Information Technologies for the Built Environment M. Sc.
Digital twins, smart cities, geoinformation systems (GIS), urban and building information modeling (UIM and BIM), design automation, digital fabrication, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, human-computer-interaction; these are just some of the information technologies used to shape the world around us, impacting the liveability of our cities and urban areas. With the increasing digitalization of the building industry and the ever-growing field of possibilities, specialists are needed to bring together parallel developments in information technologies across building disciplines and building scales.
This unique program provides knowledge and competencies on information technologies from architecture, civil engineering, and geodesy. Capture, generate, interpret, utilize, and adapt digital data and information at the interface of different digital systems. Work in interdisciplinary teams to manage, consult on, and create digital components of built environment activities at various stages of the construction lifecycle.
What you bring
You want to help shape the future of digital planning and construction processes? Are you interested in buildings, city systems, and information technologies and have a bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, geodesy, information technology, or similar? Then the ITBE M.Sc. opens a wide range of opportunities to you. As a BIM expert, a smart cities specialist, a systems analyst and designer, a software developer, a data acquisitionist, and many more, you will be able to work in planning and surveying offices for municipalities or in research and development in both the construction and software industries. Alternatively, you can create your own information technology business to solve related challenges in the built environment. The choice is yours!
What you learn
As an expert in information technologies for the built environment, you can consult on, develop, and manage information models and systems, utilizing and combining existing information technologies and creating innovative new approaches within the built environment.
Upon completing the program, you will have a holistic, interdisciplinary understanding of information technologies and methods in the built environment. You will have knowledge of the domain and technology requirements, challenges, processes, and structures at different construction scales in architecture, civil engineering, and geodesy coupled with a deep understanding of information technologies, computer science methods, data management, and systems architecture. You will be able to identify and analyze information technology issues in the built world and be capable of selecting appropriate digital methods, developing solutions, and identifying necessary stakeholders.
>>> More Information about the Degree Program in the Wiki
Study Information
The M.Sc. ITBE is a full-time study program with a standard duration of study of 4 semesters and a total of 120 credit points (CP) per the European Credit Transfer System (ETCS). The primary language of the program is English.
The program is structured as shown in Figure 1. Compulsory modules ensure you gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies. A wide range of elective modules offers you the opportunity and flexibility to fill personal knowledge gaps, specialize in a specific area, and learn about cutting-edge technologies within the field. While the built environment as a field lays great value on human-centered engineering and the connection between users and technology are present within many of the modules in this program, the program additionally promotes an active engagement with the topic through the selection of an elective module in the area of "ethics and the human factor."
The first semester builds on your bachelor-level knowledge. You will receive state-of-the-art education on information technologies in different building domains (architecture, civil engineering, geodesy) and at different scales. This affords you an overview of the information technology landscape in the built environment and establishes a common understanding of information technology, methods, and terminology. Modules in the second and third semesters focus on specific built environment information technology issues from multiple (at least two) domain perspectives, generating a holistic and integrated understanding. In the third semester, you will apply this theory in practice within the ITBE Fusion Lab, where you will work in interdisciplinary teams using digital methods to develop a solution to real-world built environment information technology challenges.
In the master thesis, you identify a research question of interest to you, selecting and developing an appropriate method to address a specific built environment research gap. You will carry out a scientific investigation and analyze results. This work is documented and communicated in a scientific paper and an oral presentation.
Application
To apply for the M.Sc. ITBE, use the online registration (application period: 1 January to 31 May).
Applicants must:
- Have a bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, geodesy, geoinformation, informatics, or a similar degree.
- Have adequate English language skills.
- Pre-Knowledge on software development, coding, etc.
- Fulfil the requirements of the application process.
Required application documents:
- Online application
- Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations)
- Letter of Motivation (in English, max. two A4 pages) describing:
- Why you have chosen to study this program at the TUM,
- and why you consider yourself particularly suitable for the program. - Complete and Current Résumé (CV in table format)
- Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA
Admission Process
The application process is divided into two phases.
First Phase
The application is checked for completeness, and the applicant's suitability for the course is evaluated. Applicants' suitability is based on applicants
- technical qualification (max. 60 points),
- bachelor grade (max. 10 points),
- and the motivation letter (max. 30 points).
Further details on the assessment criteria can be found in the Program "FPSO Anlage 2: Eignungsverfahren."
Based on the criteria mentioned above, applicants can achieve a total score of 0-100 points. Applicants who achieve a score of more than 70 points are accepted to the program. Those who achieve a score of fewer than 60 points are rejected from the program. All remaining applicants go to the second phase of the application process.
Second Phase
The second phase comprises of a digital test to evaluate applicants' technical qualifications. Basic and application-related questions from the field of the built environment (max. 30 points) and in the field of informatics (max. 30 points) are assessed.
Upon completion of the test, applicants receive a second score based on the point achieved in the test, their technical qualifications, and their bachelor's grade. Applicants who achieve a score of more than 105 points are accepted to the program.