Overview
This English-language Master of Science in Computer Science combines the wide-ranging foundation of a traditional degree with focused specialisation in one of three in-demand profiles. You choose one of the following majors: Autonomous Systems in Computer Science (AUT), Service Technology and Engineering (STE), or Visual Computing (VC). The programme is designed to prepare graduates for current labour-market needs while keeping options open for advanced research.
Programme features and study language
All compulsory courses in the Master's programme are taught entirely in English. Because the elective portion offers a broad selection of courses, students who are able to follow German can also take modules taught in German. Graduates who achieve an outstanding degree have good prospects to continue into PhD programmes. For full details on curriculum structure, timetables and module descriptions, consult the programme website.
Why study here
The university is an internationally recognised research institution, particularly strong in computer science and engineering. Its computer science faculty receives the largest research budget of any such faculty in Germany, funded by national and international foundations and industry partners. Stuttgart sits in one of Europe’s leading technology regions and hosts headquarters and major facilities of companies such as Daimler AG, Porsche, Bosch, Celesio, Hewlett‑Packard and IBM, as well as research and development labs from organisations including Philips, IBM, Lucent Alcatel and Agilent. The university maintains strong links with these industrial partners.
Research and career prospects
Alongside close industry connections, the university offers several PhD programmes in computer science covering areas such as robotics, visual computing, computer engineering, service technology and engineering, database systems, and parallel and distributed systems. This combination of strong research groups and industrial collaboration creates a supportive environment and attractive job opportunities in both academia and industry for motivated Master’s and PhD students.
Key facts / important points
This curriculum balances deep specialization with broad computer science training and research experience. In the first semester you take a compulsory theoretical and methodological foundations module tailored to your chosen major, alongside selected core and extended modules from the programme catalogues. Core modules build in-depth expertise in your specialization, while extended modules broaden and support that knowledge. Breadth modules supply a wider computer science education and may be chosen from any faculty modules except those belonging to your own major.
The second semester includes a graded seminar designed to develop academic communication: how to present and document results clearly in written and oral form. The third semester is intentionally flexible to accommodate mobility, internships or focused study. Options include spending time abroad or choosing from alternatives such as a research project (noted example: 12 ECTS), modules from other Master’s programmes, modules not offered in the standard catalogues, or a laboratory course. The programme culminates in the fourth semester, which is dedicated to completing your Master’s thesis.
Key learning outcomes include deep disciplinary knowledge in your major, complementary breadth across computer science, applied research skills through project work or lab courses, and the ability to communicate research findings professionally—preparing you for doctoral study or advanced industry roles.
Requirements and core components
To be considered for this Master's in Computer Science you must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree that provides a solid foundation in computing. The programme expects a degree that covered at least six semesters (equivalent to three academic years) in computer science, software engineering or a closely related subject.
The admissions committee will review your Bachelor's examination results to determine whether your prior studies have prepared you for advanced work in computer science. This evaluation typically looks at your transcripts and the scope of your completed coursework to confirm that you meet the academic profile required for the Master's programme.
As the Master's is taught in English, you must demonstrate advanced English language ability at CEFR level C1. You will need to provide appropriate evidence of your language skills as part of your application.
Minimum requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Summer Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are well positioned for roles in industrial research & development, software and systems engineering, robotics, visual computing, service technology and related specialist areas, leveraging the university's deep ties to major tech companies and R&D labs in Stuttgart. The programme's specialisations and strong industry collaborations support direct entry into technical roles at firms such as Daimler, Porsche, Bosch, HP and IBM, as well as research positions in corporate labs.
For students aiming at academia, the programme provides a strong foundation and direct qualification route to PhD programmes in computer science and allied fields (e.g. robotics, parallel and distributed systems, database systems), particularly for those who achieve outstanding Master's results. The curricular flexibility and research-oriented modules further enhance prospects for both industry and academic careers.
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