Computational Methods in Engineering (CoME) Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Courses are held in English (100%)

The Computational Methods in Engineering (CoME) Master's programme deals with the fundamental concepts, techniques, and tools for modelling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems using computers.

The rapid development of computers and associated technologies has enabled the computation of previously unobservable empirical phenomena. For example, the simulation of global climate development and its impact on humans and nature.

Graduates of this Master's programme will work as a new type of engineer at the interface of various disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, process engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Graduates will be experts in numerical analysis and the simulation of technical problems and will be able to bridge the gap between different classical engineering disciplines and software development.

The CoME Master's degree programme is aimed at German and international Bachelor's degree graduates in all engineering fields and related areas of engineering, mathematics, and computer science. This programme will provide students with the opportunity to gain insights into different areas of engineering and even establish connections with industries outside of engineering. It can therefore be considered an interdisciplinary degree programme that bridges various engineering fields and is based on the commonality of computational methods.

CoME is designed to ensure that students are exposed to the wide range of application areas of simulation methods from various perspectives right from the beginning of their studies, starting from the first semester. Thus, the highly interconnected arrangement of modules from computer science, mathematics, and engineering departments is a unique feature. This allows students to gain insights into all areas right from the beginning and shape their preferences in their elective courses throughout the programme. However, it is important to emphasise that the fundamental goal of providing a strong theoretical education is not overlooked.

More information on the Master's degree programme can be found here: https://www.ovgu.de/en/Study/Study+Programmes/Master/Computational+Methods+in+Engineering.html.

Application deadline for

• Applicants with International Bachelor's degree: 15 July
• Applicants with German Bachelor's degree: 15 September

for the following winter semester.

The basic structure of the CoME programme consists of:

• a compulsory area with 11 modules (each worth 5 CP),
• an interdisciplinary project area with two modules (each worth 5 CP),
• an elective area with four technical modules and one free elective module (each worth 5 CP) from a wide range of available modules,
• and the final Master's thesis (30 CP).

The compulsory and elective areas are distributed over the first three semesters. The Project Work and Simulation Methods in Science and Engineering project-oriented modules will be supervised by all participating lecturers of the degree programme, and topics from industry and other research institutions can also be addressed.

The Project Work module aims to encourage students to independently engage with current challenges in simulation methods.
The Simulation Methods in Science and Engineering module is a special module in which lecturers from industry and from the OVGU are involved; these lecturers contribute their expertise by delivering lectures as part of a series. Based on the requirements of simulation methods used in research and industry, students are expected to find new or alternative solutions through group work and present these solutions publicly.

The programme concludes with a Master's thesis and its presentation in a colloquium. The thesis should demonstrate that the student is capable of independently and competently addressing a given problem within a specified period of time in a scientific manner.

No tuition fees

Currently, the semester fee is 278.90 EUR. It covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (student union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive the "Deutschlandsemesterticket" for free use of public transport throughout Germany, along with student discounts in the campus cafeteria and more.

A minimum of 992 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, cost of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses. In comparison with many other towns and cities, the rental prices in Magdeburg are still relatively low. There are no tuition fees for the majority of programmes, and the semester fee already includes the cost of bus and tram travel within Magdeburg. The following link provides a fair picture of the cost of living in Magdeburg: Finance.

Relevant Bachelor's degree (at least 180 CP) and an average grade of at least 2.300, which is determined from the examination results

Proof of subject-specific competence through:

• at least 25 CP in the competency area of mathematics and computer science (including at least 15 CP in mathematics and at least 5 CP in computer science),
• 40 CP in the competency area of basic engineering principles (including 10 CP in Engineering Mechanics, 5 CP in Fluid Mechanics or Thermodynamics)

If the applicants have not yet obtained their Bachelor's degree at the time of application and are missing no more than 25 credit points (CP) for the completion of their degree programme, they are still eligible to apply. Nevertheless, proof of subject-specific competences and the determined average grade of 2.300 must still be provided at the time of application.

Sufficient knowledge of the English language at a C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Applicants must provide one of the following forms of proof:

• TOEFL-Test C1 (95–120 iBT)
• IELTS C1 (7.0)
• CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)

Alternatively, students may request an "equivalence test" from the examination board of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

Application deadline for

• Applicants with International Bachelor's degree: 15 July
• Applicants with German Bachelor's degree: 15 September

for the following winter semester.

The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results. Scholarships cannot be provided for new students. 

Additionally, you may check the following overview:
Scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.

It is possible to find a part-time job as a research or student assistant at one of the faculties or in the university administration (maximum: 80 hours per month). Other opportunities are student jobs at different companies, restaurants, and shops. Information on how to find a job can be found on our website: Career Service.

The "Studentenwerk" (student union) in Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 174 EUR to 421 EUR per room (approx. 12 to 35 square meters), depending on the size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation application can be found on the website of the Studentenwerk.
The Studentenwerk assists all new students in finding adequate accommodation, either on or off campus. Private accommodation is available on the Magdeburg accommodation market. However, fully furnished units are in somewhat short supply.

Advisory service for international students is provided by our International Office: https://www.ovgu.de/international.html