Master of Science in Computer Science Paderborn University

Based on their undergraduate experience the students earn additional formal, algorithmic, and mathematical competences as they

• are enabled to describe and analyse problems with formal methods;
• acquire up-to-date research results and detailed, deep knowledge from a self-chosen area within the so-called Focus Areas, which are Classical and Quantum Algorithm Design, Computer and Communication Systems, Data Science and Intelligent Systems, Security, and Software Engineering;
• are enabled to develop solutions to incompletely defined problems;
• can handle complex, incomplete, and even contradictory information; and
• can structure and formalise problems and solution approaches.

During the Master's study programme the students acquire competences on methods and project management, which enable them to

• design and implement computing models, systems, and processes;
• apply innovative methods;
• develop the area of computing as a scientific discipline;
• define goals and topics, infer task assignments, organise solutions, lead and represent teams; and
• assess the non-technical effects of computing systems.

Graduates will be able to work in high-level professional positions, as well as continue their qualification with a PhD dissertation.

The programme is organised in modules, with an overall workload of 120 ECTS credit points. Course modules usually consist of a lecture together with tutorials. Students must complete nine of these modules (6 ECTS credits each) in total. These course modules belong to one or more of five focus areas: Classical and Quantum Algorithm Design, Computer and Communication Systems, Data Science and Intelligent Systems, Security, and Software Engineering. Students can decide whether to specialise in one of these areas or not to specialise and gain broad knowledge in most or all of these areas. There is no need to decide on whether or where to specialise when joining the programme. Instead, students can study along their interests and passion, deciding along the way. This means that students are almost completely free to choose any modules they are interested in. Among these modules, there are no compulsory subjects.

In addition to the course modules, a module to acquire "Key Skills" (6 ECTS credits) has to be taken. Students will learn how to work scientifically, write scientific publications and give presentations. Another main element of the Master's programme is the student project group (20 ECTS credits). In the project group, teams of about eight to sixteen students work together on a research-related project for one year. The final part of the programme is the preparation and writing of the Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits); the last semester is reserved for writing this thesis.

10 additional credit points must be earned in general studies, with a choice of courses from a variety of fields. It is recommended that international (non-German speaking) students take German language courses as part of their general studies.

Applicants need a Bachelor's in Computer Science or in a comparable Bachelor's programme. When submitting the application, we will check whether the Bachelor's degree fulfils this requirement. It is important that applicants have a solid background in the following areas: The Bachelor's programme should contain at least 20 credits in Software Engineering, at least 20 credits in Theoretical Computer Science, at least 15 credits in Technical Informatics and at least 15 credits in Basic Mathematics of Computer Science.

The Bachelor's grade must be below 3.0 in the German system (where 1.0 is best).

International applicants from non-EU countries need to provide a "GRE Revised General Test" certificate or a "digital master test (dMat)" certificate. The required scores are at least 157 points in "Quantitative Reasoning" and at least 4.0 points in "Analytical Writing". The required overall score for the dMat is a percentile rank of at least 50. An exception is only possible if the Bachelor's grade is very good, i.e. if converted to the German system, the Bachelor's grade needs to be below the threshold of 1.8.

Approx. 330 EUR per semester
The fee includes the Deutschlandticket, covering all regional public transport in Germany.

Rent: 400 EUR
Health insurance: approx. 160 EUR
Food: 350 EUR
Free time: min. 150 EUR
Semester fee: approx. 330 EUR per semester (55 EUR/month)
Miscellaneous: approx. 120 EUR

Total approx. 1,235 EUR

There are many opportunities for students to find employment, either as one of the university's many student assistants or in one of many positions outside the university.

The computer science department cooperates closely with the Software Innovation Campus Paderborn, with excellent contact to companies in the area that are looking for qualified students to join their workforce. We also closely cooperate with the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design. which also offers great opportunities to find a research-related job or Master's thesis in cooperation with practical experiences.

Many smaller and larger high-tech companies from various fields call Paderborn and the surrounding region their home. These companies are also offering part-time jobs to good students, in particular with expertise in computer science.

With the DAAD-funded project InRegioFIT, Paderborn University is pursuing the goal of providing international students with targeted support throughout their studies and during their transition into the labour market. The project focuses on the specific regional requirements and circumstances in order to optimally prepare international talent for entering the local labour market.

Students are eligible to apply for a room at the dormitories of the "Studierendenwerk Paderborn" (affiliated with Paderborn University). As an alternative, students can look for a room or an apartment on the private market. The typical rent is between 350 EUR and 450 EUR per month.

Paderborn University is a campus university within walking distance of the city centre. A large number of student residences are located on campus. The campus provides a wide range of services and facilities, including an excellent "Mensa" (canteen), sports facilities, and a small theatre.

Despite its very modern service- and entertainment-oriented appeal, Paderborn also offers opportunities for the historically inclined, including a 700-year-old cathedral overlooking the city centre. Paderborn is known to be a very safe place. It also offers lots of attractions for students to enjoy themselves. The most famous among them is the annual "Libori" funfair, but you might also enjoy the quieter Christmas market in December.