This Master's is a research-focused programme that deepens your understanding of core computer science while letting you specialise in selected areas. It combines a broad theoretical foundation with practical training to cultivate creative and constructive skills for designing and developing hardware and software systems. The curriculum also strengthens both fundamental research capabilities and applied research methods within computer science.
Graduates leave equipped to pursue doctoral studies or to take on demanding roles in industry or as freelancers. Typical career paths include research and development, implementation, deployment and maintenance of information-processing systems across sectors such as manufacturing, software firms, research centres, and public administration. Graduates are also prepared for operational roles and product support within the tech industry, and for research and teaching positions at academic institutions.
For detailed information about the programme structure and modules, consult the university’s official course description.
Entry requirements (summary)
This Master’s programme follows the German Informatics Society (GI) recommendations and is organised into four main sections: Computer Science (core modules), Projects, Language, and the Master’s Thesis. The course sequence is built to develop solid theoretical foundations in the first year, followed by a dedicated practical/project semester, and concludes with a semester focused on the Master’s thesis. The structure supports a clear progression from taught theory to applied work and independent research.
A distinguishing feature is the fully project-oriented third semester. After strengthening their theoretical background in year one, students spend this semester applying what they have learned to real-world problems. Projects are typically carried out at the university under close, individual supervision by researchers and tutors within ongoing research initiatives. Each project has a practical element (for example, hands-on training) and a theoretical component (for example, a seminar). Project sizes are 8 or 15 credit points (small or large), and students combine projects (e.g., two large projects, or one large plus two small) so they engage with multiple application areas rather than a single specialization. At least one project should prepare the ground for the Master’s thesis to ensure a smooth transition into the final research phase. Projects and the Master’s thesis may be interdisciplinary or focused entirely on computer science.
A language component is included in the programme to support academic and professional communication. German students may choose to spend the second semester abroad at an English-speaking university, though this option is generally not recommended for international students who are already studying outside their home country. Overall learning outcomes include advanced theoretical competence in core computer science topics, practical experience in applying methods and tools, strengthened research skills through supervised projects, and the ability to carry out an independent Master’s thesis—often building on a prior project.
Key requirements and facts
You should hold a Bachelor's degree with an overall examination grade of "good" (2.5) or better in the University's Bachelor's programme in Computer Science or in Applied Computer Science — or an equivalent degree from another institution. Whether a non‑Bayreuth degree is considered equivalent is decided by the programme’s board of examiners during the application review; equivalency is not determined before you apply, so no advance guarantees can be given.
Additional requirements and application notes apply for graduates from outside Europe, for students who have not yet finished their Bachelor’s, and for conditional admissions. Standardised tests (GRE or GATE) are only requested for degrees awarded by institutions outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). You may submit an application before your Bachelor’s degree is formally completed, provided you already have at least 150 credits; the programme also allows conditional admission where up to 15 credit points of study may be required as conditions (see Examination Regulations §2 para 2).
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 October 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for doctoral research (e.g., entry into PhD programmes) as well as for technical and research-oriented careers in industry and the public sector. Typical roles include development of new information-processing methods and systems, research and development positions in software companies and manufacturing firms, and roles in implementing and maintaining automated information systems.
Other career paths include operational and product-maintenance roles within the computer industry, consultancy, and academic positions involving research and teaching at universities or research institutes. The programme’s strong project component and research focus help graduates demonstrate applied experience and readiness for complex professional tasks.
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