M.Sc. Computer Science
Characteristics of the Aachen Course of Study
A unique feature of the computer science program at RWTH Aachen is the program’s extensive cooperation with the engineering sciences and the regional computer science industry, a fact which gives students the opportunity to gather hands-on experience early on.
Degree Content
The Master’s program aims to deepen existing expertise, abilities and methods in computer science with the goal of leading to higher qualifications and independence in this field. The Master’s in computer science involves areas like theoretical computer science, applied computer science, software and communication, data and information management and the applied subject. Within the areas there is a wide range of electives to choose from.
Applied Subjects
Business administration, biology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, medicine, philosophy and physics - with approval of the examination committee another subject offered at RWTH Aachen can be selected.
Specializations
To a smaller extent in the Bachelor’s program and to a great extent the in the Master’s program there is the possibility for students to familiarize themselves with a special area of computer science usually by writing a paper. The following specializations are possible:
- Automata
- Logic and verification
- Efficient algorithms
- Logic and complexity theory
- Programming languages and verification
- Software modeling and verification
- Computer graphics and multimedia
- Databases and data exploration
- Embedded systems
- High performance computing
- Information systems and data bases
- Communication systems
- Artificial intelligence and knowledge-based systems
- Media computer science and man-machine interaction
- Software construction, software technology
- Speech processing and pattern recognition
These correspond to the research concentrations in the individual computer science departments and allow for a specialization within the program.
Study Abroad Programs
The faculty has set research and teaching cooperations with a number of European and non-European universities. The Moveonline Exchanges database is helpful if you want an overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs.
Prerequisites
A prerequisite for starting studies is a first university degree, with which the necessary background education can be proven, as determined in the exam regulations. The exam board determines whether it fulfills the entrance requirements. Detailed information about the prerequisites on the department´s webpage.
Career Prospects
Computer scientists can find work in wide range of areas where information technology is used. Examples for this are computer manufacturers, telecommunication companies, software houses, administrative systems users (banks, insurance companies, public service and so on) or embedded systems (for production lines, process engineering plants, complex consumer goods like cars and for investment goods like airplanes), multimedia service providers and consulting companies. Due to the increasing use of computers and communications systems there have always been and continue to be excellent career prospects.
Examination Regulations
Regulations that apply for all Bachelor and Master courses of study as well as detailed information about the necessary documentation of required language skills can be found in RWTH’s Comprehensive Examination Regulation. Examination regulations are only published in German as they are legally binding.
Subject Specific Exam Regulations regulate academic goals, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.
Faculty
The Master course of study in Computer Science is offered by the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Computer Science.