The Master programmes cover modules in the following areas:

Two Computer Science Theory courses are especially designed and mandatory for students following the Applied Computer Science programme. These courses introduce students from neighboring fields to the formal methods and the theoretical foundations of computing. The first course covers the theory of algorithms, databases and software engineering. The second course covers formal languages, computational complexity and logic. After completing these courses students will be well prepared for the continuation of their studies.

• Computer Science Theory I
• Computer Science Theory II
  

Key courses are offered annually by each of the six departments; they introduce students to the specialization areas of the Institute for Computer Science:

• Theory of Algorithms
• Computer Architecture
• Software Engineering
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• Introduction to Pattern Recognition and Image Processing
  
• Databases
  

Students in both Master programmes have to take two key courses (unless they have taken courses on these topics earlier).

Specialisation courses in the following areas:

• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Computer Architecture
• Software Engineering
• Programming Languages
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Graphics
• Pattern Recognition and Image Processing
• Databases and Information Systems
• Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing
• Autonomous Intelligent Systems
• Robotics
• Computer Networks and Telecommunications
• Parallel and Distributed Computing
• Operating Systems
• Communication Systems
• Computer Based New Media
• Computer Science and Society
  

The above mentioned courses are all technical courses. A technical course typically lasts one semester (13 to 15 weeks) and comprises three hours of lectures and one hour of exercises every week (3L+1E). During the lectures the more theoretical aspects are explained; in the exercises the students are trained to solve problems.

Application areas: Students taking the Computer Science programme have to select three courses in a particular application area in which they would like to specialize. Courses in the application areas are usually offered by other departments or faculties. Students in the Applied Computer Science Programme may take up to two courses in an application area, depending on their previous background. Application areas include:

• Bioinformatics
• Microsystems Engineering
• Cognitive Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Medicine
  

In addition to technical courses, the Master programmes include:

• Laboratory courses, which give students the opportunity to obtain practical training by participating in larger projects in a specialized topic.
• Seminars, in which students study, present and discuss recent research papers on specialized topics.
• A Team Project: in the third term, students become involved in the current research of the department. They choose an area and a professor as their mentor for a project to be carried out in a small team of graduate students. In this way, students are confronted with actual research problems in one of the six areas represented at the department. Beyond technical skills, students learn how to organize their work, and to cooperate and communicate in a team
• A Master’s thesis: during the fourth and last term, students work on their master’s thesis. They are expected to tackle an actual research question in close cooperation with a professor and his staff.
  

Evaluation and Credit Point System

• Individual study plan. Students are free to compile their own study plan according to their individual interests and the examination regulations. However, depending on the previous Bachelor degree of the student, not all application and specialization areas may be feasible.
• Exams. For each course in the study plan the student has to take an exam. Exams can be written as well as oral.
• Credit points. For each successful exam the student obtains credits according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
  

Language of Instruction

The Master programmes are bilingual; courses are offered in English and / or German. Hence, students are required to be competent in English and to have basic proficiency in German. It is not necessary to pass a German language test for admission, but students should be able to show evidence of sufficient knowledge of German (at least 400 hours). In addition, an official certificate of the TOEFL or another accredited English language test is required. Students interested in improving their language skills before or during the programme will find ample opportunity at the university.