Master of Science Mathematics Münster University of Münster

The degree programme can be studied and finished with English language skills, as (almost) all mathematical courses are held in English. However, optional minor subjects are currently taught in German.

The MSc Mathematics Münster at the Cluster of Excellence is a research-oriented programme that puts a strong focus on in-depth studies in a broad spectrum of pure and applied mathematical subjects.

Our highly diverse range of courses provides a broad and well-founded training in all areas of mathematics, giving you a lot of flexibility and academic freedom. More than 40 professors offer a very comprehensive range of courses in the following major mathematical areas:

• Algebra
• Applied Analysis
• Differential Geometry and Geometric Analysis
• Logic
• Numerics & Scientific Computing
• Operator Algebras and Noncommutative Geometry
• Probability Theory and its Applications
• Topology

The University of Münster has a long standing tradition in mathematical education and is a stronghold of mathematical research. Mathematics Münster is one of the biggest mathematics departments in Germany, with more than 40 professors covering almost all major mathematical fields. As a student in Münster, you will benefit from broad and intensive mathematical training, internationally recognised experts – Münster's mathematicians have been awarded five Leibniz Prizes, two Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, two ERC Advanced Grants, one Staudt-Prize and a Max Planck Research Award – and the Cluster of Excellence Mathematics Münster: Dynamics – Geometry – Structure. Our cluster intensifies the exchange between traditionally specialised mathematical disciplines. As a Master’s student, you can experience our clusters and Mathematics Münster Graduate School's unique and vibrant research atmosphere, and you can benefit from an international network of renowned researchers.

This excellent starting point is also reflected in international rankings. In the Shanghai Ranking 2023, our Mathematics Münster ranked 51-75.

Winter semester: Application period from the beginning of May to 15 July
First admission round: beginning of June, second admission round: 15 July

Summer semester: Application period from the beginning of November to 15 January
We recommend applying as early as possible.

MSc Mathematics Münster is a two-year programme consisting of foundational and advanced modules you can choose from a broad variety of major mathematical fields. The huge variety of courses and the flexibility offered enable you to create a study plan according to your interests and career plans. The programme is completed with a Master’s thesis, which you will prepare and write under the guidance of a department member in the last semesters.

Our modules are divided into the following groups:

• broadening courses
• specialisation modules
• modules for personal enrichment
• a supplementary module
• optional minor subject modules
• the Master's thesis

You can fill your study plan with exclusively mathematical courses. You may also substitute one specialisation with one of our minor subjects (mainly taught in German).

Here is a typical study plan:

Exchange semesters, conference participation at a partner university/institution (within the EU and worldwide)

An internship can be included in the curriculum.

No tuition fees

Students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as all of Germany.

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml.

We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.

• A university entrance qualification valid in Germany (e.g., Abitur, high school diploma, national test for university entrance, etc.)
• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in mathematics with a standard period of study of at least six semesters, completed with a minimum of 180 ECTS points. (Of these points, 120 ECTS points must have been achieved in mathematical subjects. The selection committee decides in exceptional cases.) Your Bachelor’s final grade / GPA should at least be 3.0 according to the German grading system. If you don’t get an overall final grade, you should belong to the best 40% of your class.
• English language skills at level B2

Applying with a preliminary Bachelor’s degree certificate or a transcript of records giving a preliminary grade is possible, given that you will complete your Bachelor’s degree by the start of your studies at the University of Münster.

A good command of English (B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR]) is required. It is possible to prove this by submitting TOEFL test results (iBT, 72 points or higher), IELTS test results (overall band score of 6.0 or higher) or a Bachelor's degree from a programme completed in English.

For more possibilities and information, please check our homepage: www.uni-muenster.de/FB10/mscmathematics/application/.

Winter semester: Application period from the beginning of May to 15 July
First admission round: beginning of June, second admission round: 15 July

Summer semester: Application period from the beginning of November to 15 January
We recommend applying as early as possible.

The Cluster of Excellence offers three annual full grant scholarships. While applying for admission, applicants for the scholarship are asked to send a letter of motivation plus two regular, informal letters of recommendation directly from their university lecturers to mm.scholarships@uni-muenster.de. The deadline for application is 31 May. If you have any requests, please do not hesitate to contact us.

University of Münster ProTalent scholarship: The scholarship programme "ProTalent" of the University of Münster awards scholarships of 300 EUR per month to particularly outstanding and socially committed students. Enrolled and future University of Münster students can apply once a year, usually in June.

There are many job opportunities for students in Münster (in the department, the central administration, and at various institutions in Münster). A lot of students work in part-time jobs while pursuing their studies – but please note that is it extremely difficult to finance your studies by only working! Make sure to have sufficient means to cover most of your costs.

• Student jobs at the department: www.uni-muenster.de/FB10/en/Organisation/Stellenangebote.shtml (The department employs many student assistants / tutorial assistants, but please note that for most tasks, you need German language skills.)
• Student jobs in other areas of the university and outside of the university: UNIKAP.MS, www.nadann.de

If you need a residence permit for studying in Germany, please note that you are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days a year during your studies. These restrictions do not apply for student jobs at the university.

As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!

Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the CERes (doctoral candidates) of the university for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.

Mathematics Münster offers various information events on career related topics:

• Information meetings on possible future careers at the department: "Working at the department – from student assistant to doctorate”
• "Maths and Computer Science offer perspectives", which is organised by the department’s student council
• MINT mentoring programme for female Master's students, including reflections on career perspectives after the completion of the Master's degree programme

Our central Careers Service also offers a comprehensive careers service for all students. The Careers Service team helps you to give your studies a job-related focus, develop your own professional profile, gain necessary experience in the world of work, learn strategies and techniques relating to applications and build up contacts to employers.

The University of Münster’s International Office / International Centre offers extensive support and help for international students:

• general advice on application processes
• advice regarding your studies as well as general questions and problems
• help with administrative procedures (contact with authorities, filling in forms, etc.)
• social support
• advice on scholarships and short-term financial aid

Our International Centre also is a meeting venue for international and German students, and it offers various cultural and social events such as concerts, international round tables, exhibitions, country-specific events, excursions, trips and much more.

With about 42,500 students and 5,000 academics, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. It enjoys an outstanding reputation in the region and far beyond for its excellent research opportunities, high-quality teaching and promotion of junior researchers. Fifteen faculties with more than 120 subjects, over 280 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the University. Besides its academic opportunities, the University of Münster offers a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities. Follow your interests in the student societies, the university theatre, the choirs, orchestras or bands, the sports courses, and visit the university’s museums and gardens.

Münster is located in north-west Germany, close to the border with the Netherlands. The city is a lively student town, famous for its bicycle-friendly atmosphere and student pubs. Of Münster's total population of approx. 322,000 inhabitants, over 61,000 are students at the different universities. Münster is a thriving centre of science and academia. It is a great place to live, learn and teach.