Computer Science (MSc) University of Bayreuth

Courses are held in English (100%).

The general aim of the Master’s programme in Computer Science is to provide a research-oriented programme of study. On the basis of a broad understanding of the subject area with select areas of emphasis, creative and constructive abilities to produce and develop hardware and software systems are nurtured and honed. In addition, the students’ basic research and applied research skills in the field of computer science are developed and enhanced.

Career Prospects

Building on one’s initial career-qualifying degree, this Master’s programme provides knowledge and competencies that enable graduates to pursue doctoral research – e.g. in a doctoral programme – or to engage in complex industrial or freelance activities in the areas of research, development, implementation, distribution, or maintenance. Typical areas of activity for computer scientists with a Master’s degree are the development of new methods and systems for information processing (e.g. for manufacturing corporations, software companies, and research institutions), the introduction of automated information processing systems in companies or administrative departments, and activities relating to operations, as well as product maintenance and distribution in the computer industry. Computer scientists are also qualified to work at a range of academic institutes, including research and teaching activities at universities.

Click here for detailed information about the course of study.

Application period for German and EU citizens:
15 April to 15 October (for winter semester)
15 October to 15 April (for summer semester)

Application period (non-EU citizens)
15 April to 15 July (for winter semester)
15 October to 15 January (for summer semester)

• Application guide (English)
• Application guide (German)

The structure of the Master's programme is based on the current recommendations of the German Informatics Society (GI). It is divided into four sections: Computer Science, Projects, Language and Master's Thesis (see table).

In the first year, basic and extended competences in theoretical elements of study are taught. After that, one semester with a focus on practical study elements follows. The final semester is devoted to the Master thesis.

The third semester is completely designed as a project semester and represents an essential characteristic of the Master's degree programme. After deepening their education in the first year, this project semester enables the students to apply their acquired skills to practical situations. Normally, a project is realised at the University of Bayreuth under intensive and individual supervision from scientists and tutors within the framework of a relevant research project.

A project has 8 or 15 credit points (small or large project) and includes a practical part (for example, practical training) and a theoretical part (for example, seminar). Students can choose how they want to divide the project semester, for example, two large projects or one large and two small projects. Since students have to complete more than one project, a fixation on just one application area can be avoided. One of the selected projects should lay the groundwork for the Master's thesis, thus allowing an easy transition to the third phase of study. The chosen projects can either be interdisciplinary or exclusively related to computer science. This is also true for the Master's thesis.

It is possible for German students to spend the second semester as a semester abroad at an English-speaking university. (This is not recommended for foreign students since they are already studying in a foreign country.)

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Qualification

A degree with an examination grade of “good” (2.5) or better in the Bachelor's programme Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth or in the Bachelor's programme Applied Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth or an equivalent degree

Equivalency

Equivalency of the completed Bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and is not determined conclusively until the application process is underway. For this reason, no information can be provided in advance.

Further requirement:

GRE or GATE (only required if your degree is from a university outside the European Higher Education Area [EHEA])

Applying Without a Degree Certificate

Applications may already be submitted before completion of the Bachelor's degree; however, a total of at least 150 credits is required by the time of application

Special Conditions

Conditional admission is possible. Special conditions may comprise up to 15 credit points (see Examination Regulations § 2 para 2).

ENGLISH: IELTS Academic with at least a score of 6.5 or TOEFL with at least a score of 88 or an equivalent certificate

GERMAN: Applicants must provide proof of basic German language skills (CEFR Level A1) within one year after enrolment.

Part-time option: yes

Application period for German and EU citizens:
15 April to 15 October (for winter semester)
15 October to 15 April (for summer semester)

Application period (non-EU citizens)
15 April to 15 July (for winter semester)
15 October to 15 January (for summer semester)

• Application guide (English)
• Application guide (German)

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

To ensure that you have a good start in Bayreuth, the Welcome Services of the University of Bayreuth support you by providing information and assistance on all aspects of studying (e.g. during orientation week), housing, dealing with authorities, and finding extra-curricular activities (e.g. the buddy programme).

https://www.international-office.uni-bayreuth.de/en/index.html