Visual Computing (M.Sc.)

The M.Sc. programme 'Visual Computing' teaches students the fundamental principles, processes and applications of computer-assisted processing of visual information. Students will become acquainted with the theory and practice of image analysis and pattern recognition. They learn how images are generated, processed and analysed from a technical point of view, and how to create static and animated images that are the best possible representation of reality. The requisite theoretical and practical knowledge is taught in courses and modules that cover image generation and the underlying geometrical principles, image synthesis and image analysis and related areas. Students on the master's programme also acquire important fundamental knowledge in the disciplines of mathematics, informatics, physics and mechatronics.

English is the language of instruction and examination. Particularly talented students are eligible for scholarships from the International Max Planck Research School for Computer Science. Graduates from the Saarbrücken master's programme not only have an excellent foundation from which to undertake subsequent doctoral research work, they also have excellent career prospects in a wide range of fields, including the optical industry, the medical technology sector, bioinformatics, the automotive industry, telecommunications, industrial quality control, multimedia, media design and robotics.

The master's programme can be studied either part time or full time. Students must study full time when working on their master's thesis in the final semester. More information is available on the Part-time studies website (available in German only).

Particularly talented students are eligible for scholarships from the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS). Students who have been accepted for the master's programme in Visual Computing will be automatically considered for a scholarship. No separate application is required.

English language courses and a course teaching German as a foreign language are offered by the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPII). Additional language courses are offered by the International Office and the Language Centre at Saarland University. Students can earn up to 6 credits towards their master's degree from language courses.

The degree programme is composed of lectures and seminars. Some of the lecture courses have accompanying tutorials or problem-solving classes. Students are also required to compile and submit a master's thesis.

Taught courses conclude with an assessment of student learning, which is usually graded. Credits gained from assessments are cumulative and contribute to the student's overall academic achievement. Detailed information on the type and duration of the academic assessment for each course can be found in the study regulations and module descriptions.

To complete the master's programme, students must accumulate 120 credit points (CP). The standard period of study is four semesters, with students typically accumulating 30 CP per semester. 83 CP are from taught courses and are roughly divided into the following categories:

• 39 CP from courses in the core areas of image acquisition, image analysis, and image synthesis
• 9 CP from courses in image-related fields
• 7 CP from seminars on topics in visual computing
• 18 CP from courses covering important fundamentals in other fields to allow students to address specific gaps in their knowledge in fundamental fields
• 10 CP from additional elective modules such as additional courses from the visual computing course list, language course, modules in visual culture and communication in the arts, media design, cognitive science, psychology or by supervising undergraduates in tutorials or problem-solving classes

Additionally, students are awarded 37 CP for completing their master's thesis and the accompanying master's seminar at the end of their studies.

The exact modalities and the current range of courses can be found in the study regulations and the course catalogue.

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 the field of Visual Computing or a related field (particularly informatics, computer science, mathematics, physics, electrical engineering or mechatronics) or proof of equivalent academic achievement.

Specifically, they must also provide the following information and/or documents:

• Proof of previous academic qualifications (school and higher education)
• A dossier or a qualified letter of reference that demonstrates the student's particular interest in the M.Sc. programme
• Details about relevant work/study periods abroad and relevant work experience or internships
• Proof of advanced proficiency in English (C1)

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Subject-specific regulations
• Module handbook