Computer Science

This modular, research-focused Master’s program combines academic foundations with practical skills and lets you tailor your studies to your interests. Taught in English, it offers two pathways: a flexible Open Track that lets you assemble your own combination of subject modules, and a more structured Distributed Systems Engineering track that concentrates on the design, development and operation of distributed software systems. Both routes are designed to prepare you for research work and advanced professional roles.

The Open Track gives you a wide selection of compulsory elective modules grouped into eight subject areas. You must pick modules from three different subject areas, each contributing 12 credit points, and these choices must not duplicate modules taken in the supplementary elective area. The eight subject areas are:

• Theoretical Computer Science and Symbolic Artificial Intelligence
• Software Technology and Programming Languages
• Secure Computing
• Systems Architecture
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• Visual Computing and Machine Learning
• Human–Computer Interaction and Interactive Media
• Computer Engineering and High Performance Computing

The supplementary elective area collects the compulsory elective modules from the subject areas and also includes 11 non-computer-science supplements (each with a basic and a specialization module) plus a “analysis of a research topic” module to help you prepare for your final thesis. The Distributed Systems Engineering track follows a predefined study path with compulsory modules and a selection of track-specific compulsory electives totaling 36 credit points; its curriculum emphasizes domain knowledge and aspects such as software engineering, system architecture and security. Common to both tracks are a research project completed in the third semester, a compulsory elective area for general qualifications (rhetoric, presentation, communication, social commitment or foreign language skills), and the Master’s thesis that concludes the degree.

Program requirements (study structure and module rules)

• Two tracks: Open Track (flexible module selection) or Distributed Systems Engineering (predefined path).
• Open Track: choose modules from three subject areas; each chosen area must contribute 12 credit points and cannot duplicate modules in the supplementary elective area.
• Subject areas: Theoretical Computer Science & Symbolic AI; Software Technology & Programming Languages; Secure Computing; Systems Architecture; Cyber-Physical Systems; Visual Computing & Machine Learning; Human–Computer Interaction & Interactive Media; Computer Engineering & High Performance Computing.
• Supplementary elective area: includes all compulsory elective modules from the subject areas, plus 11 non-CS supplements (each with one basic and one specialization module) and an analysis-of-a-research-topic module to prepare the Master’s thesis.
• Distributed Systems Engineering track: includes compulsory modules plus track-specific compulsory elective modules totaling 36 credit points; focus on distributed systems, software engineering, architecture and security.
• Common elements: third-semester research project, compulsory elective general-qualification modules (rhetoric, presentation, communication, social commitment or foreign language), and the Master’s thesis.

Curriculum overview

The master’s curriculum runs over four semesters. Teaching and coursework take place during the early semesters, while the fourth semester is specifically reserved for completing your master’s thesis and presenting it in the colloquium. The structure purposely leaves the third semester flexible to support a temporary stay at another university.

Key components include concentrated coursework in the programme’s core areas and electives during the first half of the degree, an optional mobility or practical placement in the third semester, and an independent research project in the final semester that culminates in a written thesis and oral colloquium.

The programme is designed to develop advanced subject knowledge and independent research skills. Graduates will be able to carry out and report on substantial individual research, integrate knowledge from taught courses into practical or international settings (through the third-semester mobility), and complete the degree in either full-time or—where regulations allow—part-time study.

Requirements to complete the programme

• Complete the prescribed coursework across the four semesters.
• Use the third semester optionally for a temporary stay at another university or other approved activity (mobility/placement).
• Submit a master’s thesis in the fourth semester and take part in the accompanying colloquium.
• If needed, follow the university’s regulations for part-time study when opting for a part-time pathway.

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles that require deep expertise in software and systems engineering, distributed systems, security, machine learning, high-performance computing or human–computer interaction. The combination of specialised electives and a research project makes this degree suitable for positions in industry (software development, systems architecture, security engineering), as well as roles in research institutes and labs.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for students who wish to continue into doctoral studies, owing to its research orientation and the strong emphasis on methods, architecture and scientific practice.