Computer Science (M.Sc.)

The Department of Computer Science at Saarland University is an internationally established centre for informatics research. The department is one of the most highly ranked academic departments in Germany and is one of the leading global addresses for research in computer science. More than 300 scientists are currently working and collaborating in research groups located either in the Department of Computer Science itself (with its 19 full university chairs) or in the numerous research institutions located on the Saarbrücken campus. Saarland University is the only university in Germany to have been awarded a Cluster of Excellence and a Graduate School in computer science as part of the Excellence Initiative run by the German federal and state governments.

Description

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.

Key research areas

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.

Structure

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 & application

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. 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.

Regulations

At a glance

Standard period of study4 semesters for full-time students
Part-time studies are possible
Language of instructionEnglish
English language requirementsLevel C1
Restricted entryNo
Application deadlineWinter semester: 15 May
Summer semester: 15 November
Tuition feesNot applicable
Semester feeSee current fee structure

Contact

Course adviser

Study coordination
of Computer Science
Dr.in Rahel Stoike-Sy
Barbara Schulz-Brünken
Saarland Informatics Campus
Building E1 3, Room 207-209
master(at)cs.uni-saarland.de
Saarland Informatics Campus

Central Student Advisory Service

Saarbrücken Campus
Building A4 4, Ground floor
Phone: +49 681 302-3513
studienberatung(at)uni-saarland.de
www.uni-saarland.de/studienberatung

Central Student Advisory Service

Saarbrücken Campus
Building A4 4, Ground floor
Phone: +49 681 302-3513
studienberatung(at)uni-saarland.de

Central Student Advisory Service

Accredited study programmes

Saarland University was one of the first universities in Germany to achieve Quality Assurance Accreditation and has held the Accreditation Council's official quality mark continuously since 2012.

Quality management