Applied Research in Computer Science (MSc)

This programme trains students to turn fundamental research into practical, user-centered digital solutions while gaining industry experience in Upper Franconia and the surrounding region. Rather than just converting analogue to digital, the curriculum emphasises changing business models, new service offerings around products, and open innovation. If you want to work at the intersection of research and industry—bringing new technologies to market quickly and responding to real customer needs—this MSc is designed for you.

Teaching and research are centred at the Institute of Information Systems, where teams work with current technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, smart data and analytics, virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles and digital mobility, digital healthcare, and the Internet of Things. Projects prioritise creating applications that are easy to use, respect privacy, and address industry challenges; topics include usability, speech recognition and natural language processing alongside applied engineering and systems design.

You will study alongside a multidisciplinary faculty with backgrounds in computer science, electrical engineering, business information systems, information science and business law. The programme combines research projects with specialised lectures in research methodology and courses in computer science, organisation science and business law. Practical programming work and social-skill development (meetings, presentations) are balanced with conceptual tasks such as architectural modelling, criteria-based comparisons, literature reviews, algorithm evaluation and research method design. Talented students with entrepreneurial ambitions can access support from the university’s digital start-up centre Einstein1, and graduates with excellent records may have the opportunity to continue to PhD studies.

Core components / requirements

• Participation in research projects at the Institute of Information Systems (iisys)
• Coursework in research methodology plus lectures in computer science, organisation science and business law
• Practical programming and development of applied solutions using current technologies (AI/ML, IoT, VR/AR, etc.)
• Training and assessment of social skills: teamwork, meetings and oral presentations
• Conceptual and analytical tasks: architecture models, criteria-based comparisons, literature reviews and algorithm selection
• Collaboration with regional partner companies for applied experience and industry-relevant projects
• Respect for user-centred design and privacy considerations in all applied work

Curriculum overview

This MSc focuses on advanced research methods and hands-on investigation in computer science. Core (obligatory) modules build a strong foundation in current and emerging technologies, research methodology, and the intersection of technical work with human and business contexts. You will learn both design-science approaches for creating and evaluating technical artifacts and behavioural approaches for studying how people interact with systems. Practical elements—project seminars and an independent research project—give you the opportunity to apply methods and produce publishable-quality research outcomes.

Key modules emphasize innovation and real-world relevance: New Technologies in Computer Science introduces contemporary technical trends; Design Science Approaches in Computer Science Research teaches how to structure iterative artifact design and evaluation; Behavioural Approaches in Computer Science Research develops skills for designing experiments and user studies; and Designing and Developing Business Models covers how to translate technical ideas into viable products or services. The project seminar prepares you for the culminating research project, in which you carry out an extended investigation under supervision.

You also choose two electives to tailor your specialization. Elective options let you deepen expertise in security, data engineering, immersive media, IoT systems, security-focused research methods, or information structuring and visualization. Graduates will be equipped to conduct independent research, design and evaluate technical solutions, understand user behaviour, and bridge technical concepts with business considerations—preparing them for doctoral study or research-oriented industry roles.

Requirements (concise)

• Obligatory modules:
  • New Technologies in Computer Science
  • Design Science Approaches in Computer Science Research
  • Behavioural Approaches in Computer Science Research
  • Designing and Developing Business Models
  • Project seminar
  • Research project
• Electives (choose two from):
  • Security of Information Systems
  • Data Engineering and Analysis Methods
  • Mixed Media (AR, VR, MR)
  • IoT Architectures
  • Security research seminar
  • Information Structuring and Visualisation

Graduates are prepared for applied research and development roles in industry (R&D teams, digital product development, data science, IoT and mobility solutions, AR/VR and healthcare technology). The programme’s emphasis on industry collaboration and practical projects makes alumni attractive to local and international technology companies as well as research labs.

Alternatively, graduates with excellent academic results can pursue doctoral studies. Entrepreneurially minded students can leverage support from the university’s startup centre to found their own ventures based on research outcomes.