Computational Sciences University of Cologne

All compulsory courses and the vast majority of elective modules are held in English.

A very small subset of elective modules within the area of mathematics and computer science is offered in German. However, students can study the programme 100% in English.

The MSc Computational Sciences is an interdisciplinary programme offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Its aim is to acquire computational methods to answer outstanding questions in the natural sciences.

Students will learn modelling, simulation and data science techniques together with advanced methods of computer science and applied mathematics to apply in their chosen area of specialisation. Each student is advised to choose one of the five offered areas of specialisation:

• Computational Astrophysics and Space Physics
• Computational Biology
• Earth System Sciences
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

Within the first two semesters, the students attend courses and lectures to gain expertise in simulation and modelling as well as their area of specialisation. The last two semesters of the studies focus on the research project in the framework of the Master's thesis within the chosen area of specialisation.

15 July for the following winter semester (starting in October)

Application opens beginning of June

Please note that candidates who did not complete their secondary education in Germany must request a preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist (recommendation: please apply for the VPD as early as possible, at least three weeks prior to the application deadline of UoC).

Applications are only possible for the winter semester.

Simulation and Modelling one and two will provide the necessary basis ranging from numerical modelling to machine learning which is needed in the areas of specialisation. These two modules are specifically designed for the Master's programme Computational Sciences. Both modules employ practical examples from all areas of specialisation where the students will apply the learned computational methods. Simulation and Modelling one and two give 9 CP (credit points) each and are intended for the first and second semester, respectively.

The Elective Mathematics and Computer Science Area allows the students to widen their knowledge in more specific topics of mathematics and computer science. In agreement with the respective mentor, students choose modules that benefit them in their area of specialisation and especially in their future research work. Therefore, students can choose from a range of modules offered by the different Departments of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The area consists of a total of 18 CP and may range from the first to third semester.

The study in the Area of Specialisation consists of classwork in the specialisation area with 30 CP that may go from first to third semester, the literature seminar with 6 CP, the project work with 12 CP intended for the third semester (both in preparation for the Master's thesis) and the Master's thesis with 30 CP in the fourth semester.

In the specialisation area, students have to study courses from their chosen area of specialisation. In four areas of specialisation, the students have to attend two compulsory modules that form the basis for their studies. The combination of the two modules consists of either 12 or 15 CP (depending on the area of specialisation). The remaining credit points may be chosen from a catalogue of modules in the respective specialisation. The Earth System Sciences area of specialisation has no compulsory modules due to the diversity of the research area within this specialisation. Therefore, the students have to elect courses with a total of 30 CP from basic and advanced modules.

The choices in the elective area should reflect the personal interest of the student in certain research fields and may be chosen together with the respective mentor. The research part of the Master's programme – i.e. the literature seminar, the project work and the Master's thesis – is compulsory for all students, and it deals with a research topic. The students conduct their own research in one of the research groups of their area of specialisation.

The Supplementary Module consists of 6 CP and can be placed freely in the first three semesters of the Master’s course. The students are allowed to choose freely from a wide range of modules including courses offered by Excellence Startup Center Gateway, the digital humanities, or the area of mathematics and computer science and any area of specialisation.

In the second year, students will join a research group within their chosen area of specialisation to work on their own research project. The students will be integrated into the group and are directly supervised by the group leader. A co-supervision by experts from the field of applied mathematics or computer science is possible.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 305 EUR per semester. The fee includes a public transport ticket for the regional transport throughout Germany (Deutschlandsemesterticket).

Approx. 900 EUR per month

Applicants require a Bachelor of Science in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or similar fields with

1. at least 21 CP in mathematics and/or computer science
2. knowledge of a higher programming language (proven by, e.g. a certificate or a thesis)
3. at least 12 CP in one of the following fields
   • computational astrophysics and space physics: theoretical physics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism (or equivalent)
   • computational biology: biology
   • Earth system sciences: geosciences, meteorology or physics
   • theoretical chemistry: inorganic chemistry, quantum chemistry
   • theoretical condensed matter physics: quantum physics and statistical physics

English language qualifications at the B2 level

Technical equipment: PC/laptop/tablet
Programme: Zoom

15 July for the following winter semester (starting in October)

Application opens beginning of June

Please note that candidates who did not complete their secondary education in Germany must request a preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist (recommendation: please apply for the VPD as early as possible, at least three weeks prior to the application deadline of UoC).

Applications are only possible for the winter semester.

No

Students may apply for student jobs, which are frequently offered by the institutes and the university.

Every student will have a mentor from their respective area of specialisation. The mentors provide guidance through the process of electing the right courses that suit the interests of each student and making the right choices on their personal career path. Regular meetings between mentors and mentees ensure successful studies.

In addition to the mentoring programme, students can ask for help and advice from the Student Advisory and Counselling Centre of the University of Cologne and the respective student advisers of the involved institutes and departments.