Mathematics (MSc) University of Siegen

The University of Siegen offers a Master’s programme in Mathematics with a duration of four semesters. It is targeted at students with the university degree Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mathematics or an equivalent subject like statistics.

It offers two minors:

• Natural sciences and technology (electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or physics)
• Business mathematics (economy or business information systems)

The share of the minor is approximately 30%. The Master's degree programme documents increased mathematical competences and communication skills that make it possible to work intently scientifically and as an instructor in an (interdisciplinary) team and to assess and develop new methods.

The degree programme teaches skills for analysis of abstract structures, recognising, phrasing and solving problems in mathematics and the minor. Subsequent doctoral studies (PhD) are possible.

A mathematician is characterised not only by specialist knowledge, but in particular, by skills such as the ability to think abstractly, logically and to comprehend and structure complex tasks. Possible tasks in business and industry are:

• Creation of risk forecasts (insurance companies)/analysis of the rate developments in the area of financial management (shares, etc.)
• Improvement of the encoding techniques, e.g. for online banking and phone, internet, music and images
• Optimisation of itineraries, e.g. for trains, buses and aeroplanes
• Development of mathematical models (automotive, aerospace, steel industry, medicine)
• Processing and evaluation of data, e.g. in banks and insurances

The degree concludes with a Master's thesis. This thesis is written independently, with regular meetings with a supervisor. The topic is set in advance in coordination with the supervisor, and it can be in any area of mathematics. It is possible to have the Master's thesis co-supervised with an industry partner.

In each semester, the Department of Mathematics offers a variety of lectures and seminars in algebra, analysis, stochastics and optimisation. There is no fixed order for attending these. However, some lectures naturally presume prior knowledge. Necessary prerequisites for each module are listed in each module description.

BSc in Mathematics or equivalent subject

Please note that a BEd in Mathematics or a BSc in Engineering is NOT sufficient!

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.