Master´s Program in Computer Science

The general aim of the master program Computer Science is a research study. Based on a broad and, in selected fields of knowledge in-depth expertise, the analytic, creative, and design skills for the development of soft- and hardware systems are taught and encouraged. In addition, the abilities of the students to do basic and application-oriented research in the field of computer science will be created and strengthened.

The degree program enables the graduates to work successfully in the field of computer science for all of their working life. To achieve this goal it is necessary to teach the students not only close to present contents, but also theoretical substantiated concepts and methods, which are valid for a longer time than current trends. This especially includes the fields of formal, algorithmic, mathematical competences; analytical, design, realization and project-management-competences; technological competences, as well as social competences and personal competence.

Besides this, the study course focuses on two specifications to distinguish the course from other courses:
 

• a bilingual education in English and German for foreign and German students and
• a project-oriented work in several fields of specialization to teach the general competences mentioned above.

The existing Bachelor and Master programs in Applied Computer Science are continued.

The master program Computer Science is intended for students with a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification with focus on computer science. In particular, it addresses the following target groups:
 

• Students of the bachelor program Applied Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth, wishing to continue their studies in a Master degree program with less focus on application areas.
• Students in the pilot degree program Bachelor of Education (teaching) at the University of Bayreuth, who, after having received their bachelor degree intend to continue their studies in a Master degree program in Computer Science. An important objective of this pilot program is the so-called multi-skilling of the Bachelor degree.
• German students from other universities, which are attracted by the special characteristics of the Master degree program (project semester, bilingualism).
• Foreign students wishing to obtain their master’s degree in Germany.

To achieve this, especially the following two measures are taken:

First, courses are offered in English, if possible. (There is no guarantee that all courses are given in English. In particular, the courses in the application area outside of computer science — which are a mandatory part of the curriculum — are usually taught in German.)

Second, compared to the existing degree program Applied Computer Science and its applications areas, the special application area is reduced considerably, newly defined with regard to the mediating skills and supplemented with new application fields. With that, on the one hand a fitting offer should be given to the students at the University of Bayreuth, who want to take a master program of Type 1, to continue their studies at the University of Bayreuth. On the other hand, the applications field is now designed in a way that students from abroad and students in the degree course Bachelor of Science (teaching) have the necessary qualification.

Building upon a bachelor degree, the master studies build up higher level competences which may be used in industry of in research. In particular, the master degree qualifies for Ph.D. studies. Furthermore, the master qualifies for advances professional tasks in industry in research, development, realization, marketing, and software maintenance. A master of computer science qualifies for leading teams and also for being a technical expert beyond the level which can be achieved with the bachelor degree.

The national and international demands for computer scientists are still high. In the past, the discipline of computer science has survived economic crises, where the opportunities for positions have decreased only temporarily. Due to the increasing use of computer science in virtual all branches of economy, the long-term demand will remain high. Thus, there will be excellent career opportunities for computer scientists in a wide range of economic branches, ranging from small to large enterprises. In particular, the international character of the Master of Computer Science will prepare students to work in international teams. Furthermore, the project phase will contribute to this goal, as well.

An admission to the Master's program in Computer Science requires

1) an excellent Bachelor's degree with specific courses in

a) computer science as major subject and

b) mathematics as minor subject

A lack in a limited number of subjects may be compensated by additional courses that have to be completed within the first year at the University of Bayreuth.

2) an English language certificate with a score of at least 6.5 according to IELTS, or a score of at least 88 according to TOEFL (iBT), or an equivalent certificate.

3) a German certificate at A1 level, which must be reached at the latest within the first year at the University of Bayreuth

Application periods for international students:
 

• October 15 to January 15 (for the summer semester)
• April 15 to July 15 (for the winter semester)

For applying to Master's programmes, please register at CAMPUSonline and complete the applications forms.

The non-consecutive master degree Computer Science is intended for about 25 first-year students. It appeals to target groups which are complementary to the limited target group of the Master degree Applied Computer Science. By introducing the additional new Master degree program the Institute of Computer Science creates the conditions for increasing the number of students in all Master degree programs in computer science at the University of Bayreuth.

A broad spectrum of alternative application areas is aspired, to be more attractive for students from very different disciplines. Here these are either introductory or extended lectures with a strong focus on computer science. This concept bases on the idea, that students of computer science learn to understand the special language of the application areas through these lectures. Thus, they are able to implement and outline the application systems together with the experts of the field. This corresponds to the common concept of study courses in Computer Science.

Detailed information about the Certificate Program can be found here.

The structure of the master program is based on the current recommendations of the German Informatics Society (GI). It is divided into four sections: Informatics, Projects, Applications and Master Thessis (see table):

In the first year basic and extended competences in theoretical elements of study are taught. After that one semester with focus on practical study elements follows. The final semester is devoted to the Master thesis.

The third semester is completely designed as a project semester and represents an essential characteristic of the master degree program. After deepening their education in the first year, this project semester enables the students to apply their acquired skills in practice. Normally a project is realized at the University of Bayreuth under intensive and individual supervision from scientists and tutors within the framework of a relevant research project.

A project has 8 or 15 credit points (small or large project) and includes a practical part (for example practical training) and a theoretical part (for example seminar). Students can choose how they want to divide the project semester, for example two large projects or one large and two small projects. Since students have to complete more than one project, a one-sided fixation to one application area can be avoided. On the other hand, one of the selected projects should prepare for the master thesis thus allowing an easy transition to the third phase of study. Projects can either be chosen exclusively in Computer Science or interdisciplinary. This is also true for the master thesis.

It is possible for German students to spend the second semester as semester abroad at an English-speaking university. (This is not recommended for foreign students, because they are already studying in a foreign country.)

In the section of Computer Science at least 95 credit points must be provided. Two or three project modules from at least two special fields with altogether 30 credit points have to be included as well as a master thesis with 30 credit points. The grade of the master thesis is included with dual weight of the credit points in the final grade.

Parts of the section Application are intersectional extensions in one of the application areas mathematics, physics, biochemistry, earth science, law, economics, cultural studies or engineering. In the selected application area at least 15 credit points have to be contributed. The application modules serve as an introduction to the respective subject and the corresponding technical terminology. Contrary to that the master program Applied Computer Science imparts the selected application area on a much larger scale and much more depth. The necessary requirements are a much bigger obstacle for admission of foreign students. In so far the concept of the new master degree program differs considerably from the existing master program Applied Computer Science.

In the section General Education at least 10 credit points in linguistic and general key competences are necessary. This includes for example competences in free speech, in writing and presenting in English or German as foreign language, respectively, as well as special knowledge in the areas of science theory, project management and intercultural communication. As requirement for the modules to choose closeness in contents and relevance for the master degree program is expected.

The curriculum contains only a small number of obligatory modules to make an individual extension for the students possible. For the same reason the students are offered a broad spectrum of modules both in Computer Science and in the application area. Thus it is considered that students from Germany and foreign students have different previous knowledge.

The given modules are on master level in Computer Science exclusively and in the application areas for the most part. Beyond that in the application areas some courses from bachelor degree programs are offered. These can only be selected by students, who have not taken these courses or courses with similar contents in their bachelor studies. Through this construct it should be possible for the students to choose – if they are interested - an application area, which they have not taken or not studied intensively before.

You can choose from the following topics: Software Engineering, Parallel and Distributed Systems, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Databases and Information Systems, Visual Computing, Algorithms and Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, and Human-Computer Interaction.

 
*ECTS Credit points awarded in accordance with ECTS. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) facilitates the international comparability of coursework completed at European higher education institutions.

One special feature of the master's programme is the second and third semester of study. Half of these terms are dedicated to semester projects that give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in practice. You will have the chance to work on current research projects at the University of Bayreuth under the close supervision of researchers and instructors.

Small and large projects, amounting to 8 and 15 credit points respectively, include both a practical component (e.g. an internship) and a theoretical component (e.g. seminars). Students are free to choose whether they divide the large project into a small project and a seminar. Ideally, it is chosen such that it can serve as the basis for your master’s thesis, thus opening the third and final phase of your master’s studies.

The master’s programme Computer Science is based on the recommendations of Germany’s Society for Informatics
(GI). In other words, this programme has proven its quality in all parameters and meets the international standards
for computer science degrees.

In contrast to the German-taught master’s programme Informatik, this English-taught programme features a higher number of practice-oriented modules. It is divided into the sections Computer Science, Projects, Language, and Final Thesis. The first two semesters of study are dedicated to building on and further developing your understanding of theory.

The University of Bayreuth has performed well in the CHE University Ranking for years thanks to the strong supervision its students receive in the various subject areas. As a master’s student, you will be enrolled in an intensive programme of study in which small groups, modern instrumentation, and a friendly working atmosphere
between students and instructors are the rule. Students love our charming campus. Everything you need is right
at your doorstep, and it’s easy to get to know students from other subject areas. Our campus also has a lot to
offer outside the lecture halls. Examples include the University’s orchestra, its big band, and the extensive University
Sport programme.

In addition, life in Bayreuth is not nearly as expensive as it is in many other parts of Germany. The town and surrounding region provide a great setting for student life, with plenty to do in your free time.