Information Technologies for the Built Environment

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

The M.Sc. Information Technologies for the Built Environment (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."

In Detail:

• Overview degree program structure
• Program structure: Overview of modules

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is usually English. This means that most of the modules are offered in English. Some courses may, however, be taught in German. The language of instruction for each module is detailed in the module overview. To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student academic advisor of this program.  

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.

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.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation (in English)
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA

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. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

In detail:

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (appendix 2, German) (PDF 334 KB)

The online application process takes place through our application portal TUMonline.

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.

This degree program does not encompass a compulsory internship nor is an internship a requirement for admission. However, it is recommendable, as a rule, to gain practical experience as soon as possible