Mathematics (M.Sc.)

The research-oriented Master's programme in mathematics provides a high-profile education in the following areas:

• algebra, geometry and number theory
• analysis
• mathematical data analysis
• mathematical didactics
• numerics
• stochastics

There is a strong collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in the areas of discrete mathematics, complexity theory, and computational geometry.

All research areas

Successful completion of our master's programme requires a total of 120 credit points (CP). Students are normally required to attain 30 CP each semester.

Compulsory modules make up 42 CP, from which 30 CP are allocated to the master's thesis and 12 CP to the master's seminar. Six months are reserved for writing the thesis, before completion of which students must take a master's seminar of direct relevance.

Students must take optional modules with a total of at least 61 CP. These modules include choosable courses from the range of core modules, advanced lectures and seminars in mathematics. Tutoring, language courses, soft skill workshops or industrial placements can also generate up to 17 credit points. Details can be found in the programme regulations.

International Master's programme in English
All classes of the Master's programme are offered in English.

Small groups and high-quality teaching
Students work in small groups and are individually supervised by professors and their assistants. In the national CHE university rankings Saarbrücken is rated in the top group in the categories 'overall' and 'supervision'. The mathematics students' council, a representative body of the mathematics students in Saarbrücken, provides help and support with questions around the studies of mathematics.

High scientific quality
The Department of Mathematics is home to an outstanding group of faculty researchers who represent a wide variety of areas covering both pure and applied mathematics. The faculty's reputation and high international visibility is documented by many prestigeous awards and honours, including invited talks at the International Congress of mathematicians, ERC advanced grants, and a Leibniz prize.

Many collaborations with Computer Science
The Department of Mathematics has strong ties with the Department of Computer Science, one of the leading departments in Germany, as documented by three joint professorships in the fields of applied algebra, mathematical image analysis, and mathematical data analysis. Moreover, the highly renowed Max-Planck-Institutes for Computer Science and Software Systems as well as the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence are next door.

No tuition fees
There is only a semester fee to pay which includes free rides on buses and trains within the Saarland region and subsidized food in the university canteen.

Low living costs and high quality of life
Compared to other cities in Germany, Saarbrücken is inexpensive in regard to rents and living costs in general. The quality of life is high, and there are plenty of opportunities in regard to cultural activities, nightlife, and nature.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a German university or an equivalent qualitification from a foreign university in a programme in mathematics or a related subject
• Certificaton of English language skills (normally C1)
• Certification of technical skills equivalent to those acquired by students in the bachelor's programme 'Mathematics' at Saarland University
• A dossier and two letters of recommendation to document your interest in our master's programme

How to apply

Students can begin the M.Sc. programme at the beginning of the winter semester or the summer semester. Applications should 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 Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Regulations

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations (in German)
• Subject-specific provisions (in German)
• Expiring regulations (in German)

Programme content (in German)

• Module catalogue
• Study schedule example