Computer Science (Master of Science) RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

The Master's programme in Computer Science improves students' competencies in planning, designing and creating information systems and/or embedded software systems ultimately leading to a professional qualification.

During the first three semesters, students choose lectures, a project (lab) and a seminar in one self-selected area of specialisation, other areas in computer science, and a supplementary subject.

The following specialisations are offered:

• Algorithmics and Deduction
• Embedded Systems and Robotics
• Information Systems
• Intelligent Systems
• Distributed and Networked Systems
• Software Engineering
• Visualisation and Scientific Computing
• Data Science

The supplementary subjects comprise about 25% of the course of studies. In the fourth semester, every student has to write a Master's thesis.

The Department of Computer Sciences at RPTU offers a unique research environment within the university and the associated, internationally renowned institutes (Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental SW Engineering, German Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Max Planck Institute for Software Systems). The institutes offer lectures, projects, Master's theses, and student assistant jobs.

International teams of professors, postgraduates, and students collaborate on various fields of research covering a broad range with particular strengths in:

• Software Technology and Software Engineering
• Scientific Computing
• Information and Database Systems
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision
• Distributed and Networked Systems
• Simulation
• Algorithmics
• Embedded Systems
• Robotics

Some of our research groups are among the best in the world.

Apart from the regulations regarding required credit points in different categories, students are free to choose courses according to their preferences.

There is no given timetable of modules. An adviser helps to develop an individual study plan. The supplementary modules can individually be chosen by the student among all departments of the university.

Deadlines for the application to the Master's programme for candidates from foreign countries needing a visa are

• for the winter semester: 30 April
• for the summer semester: 31 October

For candidates already holding a visa and for candidates from the EU, the application deadlines are

• for the summer semester: 15 January
• for the winter semester: 15 July

• Qualified Bachelor's or equivalent degree
• Language proficiency in English
• GRE test strongly recommended

SOCIAL FEE: 350 EUR per semester (including public transport ("Deutschland-Semesterticket"), reductions at the RPTU canteen, university sports, etc.)

ASSESSMENT FEE (for verification of foreign certificates): 60 EUR

RECOMMENDED: German language & orientation course: 800 EUR

MONTHLY COST OF LIVING: approx. 850 EUR (including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.)

More information: 
Fees & Living Expenses - RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.) or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these jobs are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

Moreover, the university offers a student assistant job portal:
Hiwi-Stellenbörse — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Students (with and without a degree) who work at the RPTU in addition to their studies are referred to as student/scientific assistants (Hiwi for short in German).

• Financial support: earn additional money with study-related topics.
• Make contacts: work with professors and employees in your field of expertise and build up a professional network during your studies.
• Gain experience: gain insights into research and gain practical experience in your field.
• Working in an interdisciplinary manner: expand your horizon and spread out these experiences.

Tasks: The tasks of student/scientific assistants depend on their field of study and the job offered.

Precondition: You are enrolled at a German university and have the right skills.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding (student) jobs and in deepening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry as informal career meetings.

Furthermore we set up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and info sessions focusing on skills & competences needed to settle down in the German (business) culture.

More information on how to enhance your degree can be found at our related website for international students: https://rptu.de/international/master/current-students/enhance-your-degree.

ACCOMMODATION @ RPTU in KAISERSLAUTERN: The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished: kitchenette (no plates & pots, etc.), bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows), wardrobe, shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent: approx. 250 to 350 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to International Affairs ISGS is advisable.

Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the "Studierendenwerk" offers a starter package for the apartment. This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is a top-ranked German research-oriented university (first place among 146 international universities in nine categories, such as learning, living, support services, and cost in the International Student Barometer 2023). Our university offers high-quality graduate education and (post)doctoral research training in innovative fields of the high-tech world, many of them as international (English-taught) study programmes. Our main features:

• International study environment highly affiliated with research  & industry
• “Science & Innovation Alliance” of high-profile research institutes on the nearby campus, offering (student assistant) job opportunities
• Zero tuition fees & low cost of living
• “University of Teaching Excellence" award for outstanding student-teacher ratio & efficient support structure for international students, including visa support
• Safe, modern & healthy study environment surrounded by beautiful nature
• 25 international graduate programmes (with more than 40 specialisations)

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau offers over 140 study courses in the following 16 departments:

• Architecture
• Biology
• Business Studies & Economics
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cultural & Social Sciences (Landau)
• Educational Sciences (Landau)
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical & Process Engineering
• Natural & Environmental Sciences (Landau)
• Physics
• Psychology (Landau)
• Spatial & Environmental Planning
• Social Sciences

By virtue of its internationally renowned faculties and their top-ranked international study programmes, RPTU attracts students from all over the world. Our extraordinarily high ratio of postgraduate and doctoral students underlines the university's focus on research, Master's studies, and doctoral research training.

With a current enrolment of approx. 16,000 students, 19% international students overall (and 29% international students at RPTU's campus in Kaiserslautern), the university has a manageable size and therefore ensures excellent guidance and close contact with professors. Thus, the university offers an outstanding support ratio of students per lecturer, e.g. three students per lecturer in the Department of Physics (national average: 12).

International Affairs RPTU has profound experience with international students and supports them in every phase of their studies or research. Besides effective pre-arrival communication, administrative support, and social services, International Affairs RPTU offers professional training for PhD students and postgraduates as well as qualified career counselling. Helping international students "feel at home" in a new (academic) culture at RPTU is of major importance within our service portfolio for incoming international students.

More information on why to choose RPTU: https://rptu.de/fileadmin/isgs/pdf/07_Flyer_und_Broschueren/Why_RPTU.pdfhttps://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-studentshttps://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-students-landau

KAISERSLAUTERN — a proud history and a bright future
Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa was convinced of the advantages of the Kaiserslautern region when he chose to build his imperial palace in the 12th century. Based on those historical roots, the city has developed into a cosmopolitan cluster of science and technology. K-Town is considered a prime location by many national and international companies (including Accenture and John Deere, etc.). The Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern, a network of high-profile research institutes (including German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics, and Max Planck Institute for Software Systems), provides innovative solutions based on the latest technologies to students, scientists, and partners from industry. The topographic convergence of technology and nature makes the city both a vibrant urban centre and a natural oasis. Getting in touch with nature is particularly easy in Kaiserslautern, where Germany's largest interlinked woodlands are right at your doorstep. The forest of Rhineland-Palatinate is criss-crossed by a network of about 7,500 miles of well-marked hiking trails and a mountain bike park. UNESCO has recognised the exceptional value of the nature reserve as one of the 15 German biosphere reserves.

Kaiserslautern is home to people from over 140 nations who contribute to a diverse and vibrant city life. Most of the 100,000 inhabitants speak English, making it easy to quickly feel at ease. K-Town has a very good public transport service including high-speed intercity trains that offer quick and comfortable connections to Europe's biggest cities (Brussels, Paris, Berlin, etc.), airports (FFM), and business centres. Last but not least, K-Town is home to 1. FCK and loves to cheer for its soccer team in its well-known Betzenberg Stadium.