CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences

Master’s Degree in Communication Engineering

The Master’s degree program in Communication Engineering at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is an English-taught, practice-oriented program designed for students who want to deepen their technical knowledge and work with modern communication and network technologies. The program focuses on technologies that form the basis of today’s increasingly connected and digital society, including 5G mobile communications, cloud and edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and optical and wireless networks.

The program comprises 120 ECTS credits and takes four semesters to complete. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Engineering (MSc). The program is taught entirely in English and is offered at the CU campus in Klagenfurt, Austria. Students are expected to have at least a B2 level of English. An important feature of the program is its work-friendly structure, which allows students to combine their studies with professional employment. Classes are generally held from Monday to Friday between 4:50 p.m. and 8:10 p.m., with occasional Saturday classes.

The Importance of Communication Engineering

Modern society depends heavily on reliable and secure communication systems. People, companies, machines, vehicles, sensors, and digital services are increasingly connected through networks. The rapid development of technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, edge computing, and the Internet of Things is creating new possibilities but also increasing the complexity of communication infrastructure.

Communication Engineering focuses on designing, implementing, managing, and improving these systems. Communication engineers ensure that data can be transmitted efficiently and securely between different devices and locations. Their work is essential for telecommunications, industrial systems, smart cities, connected vehicles, cloud services, and many other digital applications.

The Master’s program at CU takes a broad approach to communication technology. Students learn about different types of networks and communication systems and how these technologies can be combined to create modern digital infrastructures. They also develop programming skills and learn how software can be used for network management, automation, and modern communication architectures.

Main Areas of Study

One of the central areas of the program is modern communication technology. Students explore current developments in digital communication, including 5G mobile communications and other advanced network technologies. They learn how communication systems are structured and how they can be planned, administered, monitored, and further developed.

Optical and wireless networks are another important part of the program. Optical communication, particularly through fiber-optic networks, provides high-speed and reliable data transmission over long distances. Wireless technologies, on the other hand, allow mobile and flexible communication. Students examine both types of systems and learn how they can be used in different applications.

The program also focuses on cloud and edge computing. Cloud computing allows data and applications to be processed and stored using distributed computing infrastructure. Edge computing brings processing capabilities closer to the devices and users generating data. Both technologies are increasingly important for applications that require fast, flexible, and scalable communication systems.

Another key topic is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT connects physical devices, sensors, machines, and other objects to digital networks. Students learn how communication technologies, cloud systems, and edge computing can work together to support IoT applications.

Cybersecurity is also included in the program. As more devices and systems become connected, protecting communication networks against attacks and unauthorized access becomes increasingly important. Students therefore gain an understanding of fundamental security concepts and learn why secure communication is essential for modern digital infrastructure.

Programming and Network Automation

Programming is an important part of the Master’s program. Students expand their Python programming skills and apply them to modern communication technologies. Python can be used for network management, automation, data processing, and the development of solutions for cloud, edge, and IoT architectures.

The combination of networking and programming is particularly valuable because modern communication systems are no longer managed exclusively through traditional hardware-based approaches. Software-defined technologies and automated processes are becoming increasingly important. Engineers therefore need to understand both the technical infrastructure and the software used to manage and control it.

Through the program, students learn to develop solutions for network management and automation. This can help them understand how complex networks can be monitored and operated efficiently and how software can improve the reliability and flexibility of communication systems.

Practical Orientation

A major strength of the Communication Engineering program is its practical orientation. Students do not only study theoretical concepts but also apply their knowledge through practical projects, laboratory exercises, and case studies. These activities allow students to work with technologies and problems similar to those they may encounter in professional engineering environments.

Project-based learning also encourages students to approach technical problems from different perspectives. Working together with other students helps them develop teamwork and communication skills while solving complex engineering challenges.

The practical nature of the program is particularly important in Communication Engineering because the field is closely connected to rapidly developing technologies. Students need to be able to apply theoretical principles to real communication systems and adapt their knowledge to new technological developments.

The university also provides modern laboratories and technical infrastructure for hands-on learning and research. These facilities are designed to support projects in engineering and computer science and to provide students and researchers with an environment that reflects current industry requirements.

Building on a Technical Bachelor’s Degree

The Master’s program is primarily designed for graduates of technical Bachelor’s degree programs. Applicants do not necessarily need to have specialized knowledge of communication technology before beginning the Master’s degree. According to the university, the program builds on a general technical Bachelor’s degree, while specific knowledge of communication networks and network technologies is developed and expanded during the Master’s program.

Whether a previous degree meets the academic admission requirements is assessed individually as part of the admission process. This makes the program suitable for students with different technical backgrounds who want to specialize in communication and network technologies.

Because the program is taught entirely in English, students also need sufficient English language skills. The university specifies a minimum recommended level of B2. Studying in English not only supports international communication but also helps students develop professional technical vocabulary that can be useful in international engineering environments.

Career Opportunities

Communication Engineering offers a wide range of career opportunities because reliable communication and network infrastructure is required across almost every modern industry. Digitalization is increasing the demand for specialists who can design, manage, secure, and improve communication systems.

Graduates can work for telecommunications companies, private and public organizations, technology companies, and research and development institutions. Their knowledge can also be applied in industries that increasingly depend on connected systems and digital infrastructure.

Possible career areas include network engineering, telecommunications, network administration, cloud and edge computing, IoT development, cybersecurity, network automation, and technical research. Depending on their specialization, graduates may work on designing communication networks, managing technical infrastructure, developing automated network solutions, or implementing secure communication systems.

The combination of networking, programming, cloud technologies, IoT, and cybersecurity provides graduates with a broad technical profile. This can be particularly valuable because modern IT and communication systems are increasingly interconnected.

The growing digitalization of businesses and society is also creating a continuing need for professionals who understand how different communication technologies work together. Communication engineers therefore have opportunities to contribute to the development of future digital infrastructure.

Study and Work

Another important characteristic of the program is its work-friendly structure. Classes are generally held on weekdays from 4:50 p.m. to 8:10 p.m., with occasional Saturday sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some Saturday teaching includes online components.

This timetable makes it possible for students to combine their studies with employment. Working while studying can also be an advantage because students can immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in a professional environment.

For students who are already working in IT, telecommunications, engineering, or related fields, the program can therefore provide an opportunity to deepen their qualifications while maintaining their professional career.

Study Structure and Costs

The Communication Engineering Master’s program consists of 120 ECTS credits and takes four semesters. The qualification awarded is a Master of Science in Engineering. The program is taught in English and is offered at the CU campus in Klagenfurt. The semester officially begins in October, and the program currently offers admission for the winter semester.

The combination of a four-semester structure, English-language teaching, practical projects, and a work-friendly timetable makes the program suitable for both recent technical Bachelor’s graduates and professionals who want to specialize further.


Courses offered by Carinthia University of Applied Sciences

Master Degree Programs (in English)


• M.Sc. Applied Data Science (M.Sc., 4 semesters)
  
• M.Sc. Communication Engineering (M.Sc., 4 semesters)
  
• M.Sc. Integrated Systems and Circuits Design (M.Sc., 4 semesters)
  
• M.Sc. Medical Engineering and Analytics (M.Sc., 4 semesters 100% online)
  
• M.Sc. Systems Design (M.Sc., 4 semesters)
  

Bachelor Degree Programs (in English)


• B.Sc. Green Electronics (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  
• B.Sc. Green Mechatronics (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  
• B.Sc. Green Transition Engineering (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  
• B.Sc. Medical Engineering (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  
• B.Sc. Network Engineering (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  

Our University of Applied Sciences

Since its founding, CU Carinthia University has evolved into a unique educational institution in Carinthia. Through the continuous development of its Degree programs and close collaboration with industry and academia, the university ensures that students receive a forward-looking education that is in step with the times.

CU Carinthia University embodies the principle of direct practical relevance. Full-time and part-time faculty members, as well as guest lecturers from industry and business, ensure an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented higher education experience. Currently, approximately 40 Degree programs in the fields of civil engineering, technology, health and social services, and business are offered at the campuses in Spittal, Villach, Klagenfurt and Feldkirchen.