This is a research-focused two-year Master of Science in Mathematics taught in English. The programme combines foundational and advanced lecture courses with seminars, allowing students to specialise in one or more of the main areas of contemporary pure and applied mathematics. Students complete the degree by writing a Master's thesis, and those interested in interdisciplinary applications can choose a secondary subject to complement their mathematical training.
Practical experience is encouraged: students may deepen hands-on skills through internships either within the university or with external partners. The programme is delivered by several specialised units— the Mathematical Institute, the Institute for Applied Mathematics, the Research Institute for Discrete Mathematics and the Institute for Numerical Simulation—so you will be immersed in a strong research environment. Bonn is widely recognised as a leading European centre for mathematics and hosts the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, a Cluster of Excellence first awarded in 2006 and renewed in 2012 and again in 2018 (renewed for a seven-year period), enhancing research opportunities and international collaboration.
Key facts and application pointers
This two-year Master's curriculum combines foundational and advanced courses across many mathematical disciplines and finishes with a supervised Master's thesis. The programme is designed to be flexible: you can assemble a personalised study plan that reflects your interests and career goals. General and sample study plans are published on the programme website to help you choose a suitable pathway.
Modules are grouped into four main categories: lecture course modules, graduate seminar modules, practical training course modules, and the Master's thesis with its accompanying seminar. Lecture courses are frequently supported by problem sessions or tutorials to deepen understanding. Graduate seminars are student-centred: participants research a topic and develop the skills to prepare and deliver a clear mathematical presentation. Practical training can take several forms, including supervised teaching experience, external internships in industry or research, and hands-on programming courses that build computational competence.
The Master's thesis is the capstone project and typically requires about 12 months of preparation. Throughout this period you take part in a thesis seminar where you present progress and receive feedback. Graduates emerge with advanced theoretical knowledge, strengthened problem-solving and presentation skills, practical experience in teaching, programming or internships (if chosen), and the ability to tailor their profile toward further research or industry applications. If you want to focus on interdisciplinary work, the programme encourages taking a secondary subject to broaden your applied or domain-specific expertise.
Key curriculum requirements and components
To be considered for admission to the Master's programme you must meet several academic and language conditions. In short: you need a relevant Bachelor's-level qualification with strong grades, documented mathematics coursework totaling 120 ECTS, and evidence of English language ability. Applicants trained outside Europe should note that the faculty may request an additional qualifying test.
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are well prepared for research careers (PhD programs) and academic positions due to the programme's strong research orientation and affiliation with the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics. The rigorous training across pure and applied areas also equips students for roles in industry, such as data science, quantitative finance, scientific computing, software development, and modelling/analysis in engineering and the natural sciences.
Taking a secondary subject and optional internships enhances employability in interdisciplinary and applied settings, while the programme's advanced coursework and thesis experience are valued by employers seeking strong analytical and problem-solving skills.