Mathematics (MSc) Marburg University

The Master's degree programme in Mathematics of the University of Marburg, has a focus on technical knowledge, skills and methods of mathematics, taking into account the requirements and changes in the professional world (business, industry, public service). In addition, you will be trained to work independently according to scientific principles at an advanced level, and to analyse and critically evaluate modern scientific knowledge.

You can set individual focal points by selecting from a large variety of electives in the disciplines of pure and applied mathematics, as well as a wide offer of tasks in several practically oriented modules. Besides two seminar modules, in which you will practice working with relevant scientific literature, and an individual introduction to scientific work, you can choose from different internal or external internships. Together with the acquired knowledge of a broad spectrum of concepts and structures of modern mathematics, you will thus be able to independently penetrate deep mathematical issues and apply your knowledge. Optionally, you can also enrich your profile by including modules from another subject area, with applications of mathematics. In the individual Master’s thesis, you will work on research-related problems from mathematics.

Following the Bologna guidelines on European university education, the course is structured so that 30 credit points (ECTS) should be achieved every semester. The different modules in the Master's programme add up to 120 ECTS:

Compulsory Elective Modules in Mathematics (51 to 69 ECTS points)

You can deepen and broaden your knowledge and competences by choosing from our long list of electives in both the disciplines of pure and applied mathematics. This will broaden your spectrum of mathematics skills and specialised knowledge that introduces you to current issues in mathematical research and modern mathematical applications.

Practical and Seminar Modules (21 ECTS points)

This study area serves to deepen your practice-oriented scientific skills. Among other things, you will learn how to apply the competencies acquired during your studies in the professional field of a mathematician during an internship. If you have already completed an industrial internship in the Bachelor's degree, you can acquire competencies for the algorithmic implementation of complex mathematical content in software in an internal internship instead. In two seminars, the ability to communicate mathematical statements will be deepened and the analysis and description of essential content from scientific texts will be practised. In a dedicated module, you will learn and practice techniques of scientific work in mathematics in an individual project.

Profile Area (optional; 18 ECTS points if selected)

Optionally, you can study the basics of a different subject area, in which mathematical thinking or mathematical methods can be profitably applied. In doing so, the ability to form analogies between the ways of thinking and contents from mathematics and another subject will be acquired.

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS points)

The final phase of the course is the Master's thesis. Students apply the skills acquired during the taught part of the programme. You will work on your own research project under the guidance of an experienced professor.

https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/after-your-first-degree/masters-programs/application-for-a-masters-programme/master-application-deadlines

The programme is designed as a consecutive programme for students with a BSc in mathematics or a comparable university degree. In any case, an in-depth knowledge in mathematics must be documented. At the time of application, students should have been awarded at least 144 ECTS points. Detailed information on admission requirements: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/after-your-first-degree/masters-programs/degree-programs/m-mathematics

Language requirements: The teaching language is English but the exams can be taken in English as well as in German. Therefore, it is possible to apply with

either

• English proficiency of at least level C1 of the CEFRL

or

• English proficiency of at least level B1 of the CEFRL and German proficiency of at least level DSH-2.

There is a semester fee, which includes the mandatory student union membership (required by state law) and a free travel pass for public transport in the state of Hesse and beyond, as well as access to subsidised accommodation and meals. In the summer semester of 2026, the semester fee amounted to approx. 406 EUR.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Living costs depend on individual lifestyles and on regional prices. The Marburg foreigners' registration office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires international students to prove that they have at least 992 EUR per month at their disposal in order to cover their living costs.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Within certain legal limits, job opportunities are available for international students. Fluent German is required for most jobs. Employment for international students must be approved by the foreigners' registration office. There are hardly any legal restrictions on taking academic assistant jobs at the university.

Further information on job opportunities and university career services: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/work-1

Our Career Advisory Service supports students transitioning from their studies to professional life. Each semester, Marburg University offers a wide range of workshops and events on topics such as job applications, career planning, and entering the workforce, which are open to students from all faculties. In one-on-one counselling sessions, some in cooperation with the Employment Agency’s Career Team in Marburg, students receive advice regarding career orientation and career options in Germany. Our staff support students in integrating their strengths, interests, and values in order to actively shape rewarding career paths.

The market situation for accommodation is not easy in Marburg. However, the university assists international students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. The student services office ("Studierendenwerk Marburg") maintains student residence halls with a total of approx. 2,100 units. Apart from single rooms, there are two- to three-room flats for student families. Only students registered at Marburg University are entitled to a place in a residence hall. The "Konrad Biesalski House", in which handicapped and non-handicapped students live together, offers round-the-clock assistance. A bus service and services such as physiotherapeutic exercises and massage baths are offered. Many students live in private accommodation or shared flats. The supply of flats in the centre of Marburg is limited, especially in the Old Town ("Oberstadt"). The situation on the outskirts of Marburg and in the immediate vicinity is better. There are good bus connections. Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/housing