Informatics (Computer Science) (MSc)

The TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology brings together Mathematics, Informatics and Electrical & Computer Engineering to connect theoretical foundations with real-world applications. The English-taught MSc in Informatics is a research-oriented programme that builds on the computer science fundamentals gained during your undergraduate degree. Teaching and research cover a broad spectrum—from core theory to interdisciplinary application—addressing major contemporary challenges such as the digital transformation while remaining rooted in the discipline’s technical foundations.

The curriculum offers a wide selection of courses and lets students tailor their studies by specialising in up to three focus areas. Available specialisations include:

• Algorithms
• Computer Graphics and Vision
• Databases and Information Systems
• Digital Biology and Digital Medicine
• Engineering Software-Intensive Systems
• Formal Methods and their Applications
• Machine Learning and Analytics
• Computer Architecture
• Computer Networks and Distributed Systems
• Robotics
• Security and Privacy
• Scientific Computing and High Performance Computing

In addition to subject-specific coursework, the programme includes an interdisciplinary project (possible collaboration areas: Mathematics, Medicine, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering) and modules aimed at developing soft skills. Graduates leave with advanced research competence in informatics and the ability to work independently to high academic standards, plus an understanding of at least one application domain and its terminology.

Career-wise, the degree prepares you for doctoral studies and academic research as well as leadership roles in industry. Alumni are equipped to lead software development projects and hold executive positions, and to work across all stages of software engineering—from specification, design and analysis to implementation and formal verification.

Requirements (summary)

• Completed undergraduate degree providing solid fundamentals in computer science (Bachelor or equivalent).
• Academic preparation sufficient for advanced, research-oriented study in informatics.
• Proficiency in English adequate to follow an English-language Master's programme.

This two-year (four-semester) Master's curriculum combines advanced coursework with hands-on development and research, preparing you for technical and academic careers in computer science. In each semester you will take advanced lectures that deepen your theoretical understanding, and you will also participate in a seminar and at least one lab course that apply concepts in practice. Throughout the programme, students work on software development assignments and research projects that build teamwork, software engineering and problem-solving skills.

In the third semester you can tailor your practical experience: either take a second lab course to further strengthen applied skills and industry-style project work, or pursue a guided research project conducted closely with a professor to gain experience in independent inquiry and academic research methods. The programme emphasises both practical and research competencies so you can choose the path best aligned with your career goals.

The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, where you carry out a substantial research or development project and demonstrate your ability to plan, execute and communicate original work. Graduates will leave with advanced theoretical knowledge, practical software development experience, research capabilities and the ability to conduct independent projects — competencies valued in industry roles and doctoral studies alike.

Programme requirements (curriculum components)

• Advanced lectures across core and elective topics in computer science
• Seminar participation to develop presentation and critical discussion skills
• At least one lab course applying theory to practical software development
• Ongoing participation in software development and research projects
• Third-semester option: additional lab course (practical route) or a guided research project with a professor (research route)
• Completion and submission of the Master’s thesis in the fourth semester

Graduates are prepared for doctoral research and for advanced roles in industry, such as leading software development projects, systems design and architecture, and executive positions in technology management. The programme equips alumni to work across all phases of software engineering—from specification, design and analysis to development, implementation and formal verification—and to contribute in research labs, technology companies, and interdisciplinary application domains such as digital health or scientific computing.

The combination of deep technical specialisation, interdisciplinary project experience and soft skills training makes graduates attractive to employers seeking engineers and researchers who can bridge domain knowledge and advanced computing methods.