Computer and Information Science (MSc CIS) University of Konstanz

Two-year MSc in Computer and Information Science (CIS)

The Master's programme in Computer and Information Science (CIS) enables students to specialise in key areas of computer science, with a particular focus on Data Science, Interactive Systems, Software and Systems, Visual Computing, and Algorithmics.

The programme combines research-oriented teaching with methodological training and prepares graduates to apply and further develop computer science methods in academic and professional contexts. Its interdisciplinary profile equips students for careers in research, industry, and the public sector, both in Germany and internationally.

Research-oriented specialisation

The MSc CIS is closely linked to the department's research activities, particularly in the analysis and visualisation of large-scale information spaces. Students benefit from a research-led learning environment and are encouraged to engage with current research projects throughout their studies.

A flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their studies to their academic interests while developing expertise in one of the programme's specialisations. This also provides a strong foundation for the Master's thesis.

Mentoring programme

Each student is assigned a faculty mentor, usually in their chosen area of specialisation, early in the programme. Mentors provide academic guidance on module selection, study planning, and specialisation, while also supporting students in identifying research opportunities and preparing for the Master's thesis. This mentoring system helps students develop a coherent academic profile and navigate the programme according to their individual interests and goals.

Considering a one-year MSc?
If you already hold a four-year Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Computer Science or have a STEM background and would like to transition into computer science, you may also consider the MSc COSIB – Computer Science for Industry and Business. The one-year programme combines a compact curriculum with practical elements and is intended for students seeking an efficient pathway into the German IT sector.

Study structure

The structure of the MSc CIS provides for specialisation and is based on different module areas such as the basic module area, advanced module area, supplementary area and final part of study.

A total of 120 ECTS credits must be achieved. 90 ECTS credits are fixed and clearly assigned to the different module areas. Another 30 ECTS credits can be distributed among the different areas. In each module area, students can choose from a pool of different modules according to their own preferences.

Basic module area (24 to 54 ECTS credits)

• a minimum of four and a maximum of nine basic modules (6 ECTS) from the Computer Science Department

Advanced module area (36 to 66 ECTS credits)

• modules in the range of 36 to 66 ECTS credits, comprising a Master's seminar (3 ECTS), a Master's project (9 ECTS) and 24 to 54 ECTS credits from the “Master” advanced modules with a total of 6 or 9 ECTS credits each

Supplementary area (0 to 18 ECTS credits)

• interdisciplinary courses or courses of other subjects up to a maximum of 18 ECTS credits

Final part of study (30 ECTS credits)

• Master's thesis and Master's colloquium

Specialisation

The MSc CIS offers students the possibility of specialisation.

• Students need to complete at least three advanced modules as well as the Master's seminar, the Master's project and the Master's thesis in one specific field.

Programming skills

A solid knowledge of the principles and practice of software engineering and programming is required. Students need to be able to read, understand, and write high-quality code in a modern, object-oriented language such as Java or C++, which are among the most frequently used programming languages at the department. For some advanced courses, you also need to have the willingness to learn and work with other programming languages that are used for data analysis and visualisation, such as Python.

An internship period is not a compulsory element in our MSc CIS curriculum. However, it has become quite common for our Master's students to take the second semester off (leave of absence) for a voluntary internship.

The department supports you with an internship portal and several career-oriented activities that focus on different aspects of employability, e.g. our Alumni talk or information events on internships.

Admission criteria

The departmental admission committee evaluates applicants for the Master’s programme in Computer and Information Science using a structured points system. Decisions are based on the documents submitted as part of the online application.

Several criteria are taken into account during the evaluation process. These include the applicant’s final grade, the relevance of their previous studies to the programme, and their motivation for applying. In addition, the committee may consider subject-related activities and further academic engagement such as internships, study abroad experiences, and relevant work experience or published research papers and study awards.

For some applicants (outside Lisbon Convention countries), GRE or GMAT scores are also considered.

Overall, the selection process aims to assess both the academic background and the broader qualifications of each applicant in a comprehensive manner.

Detailed information on the procedure and the admission requirements can be found on our website.

Students currently pay an administrative fee of 209 EUR per semester.
For detailed information, please check our website.

Studying at public universities in Germany is generally affordable, as tuition fees are low or non-existent. However, students should plan for monthly living and study-related expenses.

At the University of Konstanz, the average cost of living is approximately 790 EUR per month.

Typical monthly expenses include:

• rent (around 352 EUR)
• food (168 EUR)
• clothing and personal care (42 EUR)
• study materials (20 EUR)
• health insurance and medical costs (115 EUR)
• communication expenses such as phone and internet (31 EUR)
• leisure activities (61 EUR)

These estimates provide a helpful guideline for students to plan their budget while studying in Konstanz. More information on this website.

IT professionals are in high demand in Germany, offering excellent career prospects for both students and graduates in computer and information science. Part-time and full-time opportunities are widely available, allowing students to gain practical experience alongside their studies.

At the University of Konstanz, the Department of Computer and Information Science also offers a range of student assistant positions for qualified candidates, providing valuable hands-on involvement in research and teaching.

Students looking to earn additional income can explore various on-campus and off-campus job opportunities. The university administration, academic departments, and external employers regularly advertise positions on online job platforms. Jobs are also posted on the university’s notice boards in the foyer and canteen areas as well as in the departments.

Students with great academic credentials and community service experience can apply for scholarships in Germany. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support. For an overview of financial support options, check out our websites:

For example, you may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium. The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is awarded without regard to income for a minimum of two semesters.

On our "Early Career and Alumni" website, we have compiled all of the information you will need for your career considerations during and after your studies.

There are a number of possibilities for accommodation for students: in apartments, flat shares, or residence halls run by the university. Check out our website, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.

Please note that it is important to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible since our city and surroundings are very popular not only with students but also with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since both Switzerland and Lake Constance border Konstanz, the available living space is limited and not always inexpensive.

Would you like to study at one of the best research universities in Germany? Then the University of Konstanz is the right place for you. We offer you excellent study conditions in a beautiful location between Lake Constance and the Alps. For us, excellence in studies and teaching also means cultivating close cooperation. We encourage our students to take part in discussions and get involved in research from the start.

Our university is currently home to some 10,000 students enrolled in around 120 different study programmes in the fields of mathematics and natural sciences, humanities, politics, law, and economics. With students from more than 90 countries around the world, we are proud to call our university an international community. This international character is further strengthened by our extensive network of over 245 Erasmus+ partnerships across Europe, more than 60 bilateral partnerships with universities worldwide and several Master’s programmes with double degree options. The University of Konstanz is a campus-based university: you will get to know other students quickly, come into contact with other departments and feel at home right away. Our university has an open-door policy: professors are very accessible and happy to help you with any questions or issues you might have.

We will give you a very warm welcome and support you in every stage of your stay. We have an excellent supervision ratio and top advisory services. You will learn in small groups and work across disciplines. We promote innovative teaching methods and strategies such as transfer formats or virtual classrooms and support lecturers in further developing their teaching. Our Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) complements all study programmes by teaching the fundamentals of computer science and data processing methods, along with their legal foundations. Additionally, it provides reflection on their relevance for society.

In Konstanz, you will find optimal conditions for research, studying, and teaching.

The University of Konstanz has set the following five research priorities:

• Collective Behaviour
• Cultural Dynamics and Social Transformation
• Material – Function - Quantum
• Molecular Principles of Life
• Inequality and Conflict

We want to give you the best possible opportunities to develop personally and professionally. You will have many opportunities to put your own ideas into action – whether you conduct research or start a spin-off. In Konstanz, we foster close communication and a strong sense of community to enhance the potential of our university members at all levels. We bring together our different backgrounds and disciplines to create something truly outstanding. At the same time, you will enjoy an /exceptionally beautiful environment with a historical city, lake, and nearby mountains as well as excellent sports facilities.

Find out more about our university and student life in Konstanz on our website.

Konstanz is situated in south-west Germany in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, and it shares its border with the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen. It is beautifully located on the shores of the Rhine River and Lake Constance, central Europe's second-largest lake, where the borders of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland converge. The lively university city, with about 87,000 inhabitants, among them more than 14,000 students, is the economic and cultural centre of the Lake Constance region. Take a stroll through the shopping mall and the historical centre featuring both large department stores and small specialist shops. Take a break in one of the many cafés, restaurants, ice cream parlours, pubs, and wine bars. Konstanz is not only a popular tourist destination but also an attractive business location (light industry, commerce, high technology). It is a very safe place to live offering a high quality of life with its excellent infrastructure and diverse cultural and recreational facilities. Konstanz has a long and rich historical tradition. The first settlements were erected in Konstanz Bay in 2000 BC, and the city was given its name "Constantia" by the Romans in the fourth century AD. Konstanz has a well-preserved medieval town and numerous historical buildings from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods.

Konstanz has the perfect location for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities. The region has an excellent network of routes for walking, cycling, and in-line skating tours. The beaches are a major attraction for relaxing in the sun and swimming in the lake or the Rhine. The lake offers various water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, and diving, while the nearby Alps provide year-round enjoyment for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and climbers. Konstanz is the home of the oldest running theatre in Germany and of the famous Southwest German Philharmonic Orchestra. There are several museums, art galleries, and art centres offering a broad spectrum of events: art and documentary exhibitions and concerts in all genres of music. Konstanz is also an ideal starting point for excursions to many attractions in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. On the city's doorstep are the famous gardens of Mainau Island and the Island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take boat trips to beautiful towns around the lake, such as Meersburg, Überlingen, and Lindau. The lakeside town of Friedrichshafen is the home of the Zeppelin, and the Austrian city of Bregenz is renowned for its summer festivals, featuring spectacular opera and musical performances on a floating stage in the lake. A boat trip along one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine takes you to the magnificent Rhine Falls at the Swiss town of Schaffhausen. From Konstanz, you can easily reach major cities, such as Zurich, Basel, Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Munich, and Milan.