This Master's programme builds advanced expertise in computer and information science while allowing you to specialise in particular areas—especially (but not only) the exploration of large data sets (data science), visualisation (visual computing), and human–computer interaction (HCI). The curriculum emphasises the practical application and further development of methods from computer and information science so graduates can contribute across industry and research contexts. Alumni are prepared for roles in national and international organisations and companies across sectors.
Teaching and study are closely linked to the department’s active research, with a particular strength in exploratory analysis and the visualisation of large information spaces. That department-wide, interdisciplinary research focus is distinctive in Germany and recognised internationally. The programme has a pronounced research orientation and prioritises research-driven teaching, giving students opportunities to work on current, cutting‑edge topics.
Students can specialise in several focused tracks and are supported throughout by a mentoring scheme: each student is guided by a university professor who helps structure the study plan and is selected according to the chosen field of specialisation at the start of the programme.
Requirements / key facts
The Master's curriculum is organised around four module areas and requires a total of 120 ECTS credits. Ninety ECTS are allocated to specific module areas while the remaining 30 ECTS are flexible and can be distributed across those areas according to student preference. Modules are chosen from departmental pools, giving students the freedom to tailor their programme while ensuring core coverage.
Core components include a basic module area (24–54 ECTS) made up of at least four and at most nine foundational modules (each worth 6 ECTS). The advanced module area (36–66 ECTS) combines a Master's seminar (3 ECTS), a Master's project (9 ECTS), and 24–54 ECTS from advanced “Master” modules (each worth 6 or 9 ECTS). There is also an optional supplementary area (0–18 ECTS) for interdisciplinary or external-subject courses. The degree concludes with a dedicated final part worth 30 ECTS, consisting of the Master's thesis and a Master's colloquium.
Students can specialise by choosing a coherent set of advanced modules: to declare a specialisation they must complete at least three advanced modules in the chosen field and also carry out the Master’s seminar, project and thesis within that same area. Throughout the programme you will develop advanced theoretical knowledge, applied research and project skills, and the ability to design and implement complex software systems. Strong practical programming ability is expected—proficiency in modern object-oriented languages such as Java or C++ is required, and some courses will also involve languages commonly used for data analysis and visualization (for example, Python).
Requirements (concise)
A departmental admissions committee evaluates applications for this Master's program using the documents you submit and a standardized points system. Your application will be scored based on academic performance and how closely your background matches the programme, as well as on demonstrated motivation and any additional subject-related experience. Provide clear evidence for each item (transcripts, descriptions of internships or projects, certificates for micro-credentials, etc.) to help the committee assess your strengths.
International applicants should make sure that all supporting documents are translated and explained where necessary so the committee can judge subject relevance and experience. For full details on the scoring procedure, required documentation and any deadlines, consult the programme’s website.
Admission assessment — what is evaluated:
For precise information about the application process, required documents and how points are allocated, please refer to the programme’s official website.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates gain the skills to apply and further develop methods in computer and information science across industry, public organisations and research institutions. Common pathways include roles in data science and analytics, visual computing and visualization engineering, human–computer interaction and UX research, software and systems engineering, and algorithm development.
The department also supports employability through an internship portal, career events and alumni activities; many students undertake internships (often in their second semester) and benefit from international exchange and research collaboration opportunities that strengthen their professional network.
Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart - University of Applied Sciences — Stuttgart
University of Regensburg — Regensburg
University of Bonn — Bonn
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg — Cottbus