Computer Science (M.Sc.)

Saarbrücken offers Master's students an ideal environment for pursuing successful, interdisciplinary, research-driven studies in informatics. Teaching modules covering core areas of theoretical and practical informatics enable students to improve their abilities in abstract reasoning and enhance their mathematical and technical understanding of the subject. The M.Sc. programme also offers students the opportunity to tailor course content to reflect individual areas of interest. By offering block courses during the recess period, students are able to study for their M.Sc. qualification at an accelerated pace.

All research groups within the Department of Computer Science at Saarland University carry out both theoretical and practical research: The research work being carried out in the fields of multimedia applications and distributed information and communications systems, as well as in a variety of projects concerned with language and image processing is aimed at developing new applications. The issue of efficiency is a key consideration in research projects examining geometric algorithms, fundamental methods in cryptography and high-performance communications protocols. The correctness of hardware and software systems is the major goal of research being carried out into the use of program analysis techniques and formal specification methodologies.

Many of these projects also involve the development of complete prototype systems. With opportunities to work as course tutors or departmental assistants, informatics students at Saarland University have numerous chances to become acquainted with research at an early stage of their university education. A list of current research groups can be found on the Department of Computer Science webpages.

The degree course is composed of single-semester modules such as lectures, exercise classes, practical and lab courses, seminars. The M.Sc. programme requires students to acquire 120 credits (120 CP), which includes submission of a Master's thesis. Each module concludes with an assessment of student learning (usually in the form of a written examination). Credits gained from assessments are cumulative and contribute to the student's overall academic achievement. The final mark or grade awarded to a student after completing the M.Sc. programme is the weighted average of the results of the graded assessments attained during the programme. For more information, please refer to the Department of Computer Science web pages.

Requirements

In order to be admitted to the programme, students must have received a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a German or foreign university in informatics, computer science or a related field, or must provide proof of equivalent academic achievement, and must demonstrate advanced proficiency in English to complete the programme. Specifically, they must also provide the following information and/or documents:

• Proof of sufficient merit in their academic achievements in school and higher education
• A letter of motivation or personal statement documenting the student's particular interest in the M.Sc. programme
• Two relevant academic references
• Details about relevant work/study periods abroad and relevant work experience or internships

How to apply

Students can begin the M.Sc. programme at the beginning of the summer or winter semester. Applications should normally be received by 15 May for students seeking to begin studying in the winter semester and by 15 November for students looking to start their studies in summer. Applicants who apply by May 15th for the following summer semester are expected to receive a letter of admission by mid-July if the respective Master's commission makes a positive decision. Applicants who apply by November 15th for the following winter semester are expected to receive a letter of admission by mid-February if the respective Master's commission makes a positive decision.

Applications should be submitted via the online application portal managed by the Department of Computer Science where you'll find further information about application and admission procedures.

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Subject-specific regulations
• Discontinued regulations

• Other documents and information
• Module handbook