Mathematical Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation (MSc) University of Koblenz

Complex systems with a technological, biological or socio-economic background determine our everyday life. The challenge of modelling these complex systems mathematically demands the following prototypic profile of an "expert mastering a repertoire of modern mathematical and computer-based methods for modelling, simulating and optimising complex systems and knowing how to combine those methods for solving real-world problems".
The term expert is understood in the sense of a generalist and not a specialist, since this programme aims at teaching a broad spectrum of modern methods.

The two-year English-taught Master's programme in Mathematical Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation focuses on advanced techniques of modelling, simulation and optimisation. A substantial set of elective courses allows concentration on areas of individual interest. A mobility window enables the students to study abroad and gain scientific and cultural experience at international partner universities. This programme uses English as the medium of instruction, since its graduates will enter a highly globalised work and research community. Besides that, the participation and enrolment of international candidates is explicitly welcomed.

Application oriented, interdisciplinary seminars link the theoretical basics and concepts of modelling, simulation and optimisation. Students work in small teams to solve real-world problems. This teamwork reflects typical work in applied sciences and corresponds to our paradigm of an "expert mastering a repertoire of methods to solve problems".

The first three semesters of the two-year Master's programme Mathematical Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation consist of core courses in applied mathematics. Elective courses in applied mathematics, applied physics and computer sciences allow each student to set an individual focus. Active use of the gained knowledge and its application to the solution of real-world problems is taught and practised in a project seminar. This project seminar can be carried out in a three-month period at a research institution, enterprise or at university. Students exhibit their ability to perform independent research work by pursuing the Master's thesis in the last semester as well as dealing with modelling and simulating a real-world problem.

Overview of the programme's structure (120 ECTS)

• Compulsory modules (51 ECTS) with Applied Differential Equations, Numerics for Partial Differential Equations, Optimisation, Optimisation 2 and Project Seminar
• Electives from Mathematics, Physics, or Computer-based Methods (39 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

BSc degree or equivalent in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related field

Proof of English proficiency may be provided either by means of a school or university qualification in English (medium of instruction certificate) or by means of relevant certificates (see below).

Currently approx. 350 EUR per semester, covering contributions to the student services, the student union, and the local public transport ticket

We estimate that students require 992 EUR per month to cover the costs of living (including housing, bills, Internet, food, clothes, study materials, etc.). However, this depends on the individual style of living, the type of housing, etc.

To apply for a study visa, it is often mandatory to show proof of a blocked account of around 11,900 EUR.

There are a number of jobs available at the university (e.g. as student assistants). Students can also find part-time jobs outside the university, e.g. in companies in Koblenz and the surrounding area. A basic knowledge of German is helpful when looking for a job.

Preparation of international Master's students for the German job market in the context of the university's DAAD-funded project "FIT4SukCESS", e.g. in the form of workshops on application practices and CV checks

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence or on the private housing market. A certain number of rooms in halls of residence are reserved for incoming international students. Students can contact the International Relations Office for further information on the application process or regarding the search for private housing.

E-mail: accommodation@uni-koblenz.de or international@uni-koblenz.de

The University of Koblenz is one of the youngest universities in Germany – and yet rests on a long-established scholarly tradition. Four profile areas are linked in a unique way: “Education”, “Computer Sciences”, “Culture and Mediation” and “Material and Environment”. These profile areas also provide important impulses for teacher education, which plays a pivotal part at our university. Interdisciplinary cooperation and short distances on campus characterise everyday university life and enable vivid interdisciplinarity and continuous innovation in science.

The University of Koblenz offers a broad range of high-quality study programmes to its over 9,700 students, including around 1,300 international students.

The university sees itself as a driving force in developing a vivid economic and scientific region and is internationally visible and connected at the same time. Its great emphasis on internationalisation is also reflected in the academic and professional as well as intercultural and linguistic support it offers to its international students throughout the entire duration of their studies. With its new DAAD-funded "FIT4SukCESS" project, the university provides international students with tailor-made offers in the four topic areas: "Preparation for Studies", "Study Success", "Employability" and "Labour Market Integration", in order to lead them to academic success and subsequently to a career in Germany.

The university has given itself the motto “continue discovering”. This reflects the incentive and aspiration of all members of the university to constantly question the familiar and the customary in order to arrive at new insights and findings. To this end, the university offers its members the required resources to further develop their studies, teaching and research and to break new ground in transferring ideas, knowledge and technology.

Koblenz is a city with a rich, 2,000-year history. With currently more than 113,000 inhabitants with more than 130 different nationalities, Koblenz is located in one of the most attractive regions in Germany. Its surrounding landscape, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is honoured as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Together with the metropolitan areas of Frankfurt and Cologne, which are close by, it features many cultural attractions and recreational facilities in combination with moderate living costs, all making Koblenz an ideal place to study.