Computer Science (Master of Science)

This English-taught Master's degree deepens your skills in designing, planning and building complex software — from information systems to embedded solutions — and prepares you for professional roles or research. Over the first three semesters you customise your studies by selecting lectures, a lab project and a seminar focused on one chosen specialization, while also taking courses in other computer-science areas and a complementary subject. The fourth semester is dedicated to an independent Master's thesis.

You can specialise in one of these areas:

• Algorithmics and Deduction
• Embedded Systems and Robotics
• Information Systems
• Intelligent Systems
• Distributed and Networked Systems
• Software Engineering
• Visualisation and Scientific Computing
• Data Science

The department is embedded in a strong research ecosystem that includes collaborations with internationally recognised institutes (Fraunhofer IESE, DFKI, Max Planck Institute for Software Systems). These partnerships provide additional lectures, project work, Master's-thesis opportunities and student assistant positions. Research groups and international teams of faculty, postgraduates and students cover broad topics such as software engineering, scientific computing, databases, data science, AI and computer vision, distributed systems, simulation, algorithmics, embedded systems and robotics — with several groups ranked among the world leaders in their fields.

Study requirements (what you will complete)

• Choose one specialisation and take related lectures, a lab project and a seminar during the first three semesters
• Complete coursework in other computer-science areas plus a supplementary subject (the supplementary subject makes up roughly 25% of the programme)
• Write and submit a Master's thesis in the fourth semester
• Opportunities to undertake projects, theses and student assistant roles within the affiliated research institutes and departmental research groups

Curriculum structure and student choice

The program is designed to give you a lot of freedom in shaping your studies: while you must meet the programme’s rules on earning a specified number of credit points across different categories, there is no fixed timetable of modules. Instead, you select courses according to your academic interests and career goals. An assigned adviser works with you to create an individual study plan that ensures you satisfy the credit requirements while pursuing the topics you care about most.

Interdisciplinary options and expected outcomes

You can pick supplementary modules from any department across the university, which makes it easy to build an interdisciplinary profile—combining advanced computer science topics with complementary fields (e.g., mathematics, engineering, business, or the humanities). This flexible setup is intended to let you deepen expertise in chosen CS areas, broaden transferable skills, and customise the degree to suit research ambitions or professional objectives. Because the curriculum is largely self-directed, strong planning and regular adviser consultation are important to make steady progress toward your learning goals.

Key requirements and practical notes

• You must fulfil the programme regulations on required credit points in the specified categories.
• There is no pre-set module timetable; course selection is based on student preference.
• An adviser is provided to help develop and approve an individual study plan.
• Supplementary modules may be chosen from any department within the university.
• Regular consultation with your adviser is recommended to ensure all credit and category requirements are met.

Graduates are prepared for technical and research careers in software development, data science, AI, embedded systems, robotics, distributed systems and related fields. The programme's combination of specialised coursework, project experience and close ties to prominent research institutes makes it suitable for roles in R&D departments, high-tech industry, and product engineering.

The Master's degree also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in computer science and related disciplines. International students benefit from practical collaboration opportunities with research institutes and industry partners, which can help when seeking positions in Germany or abroad.