule.

Aside from a large number of Erasmus partner institutions, students can also choose to pursue a dual degree offered with the Institute of Sonology, The Hague.


Acquired skills

As multiple Faculties contribute to teaching the study program, students gain technical skills in the areas of language and communication, empirical and numerical methods of technical acoustics, psychoacoustics, digital signal processing and metrology, qualitative and quantitative methods, music informatics, music and media psychology, and acoustic media art. Your interdisciplinary background enables you to address complex issues using a broad repertoire of appropriate methods. You are able to conduct scientific work in a reflective manner, assess such work critically, and apply it to the market.

After your studies

Graduates of the master’s program are qualified for careers in acoustic communication, particularly with regards to production, transmission, design, and effect, and their interfaces. This includes fields of work such as acoustic and electroacoustic planning and consulting, the signal processing of audiovisual content, software development in the field of music informatics, planning and realization of acoustic media art, and medial market research. Graduates of the program are qualified to work in media production, technology, aesthetics, art and science, and generally activities for which a double qualification in humanities and technical expertise is important.

Further information & downloads

Guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance

General questions: Student Info Services

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs - Graduate Admissions

Study Program Officer: Prof. Dr. Stefan Weinzierl

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board

Further information about the Master's program