Table of Contents

Structure of the Degree Program

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

Figure 2: Conceptual program structure (GEO = geodesy, AR = architecture, BI = civil engineering, IT = information technologies).

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.

 

Figure 1: Degree chart for the four-semester master's program Information Technologies for the Built Environment (*interdisciplinary module).

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."

A list of electives can be found in the ITBE “FPSO Anlage 1: Prüfungsmodule”. In addition to this list, elective modules from the TUM School of Engineering and Design faculties of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the TUM Department of Informatics, among others can be taken. As this extended list changes every semester, depending on what is offered by the chairs, we will publish the list of ITBE elective modules at the beginning of each semester (approx. in October/April) on the ITBE website.

For a more detailed description of the modules, please refer to the module catalog.

Differentiation from other TUM Study Programs

  • Compared to other TUM built environment related masters programs (e.g., TUM M.Sc. Geodesy and Geoinformation, M.A. Architecture or the M.A. Architecture Mentoring Master’s Program “Computational Methods in Architecture”, and M.Sc. Civil Engineering or the Civil Engineering specialization in “Computation in Engineering”) the M.Sc. ITBE lays a stronger focus on information technologies and the trans-disciplinary perspective (architecture, civil engineering, geodesy – different scales and the transition of information between these scales and domains) than on the non-digital competencies necessary to meet the requirements of individual domains’ professional profiles (architect, civil engineer, geodesist). Graduates of the M.Sc. ITBE do not fulfill the educational requirements to register as an architect or civil engineer in Germany (in Germany “architect” and “civil engineer” are legally protected professional titles. To use these titles you must fulfill requirements and be accepted by the respective chambers).
  • Compared to TUM M.Sc. Informatics, the ITBE's core lies in the combination of built environment domain knowledge with information technology methods. The focus lies not on the design of algorithms and data structures, but on how complex, semantic, domain-specific processes and problems can be captured, mapped, analyzed, interpreted, and manipulated using information technologies.

Work Opportunities General Info

Graduates of the MSc ITBE program are key to the development and implementation of digital standards, tools, and interfaces and have a deep understanding of the information technology landscape for built environment activities across different building scales and domains.

Graduates of the program enter the following fields of employment:

  • System analysts and designers for complex, distributed software systems for multi-scale Built Environment applications

  • Software developers and data engineers in the field of the Built Environment

  • BIM experts (BIM managers, BIM consultants, BIM project managers, etc.)

  • Specialists in the use of Geographic Information Systems for Smart Cities applications

  • Experts in the use of modern digital acquisition methods (photogrammetry, laser scanning, drone deployment, point cloud processing)

  • Experts in scale-spanning Digital Twins

They are active, in areas of research, business, and administration, such as:

  • Software industry with a focus on construction, geoinformatics, and related fields

  • Research and development

  • Construction industry and construction machinery companies

  • Administration (ministries and municipalities)

  • Planning and surveying offices

In addition, graduates can be expected to launch a wide variety of start-up initiatives.

Application

To apply for the M.Sc. ITBE, use the online registration.

Please find a step-by-step guide to applying for a Master at TUM here.

Details on the procedure

  • January to May: You apply for the degree program using the online registration (Aptitude Assessment Phase I). We recommend international applicants apply by 15th of March. 
  • May to September: If required, you take part in the digital aptitude assessment test (Aptitude Assessment Phase II).
  • May to September: You are admitted.
  • You accept your study place and are enrolled (by October, at the latest November).
  • Beginning of October: You start your studies.

Prerequisites for application

Applicants should have a solid foundation in either the built environment or computer science with a strong interest in the other. This interest must be evident in their previous work and activities. They must also:

  • Have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, geodesy, geoinformation, informatics, or a similar degree. A grade of at least 2.0 is asked for.
  • Have adequate English language skills.
  • Fulfill the requirements of the application process (for further details refer to the ITBE “FPSO Anlage 2: Eignungsfeststellung”).

Submit your application online

Please submit your application documents using the online registration by the deadline. The application deadlines can be found at the bottom of this page. If your documents are complete, formally correct, and received by TUM by the deadline, you will take part in the aptitude assessment.

  • Detailed information on application and enrolment (TUM's Step by Step Guide).
  • The language of the degree program is English. All applicants, therefore, require an English language qualification certificate. Due to the high demands that the degree program also places on students' language skills, we recommend a language level of C1.
  • Prior to admission to the degree program, an aptitude assessment procedure takes place at the TUM School of Engineering and Design.

Application Documents

Please apply using the online registration.

If you need to apply for a visa, we strongly recommend you apply as soon as possible. 

Further information for international applicants can be found here.

Required Documents

You require the following documents for application

Please apply early for a VPD. If you do not receive the VPD before the application deadline, please attach your VPD application. 

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

You will also need

  • A Passport (for the online application)
  • Most Current ID Photo (for enrollment)
  • Student Health Insurance Certificate (for enrollment)

After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Further information on general documents can be found using the following link https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/glossary-of-documents#c47860

Further information for international applicants can be found here.

Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)

Please find information regarding the translation and certification/ notarization of documents here: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/notarization

„What's the difference between a diploma and a certificate?

  • The diploma is an official document with a seal, confirming you have been awarded a particular academic title by a university.
  • The certificate is an official document verifying that you have successfully passed your degree program examination and indicates the overall grade earned on the examination. It also states the topic of and overall grade for your thesis. In some cases, the certificate may also list your final grades in individual components of your degree program.
  • Both of these documents must be submitted when applying for a master's degree program (see your document checklist in TUMonline). You can submit the diploma/certificate up to five weeks after classes begin, but please note that you will not be fully enrolled until these documents have been submitted.

Please note: In some countries a single document may act as both diploma and certificate, i.e. confirming your academic title as well as stating your grades.“ (https://www.tum.de/en/studies/support-and-advice/faq#c33594)

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proof of English language proficiency must be submitted when applying.

We accept

  • a TUM recognized English Language Certificate, e.g., "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) (min.  88 Points), "International English Language Testing System" (IELTS) (min. 6,5 Points), or "Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations". 

  • if the language of instruction in a bachelor's degree program was English – by submitting your transcript of records or your degree certificate as evidence. The language of instruction needs to have been English in at least 50% of the program. If the language of instruction is not stated in these documents, you can submit an official confirmation issued by your prior university.

  • current TUM students can meet the English language requirement by successfully completing one of the TUM Gateway to English Master's courses. 

If you have alternative proof of English language proficiency that is not TOEFL, IELTS, or “Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations", and would like to know if your certificate qualifies you for admission, please check TUM Website or contact the Student Advising and Information Services at studium@tum.de (please observe the E-mail etiquette).

For more information on language certificates, please check the TUM Website.

If you still have questions regarding the proof of English language proficiency, please contact the TUM Student Advising and Information Services at studium@tum.de (please observe the e-mail etiquette).

International Applicants

Who is “international”?

In terms of applying to TUM, international refers to the country where you have completed your secondary school or your undergraduate studies. It does not refer to your country of origin or the place you live. For details on the extra requirements for international applicants please follow this link https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/application-international

Tuition Fees for International Students

Please note TUM is introducing tuition fees for international students from WS24/25. For more information on tuition fees please check the TUM website: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition

What extra documents do international applicants need?

For information on what extra documents international applicants need to hand in, please refer to the following links:

Requirements for International Applicants
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/application-international

Special Conditions for Certain Countries
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/special-conditions-for-certain-countries

Uni-Assist/ Preliminary Documentation
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/uni-assist 

What course do I indicate in my Uni-Assist application?

“During the online application at uni-assist, choose “Technische Universität München” and the option “all degree courses” (“Alle Fächer”). Do not choose a specific program.” For more information and a step-by-step guide please follow this link https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/uni-assist

My UniAssist documents are still pending. Can I proceed with my application submission? 

There is a declaration sheet available by TUM: https://www.tum.de/fileadmin/w00bfo/www/Studium/Bewerbung_und_Zulassung/Formblatt_Bestaetigung_VPD_mit_Merkblatt-_Application_Confirmation_VPD_with_Factsheet.pdf Please carefully read the instructions and all supplementary information given here: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/uni-assist (Bullet point 5)

Aptitude Assessment

A prerequisite for admission to the degree program is the successful completion of the aptitude assessment, based on a complete application submission. All applicants, that can prove their suitability during this process, will be awarded a place. There is a limited number of study places.

The aptitude assessment is split into two phases

Phase I

In phase I, suitability will be judged on:

  • Technical qualification (max. 60 points),
  • Bachelor’s degree grade (max. 10 points),
  • Motivation letter (max. 30 points).

Applications achieving

  • more than 70 points are accepted.
  • less than 60 points are rejected.
  • between 60 and 70 points enter phase II.

Phase II

In phase II, suitability will be judged on:

  • Technical qualification (max. 60 points),
  • Bachelor’s degree grade (max. 10 points),
  • Digital test (max. 60 points).

The digital test consists of basic and application-related questions in the area of built environment (max. 30 points) and information technologies (max. 30 points).

Applicants achieving

  • more than 105 points are accepted.
  • less than 105 points are rejected.

For details on the procedure, please refer to the statutes on aptitude assessment (ITBE “FPSO Anlage 2: Eignungsfeststellung”).

Technical qualification 

Details on the technical qualification can be found in the M.Sc. ITBE Study and Exam Regulations (FPSO) Appendix 2.

Bachelor's degree grade

We ask for a minimum of 2.0 GPA. You may apply with a grade lower than 2.0 GPA, as the grade only makes up one of a number of parts of the aptitude assessment. However, while a grade lower than 2.0 GPA does not automatically lead to the rejection of an application, the application will receive no points for the related part of the aptitude assessment.

Letter of Motivation

A significant part of your application for the aptitude assessment will be a written statement giving your reasons for choosing the M.Sc. ITBE degree program, choosing the Technical University of Munich, and why you consider yourself particularly suitable for the program. 

Please comment on the following:

  • Your reasons for choosing the M.Sc. ITBE program and why you wish to study at TUM.
  • Your abilities, particular talents, interests, career ambitions, and related previous work that make you particularly suited to the M.Sc. ITBE program. Please include evidence of your built environment and information technology interests. 
  • Program-specific and non-program-specific extra-curricular and related activities or additional qualifications. What do you bring to the program?

Please include proof of your statements within your application. The letter of motivation should be no longer than two A4 pages and must be written in English. The statement must be written by yourself without help; your signature on the application form will confirm this.

Electronic entrance exam

The 60-minute electronic entrance exam consists of basic and application-related bachelor-level questions in areas of the built environment (max. 30 points) and information technologies (max. 30 points). The types of questions include short and long text answers, dropdowns, drag-drop, single-choice, and code runner questions. Questions can include built environment scenario evaluations, critical assessments of structures in the built environment, basics of geometric modeling, awareness of the pros and cons of digitalization, understanding of basic IT concepts, and basic knowledge of connected systems and data acquisition. The entrance exam takes into consideration that applicants come from a diverse range of technical backgrounds with differing levels of knowledge related to the built environment and information technologies. 

Dates and Deadlines

Application

  • The application portal is activated on the 1st of January.
  • The application deadline for the degree program starting in the Winter Semester 2024/25 is the 31st of May.
  • If you need to apply for a visa, we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Admission

Please note that we select our students carefully and that this process will take some time. The times below represent the latest dates by which you can expect an answer based on your submission date; however, individual applications may receive an answer sooner.

Complete applications handed in by the 15th of March:

  • will receive an answer or be invited to the electronic admissions exam (PHII-1) by the end of May. 
  • Should you be invited to the electronic admissions exam (PHII-1), you will receive your answer by the end of July. 

The remaining applications

  • will receive an answer or be invited to the electronic admissions exam (PHII-2) by the end of August. 
  • should you be invited to the electronic admissions exam (PHII-2), you will receive your answer by the end of September. 

Please note that depending on the number of applications, these are only rough estimates.

Aptitude Assessment Exam

Applicants who enter phase II of the aptitude assessment must take a digital exam. You will be notified at least two weeks in advance of the test date as to whether you need to take the test. Further information regarding the digital exam will be provided at this time.

There are two dates for the digital test:

  • aptitude assessment exam 1 (PHII-1) will take place in July (results will be communicated by the end of July) - date to be announced.
  • aptitude assessment exam 2 (PHII-2) will take place in September (results will be communicated by the end of September) - date to be announced.

In special cases, a test can be offered at the TUM City Campus.

Program Start

  • We will hold a welcome event. Date to be determined.
  • The lecture period starts in October.

Further Dates

Start of the degree course and lecture period

FAQ

In the FAQ you can find further information on the following topics

Application

Program Fee


  • Keine Stichwörter