Computer Science University of Siegen

The study programme conveys expertise in key areas of computer science including theoretical foundations, practical skills, and application areas. This includes the areas of software engineering, information systems, databases, machine learning, communication, security, algorithms and programming.

Students select a study focus (visual computing, embedded systems or complex and intelligent software systems) where students gain in-depth knowledge and can choose from a wide-ranging catalogue of modules. In addition, students acquire non-technical skills ranging from presentation techniques and teamwork to management and leadership skills.

(1) Visual Computing: Visual computing comprises disciplines handling images and 3D models, i.e. computer vision, computer graphics, image processing, machine learning, visualisation, and virtual/augmented reality. Systems deal with the acquisition, processing, and analysis of visual information as well as the generation of images from data. Application areas include quality control, medical image processing, visualisation, autonomous robotics and multimedia systems.

(2) Embedded Systems: Embedded systems include applications such as consumer electronics, industrial control, and transportation systems, which act as technology catalysts because of stringent timing and dependability requirements. The embedded systems market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, and it is expected that many embedded systems will be connected to the Internet, form cyber-physical systems, and include embedded AI.

(3) Complex and Intelligent Software Systems: This study focus covers the body of knowledge and core competences that build the foundation for all types of modern software systems. This includes techniques for software development and machine learning, software maintenance and evolution, software quality assurance, but also crucial social skills, modern project management, creative thinking and effective problem solving.

In all study foci, students benefit from the close collaboration between electrical engineering and computer science and a tight link to research projects. For embedded systems, both disciplines contribute to courses on specific knowledge including key areas such as hardware/software design, computer architectures, real-time systems, dependability, security, operating systems, modelling and application areas (e.g. automotive, industrial control). In the context of visual computing, the tight link to sensor development is an essential added value, including key areas like face detection, online range data processing with range cameras such as the Kinect, and multimodal pattern recognition.

The university participates in and leads research projects. Master's students are welcome to become involved in these projects and excellent students get the opportunity to pursue a PhD in one of these projects in Siegen.

The Master's programme in Computer Science at the University of Siegen includes different types of modules and is structured as follows:

1. Four core modules (6 CP each). Choose from: Embedded Systems, Computer Architecture, Modelling and Animation, Parallel Processing, Algorithms, Advanced Logic, Software Engineering, Database Systems

2. Practical and research-oriented modules: Cutting Edge Research (6 CP), Scientific Working (including seminar, 9 CP), project work (15 CP)

3. Six specialised modules (6 CP each)

4. Master's thesis (30 CP)

Core modules convey a broad spectrum of relevant topics for computer science including theoretical, practical and technical computer science. Practical modules convey basic practical skills such as capabilities in software and hardware development as well as practical activities that are close to future occupational areas. The practical modules establish key qualifications that are required for teamwork in typical projects of the information technology industry.

Specialised modules convey profound scientific knowledge in the area of the chosen study focus.

For the study focus on embedded systems, specialised modules can be chosen from several areas such as networked embedded systems, microelectronics, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, ubiquitous systems and real-time systems. Students can explore the development of embedded systems using FPGAs and Systems-on-a-Chip. Another highlight of the programme includes courses in the area of small embedded computing units as part of ubiquitous systems, enabling them to detect, monitor, react on, and learn about phenomena around them. Furthermore, knowledge in the area of embedded artificial intelligence and deep learning will be conveyed.

The specialisation areas within the study focus on visual computing are computer vision, computer graphics and machine learning. Computer vision involves theoretical and algorithmic approaches to autonomously understand image and video data, presented in courses such as machine vision and convex optimisation. Computer graphics comprises methods for the generation of images from digital representations, including the generation and simulation of and the interaction with virtual environments, studied in courses like rendering, GPU programming, scientific visualisation and virtual reality. Machine learning deals with methods to train computers to perform a specific task on the basis of sample solutions.

In the complex and intelligent software systems study focus, specialisation modules offer the opportunity to deepen knowledge in the two core topics of the specialisation area – namely, the development of complex software systems and the use of machine learning methods for implementing intelligent systems – and, if applicable, to link these with theoretical foundations.

Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering. The responsible board of examiners will decide on the equivalence of degrees acquired at other higher education institutions or in other degree courses and on the suitability for the Master's programme.

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 372 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

Students can find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. Therefore, there are employment prospects in the region, particularly for positions that are available during the semester break and following graduation.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the programme "Forging International Talents - FIT in Siegen" specifically supports international students during their whole studies with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 240 EUR and 460 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries, where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.