Program overview
This English-taught MSc allows you to specialise by selecting one programme specialisation from one of two main concentrations: a systems-oriented track or an application-oriented track. The systems-oriented concentration centres on the development and engineering of software and systems, while the application-oriented concentration emphasises using computing methods within specific scientific, medical, legal or business domains. You choose a single specialisation and follow coursework and project work tailored to that focus.
Both concentrations cover overlapping thematic areas (bioinformatics, geoinformatics, ecological informatics, medical informatics, law & computer science, business informatics, scientific computing, computational neuroscience, and digital humanities), with two distinct options for how you approach them: either from a systems-development perspective (building and optimising software and systems) or from an application perspective (applying computational methods to domain problems). The application-oriented offer additionally includes a dedicated Data Science specialisation. This structure supports students who want either to design core computing systems or to apply computational expertise directly in interdisciplinary fields.
Requirements (concise)
If you need guidance choosing between a systems-focused versus an application-focused route, consider whether you prefer building and optimising software systems (systems-oriented) or applying computational techniques to a specific domain (application-oriented).
This two-year Master's curriculum totals 120 ECTS and is split into three main parts: a Core Curriculum (24 CP), a large Professionalisation segment (66 CP), and a Master's thesis (30 CP). Rather than prescribing fixed mandatory modules, the programme uses an individually tailored study plan negotiated with an academic mentor and formally approved by the Dean of Studies. Full module descriptions and the official exam and study regulations are available in the module catalogue: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/40964.html.
The Core Curriculum (24 CP) is designed to deepen students’ understanding of systems-oriented computer science. Learning outcomes include advanced knowledge of systems-level methods, the ability to apply and extend specialised techniques within the discipline, and strengthened analytical and engineering skills for complex software and systems problems.
The Professionalisation area (66 CP) lets students shape their degree around career goals by choosing one of two concentrations: Systems-Oriented or Application-Oriented. The Application-Oriented path emphasizes subject-matter specialisation by requiring 48 CP drawn from Applied Computer Science or a chosen specialisation. The Systems-Oriented path focuses more on foundational computer-science topics; it includes 30 CP chosen from Applied Computer Science or a specialisation and allows at least 15 CP to be taken from the Computer Science Core. In addition, Professionalisation contains 12 CP of key qualifications and transferable competences and a 6 CP elective slot to broaden skills across disciplines. The programme culminates in a 30 CP Master's thesis, where students demonstrate independent research or development competence.
Requirements (concise)
To be eligible you need a completed Bachelor's-level degree of at least six semesters (typically 180 ECTS) in Computer Science or a closely related field. Degrees awarded by German universities or by institutions in one of the Bologna signatory countries (or otherwise equivalent degrees) are accepted. In addition to the overall degree, the programme checks the content and distribution of your previous academic credits to ensure you have the necessary technical background.
Specifically, you must demonstrate a substantial number of credits in core computer science and supporting mathematical/natural science subjects. All international applicants must also take an online aptitude test; shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video interview as part of the selection process. Expect the test and your personal login details to be emailed a few days after the application period ends.
Helpful tips for international applicants: provide official transcripts that show credit allocations by course. If your institution uses a different credit system or terminology, include documentation or an official conversion/explanation to demonstrate equivalence to ECTS.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 October 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 December 2026
Graduates leave the programme prepared for technical and interdisciplinary roles across industry and research. Depending on their specialisation, alumni can work in applied systems development, data science, bioinformatics, medical or business informatics, computational research, or digital humanities — roles that demand both strong methodological knowledge and applied problem-solving skills.
The Master’s thesis and project work also provide a pathway to doctoral studies or research positions. The programme’s emphasis on individual specialisation and key qualifications equips students for roles that require domain-specific expertise as well as the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
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