Industrial Mathematics and Data Analysis (MSc) University of Bremen

The programme is offered in English. You may also attend any suitable courses or seminars that are offered in German and you can choose to write your Master's thesis in English or in another language upon request.

Industrial mathematics, as a young discipline of applied mathematics, focuses on using modern mathematical methods to solve problems from science, engineering, and industry. Recently, mathematical foundations and algorithms for analysing big data have become a key part of this.

In four semesters, our newly established international Master's programme provides a broad variety of lectures, seminars, and projects. Students can choose from topics such as machine learning, inverse problems, optimal control, applied statistics, and finite element methods. Central to our Master's programme is the so-called "modelling project": teams of students are assigned real-world problems in cooperation with our partners from industry and institutes, and they use mathematical modelling and analysis combined with numerical simulations to solve these problems. Finally, with his or her Master's thesis, each student will join an area of current mathematical research. Our Master's programme can be succeeded with a PhD qualification.

• ​​Application period for the following winter semester: 1 March – 30 April
• Application period for the following summer semester: 1 August – 15 October

This Master's programme consists of lectures and seminars on topics regarding industrial mathematics and data analysis. Typically, lectures are accompanied by problem sessions with weekly exercises. For seminars, every participating student works out one topic and presents it to the audience.

The specific topics for lectures and seminars vary from semester to semester, the students make their own choices and create individual course plans, according to their personal interests.

The common starting point in the first semester are two lectures (mandatory) on "mathematical methods for data analysis and image processing" and on "numerical methods for PDE". Based on these lectures, each student chooses either data analysis or industrial mathematics as a specialisation. In the following semesters, elective courses, i.e. lectures and seminars, are taken in order to specialise and for broadening regarding the other branch, respectively. Possible topics include the following: machine learning, inverse problems, applied statistics, parameter identification (data analysis branch) and optimal control, discrete optimisation, adaptive FEM (industrial mathematics branch).

In the heart of this Master's programme is the "modelling project". Teams of students are assigned real-world problems – not from the literature but actual problems from collaborations with engineering institutes or companies. They utilise mathematical modelling, analysis and optimisation techniques to tackle their problems in order to find answers for the customer, i.e., the institute or company that has assigned the problem. In particular, students design, analyse and perform algorithms for numerical simulations and they visualise their results appropriately.

The mathematical part of the programme is accompanied by courses from an area of technical applications. Each student chooses either electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, geosciences, applied physics, or computer science as minor subject. They attend Master's courses on this, offered by the corresponding department. For this, basic knowledge on the chosen subject from Bachelor's studies is indispensable.

Last but not least, the complete final semester is designated for the Master's thesis. This is an individual project on a recent research topic, worked out by the student and guided by an expert in this field, i.e. a professor or postdoc.

This is summarised in the following study plans. The workload each course entails is implied by the given numbers of ECTS credit points (CP).

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No tuition fees

The semester contribution is an administrative fee of approx. 350 EUR, which is charged once per semester. It includes free use of public transportation ("Semesterticket") in and around Bremen and is valid for six months. With the semester ticket, you can travel free of charge on regional trains to neighbouring cities such as Hamburg, Lübeck, Hannover, Göttingen, Kassel, Hengelo (NL), Münster, Magdeburg and even the North Sea coast for leisure activities.

The cost of living in Bremen amounts to approx. 900 EUR per month.

The university offers a student canteen where a wide range of quality food is available at very moderate prices.

The admission requirements are set out in the Admission Regulations for the Master’s programme in "Industrial Mathematics and Data Analysis". The main requirements are as follows:

• a Bachelor's degree or other comparable undergraduate degree, with a minimum of 180 ECTS points
• proof, typically via the transcript of records, of at least 90 ECTS points in mathematics during the undergraduate degree programme
• proof of at least 24 ECTS points in a technical application subject or in computer science
• a letter of motivation, written in English, that explicitly explains the applicant's special interest in industrial mathematics and data analysis and in the University of Bremen; The planned choice of a minor subject (see description of the programme) should be mentioned.

Proof of English language proficiency: A B2 level (CEFR) or higher is required. Having acquired your university entrance qualification or a previous university degree in English also serves as proof of English language proficiency.

In addition, proof of German language proficiency at an A1 level (CEFR) or higher must be provided. German exams can be taken at the Goethe-Institut.

• ​​Application period for the following winter semester: 1 March – 30 April
• Application period for the following summer semester: 1 August – 15 October

Funding opportunities offered by the University of Bremen can be found here. Once you are a student at the University of Bremen, you can apply for a Deutschlandstipendium.

Numerous student jobs are offered in the city and the surrounding area. There are limited job opportunities for gifted students as research assistants at the Center for Industrial Mathematics (ZeTeM) at the University of Bremen or as teaching assistants at the department.

It is possible to rent a room for 300 EUR per month. The exact amount depends on the quality and size of the room and whether you share a flat with others.

Accommodation is available in student residences; we recommend applying early. You can also look for private accommodation.

A wide range of housing options close to campus can be found here.

Career advisory service is provided during the four semesters of the programme by professors, post-docs, lecturers, supervisors or at the Career Center of the university.

The Central Student Advisory Service provides information and advice to everyone who has questions about studying at the University of Bremen.

The University of Bremen is a medium-sized German university with around 20,000 students. There are 2,300 academics (43% of which are female), among them 270 professors (32% of which are female), who teach and carry out research in a wide range of disciplines. We have a long-established tradition in interdisciplinary cooperation and excellent research in natural sciences, engineering, the social sciences, and the humanities as well as in teacher training. From 2012 to 2019, the University of Bremen with its "Ambitious and Agile" future concept was one of eleven German universities that held the title "University of Excellence".

The university takes its social responsibility seriously and fosters its activities with many groups and institutions in Bremen, including twelve non-university research institutes within the U Bremen Research Alliance. We are not afraid to be the first to tread new territory. Founded as a reform university, we aim to breathe life into change. Our vision: to further anchor the University of Bremen as a leading European research university and an inspiring place of education. To achieve this, we rely on our strengths, on the potential of all university members, and on the trusting cooperation with our partners.

Further information

The Hanseatic city on the banks of the Weser River emanates a special charm. Bremen enjoys a reputation for being cosmopolitan and tolerant. It has a lot to offer: ports and ships, universities, colleges, high technology, and picturesque, narrow streets built in centuries past as well as a comprehensive programme of sports and cultural events.