Computer Science Dresden University of Technology

This programme is taught in English. However, students with additional German language skills will find a greater selection of modules to choose from in the elective area.

The degree programme has a modular structure and is research-oriented. The course of study provides you with both applied and academic expertise in the focus areas of your choice.

The degree programme allows you to choose between two tracks –the Open Track and the Distributed Systems Engineering track.

In the Open Track of the degree programme, you can choose from eight subject areas with a large number of compulsory elective modules, whereby modules from three subject areas worth 12 credit points each must be selected; the modules can only be selected if they have not already been selected in the compulsory elective area supplement. The subject areas are as follows:

Theoretical Computer Science and Symbolic Artificial Intelligence, Software Technology and Programming Languages, Secure Computing, Systems Architecture, Cyber-Physical Systems, Visual Computing and Machine Learning, Human-Computer Interaction and Interactive Media as well as Computer Engineering and High Performance Computing

The supplementary elective area contains all compulsory elective modules in the above-mentioned subject areas, 11 non-computer science supplements, each with one basic and one specialisation module as well as an analysis of a research topic module, which helps to prepare students for writing their final theses.

The Distributed Systems Engineering track enables you to analyse challenges in the field of distributed (software) systems, to design and develop solutions and to operate distributed (software) systems. The programme provides both in-depth knowledge of the domain and a wide range of domain-specific aspects, such as software engineering, system architecture and security.

With the Distributed Systems Engineering track, you opt for a degree programme with a predefined study path. In addition to the compulsory modules, there is a selection of track-specific compulsory elective modules, from which you can choose modules worth 36 credit points.

Common to both tracks are the research project, which is completed in the third semester, the modules of the compulsory elective area of general qualifications, in which you acquire skills in rhetoric, presentation, communication skills, social commitment or foreign language skills as well as the Master's thesis, with which you complete your Master's degree.

The programme starts in the first two weeks of October or April, respectively. The standard period of study is four semesters. Generally, online courses are not offered.

For the following winter semester:

(Prospective) degree holders from non-German institutions of higher education:
1 April to 31 May: non-EU nationals
1 April to 15 July: German or EU nationals
All other applicants / (prospective) graduates from German institutions of higher education: 
1 June to 15 July

For the following summer semester:

(Prospective) degree holders from non-German institutions of higher education:
1 October to 30 November: non-EU nationals
1 October to 15 January: EU nationals
All other applicants / (prospective) graduates from German institutions of higher education:
1 December to 15 January

The courses are spread over four semesters, with the fourth semester reserved for writing your thesis and holding the colloquium. The third semester is designed in such a way that you can use it for a temporary stay at another university. You can also complete it in part-time study in accordance with the regulations for part-time study.

No tuition fees

Currently, students pay approx. 300 EUR per semester (i.e. for six months). This includes a ticket for public transport and regional trains in all of Germany. Additionally, students can use a bike rental service all over the city for free for 30 minutes. The contribution also assures concessions in the university cafeterias and offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.

Dresden offers high quality of living at very moderate costs. Currently, students should expect to pay around 850 EUR per month including rent, food, insurance and basic expenses. This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.

Applicants must provide proof of sufficient subject knowledge in accordance with the aptitude assessment regulations. 

Accordingly, they must have a first professionally qualifying university degree in Computer Science; 90 credit points with non-overlapping content from the following areas:

• at least 35 credit points on topics of operating systems, computer networks, distributed systems, computer architecture, computer engineering, databases, data security, computer graphics or human-computer interaction
• at least 35 credit points in the fundamentals of mathematics (for computer science), theoretical computer science or artificial intelligence
• at least 20 credit points in the fundamentals of programming, data structures and software engineering

Knowledge of English corresponding to at least level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages is required. Non-native speakers must prove sufficient knowledge of English by submitting test results or language certificates.

Knowledge of German is not required.

For the following winter semester:

(Prospective) degree holders from non-German institutions of higher education:
1 April to 31 May: non-EU nationals
1 April to 15 July: German or EU nationals
All other applicants / (prospective) graduates from German institutions of higher education: 
1 June to 15 July

For the following summer semester:

(Prospective) degree holders from non-German institutions of higher education:
1 October to 30 November: non-EU nationals
1 October to 15 January: EU nationals
All other applicants / (prospective) graduates from German institutions of higher education:
1 December to 15 January

Information on scholarships and funding for students is summarised on a dedicated web page of the TU Dresden.

In order to top up their budget, some students may want to look for temporary work in Dresden. If so, different regulations apply for students from EU member states, countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and students from outside the European Union and the EEA area. In addition, restrictions on the duration of employment may apply. Professors, lecturers and group leaders involved in the Master's programme may offer students the possibility of working as academic assistants. However, living expenses can be financed only partially through a job as an academic assistant.

It is still relatively easy to find affordable accommodation in Dresden. Accommodation is available either via the "Studentenwerk Dresden" or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 EUR per month.

Private housing can be found online. We recommend that you move into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden. Subsequently, you can look for a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, which is known as a "Wohngemeinschaft" in German.

TU Dresden offers plenty of counselling and training within its Career Service to help students with finding professional orientation. They offer workshops to equip students with professional skills and aid to optimise their CV. Moreover, they support students who want to connect with potential employers.

Additionally, there are special workshops for international students to get to know the German and Saxon job market and network.

We provide first-grade support to students on all levels, in particular including the following: The programme coordinator is the first contact for all enquiries related to the study programme. Academic advisers are available for individual advice and curricular choices.

TUD provides administrative services, support and formal counselling for international students. The offices offer social and psychosocial counselling, counselling for students with special needs, counselling for students for part-time jobs, services for students with children and advice for study exchange stays abroad. The examination office provides assistance with respect to all questions related to examinations.