Studieren und Forschen in Deutschland

Educational Organisation

The programme consists of a core curriculum and an area of specialisation. The core curriculum covers both: Theoretical Computer Science (for example, Complexity Theory, Logic, Theory of Parallel Processes, Compiler Construction, Programme Verification) and Practical Computer Science (for example, Programming Languages, Communication and Distributed Systems, Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Speech and Image Processing, Computer Graphics, Multi Media, Embedded Systems).

Students are required to cover both subfields, which typically involves taking three courses in each of the two subfields. In addition, a mandatory course on the management of large software system engineering projects is also required. The area of specialisation, which consists of courses combined with a seminar and a Master's thesis, can be one of the following: Formal Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, High-performance Computing, Distributed Systems Engineering, Information Systems Engineering, or Embedded/Intelligent System Engineering. Other kinds of specialisation, in cooperation with disciplines such as Biology, Medicine, or Engineering, can be arranged.

The Master's thesis typically takes the final six months of the programme and can be written in cooperation with industry or at the university.

The course contents will be structured according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Each student will be assigned a professor from the Computer Science Department as a personal mentor. Students are required to take at least three courses in theoretical and practical computer science as well as to make their choice in one area of specialisation.

Study Abroad Unit(s)

Students participating in the Erasmus Mundus Programme "EuMI" (European Master in Informatics) will spend one year at one of the partner universities Edinburgh or Trento.

Joint Degree / Double Degree Programme

A double degree is awarded within the Erasmus Mundus Programme "European Master in Informatics".

Funding of the Joint Degree / Double Degree Programme

EU (e.g. ATLANTIS or ERASMUS Mundus)

General promotion / funding of the programme

EU (e.g. ATLANTIS or ERASMUS Mundus)

ECTS-Credits

120

Diploma Supplement

No

Course Objectives

Whilst a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science typically qualifies a person to participate in large-scale software projects, the Master's degree provides the skills needed for leadership. Graduates of the Software Systems Engineering programme are expected to be technically innovative, to work as system architects, and to manage large projects. Graduates will also have the necessary qualifications to pursue a doctoral degree.

Tuition Fees

500 EUR tuition fees

Enrolment Fees

In order to participate in our selection procedure, you will have to pay a fee of
50 EUR + 148.50 EUR student services contribution.

Costs of Living

The average costs of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses and study related costs, are estimated to be 700 EUR per month.

Job Opportunities

Computer scientists have been in great demand in past years, a trend which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The ability to design and implement large computer software systems in an interdisciplinary environment opens the door to management and leadership positions, which is a feature that distinguishes this programme from other Master's programmes in Computer Science.

International students have very limited options of working while studying. Therefore, it is not possible to finance your entire studies by working. There are teaching and research assistant positions available, which are, however, normally first awarded to students who have already started their academic studies in a programme. Students working as teaching or research assistants may work a maximum of 19 hours a week. By law, a student from outside the EU is permitted to work either 90 full days or 180 "half days" per calendar year. We do caution students to be careful about taking on outside work commitments, as completing a Master's degree within the designated two years will be difficult if a student spends too much time away from his or her studies.

Language Requirements

Candidates must be able to speak and write fluently in English (TOEFL 550 paper-based/213 computer-based, or IELTS 6.0). English-speaking students attend a basic German language course that will start in August, two months prior to the beginning of the Master's programme.

Required DSH / TestDaF

No

Required English Language Test

Yes

Academic requirements

First degree (Bachelor of Sciences or Engineering) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or any other closely related discipline, awarded by an internationally recognised university-level institution.
Candidates should have also performed above average in their undergraduate studies.
The candidate should have a substantial background in computer science and mathematics. Typically, this would include courses in the following areas: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics and Logic, Probability Theory, Fundamentals of Computer Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Analysis of Algorithms, Programming Languages, Computability and Complexity Theory. In addition, an applicant should have taken at least two advanced undergraduate courses on specialised topics such as Distributed Systems, Information Systems, Operating Systems, and Compilers.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is strongly recommended.

Where to Apply

directly at the university

Arrival Support

RWTH Aachen International Academy

Services and Support for International Students

RWTH Aachen International Academy

Accommodation

RWTH Aachen University has a limited number of dorm rooms and studio apartments. However, there are usually waiting lists for these rooms, and students will probably need to find private accommodation first. There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen; and the International Office can provide students with information beforehand or upon their arrival.

For a furnished room, the average rent per month is about 200 EUR to 250 EUR, and for a two-three room flat, the average rent per month starts at 300 EUR. Please note that there are only a very limited number of family apartments in the university dorms, which is why students who bring their spouses or families with them will most likely need to find private accommodation.

For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels and a youth hostel.

About the University

RWTH Aachen University is one of the top technical universities in Europe with an academic staff of 2,420 (including 436 fulltime professors) and approx. 30,000 students. More than 5,000 international students, representing over 130 different countries, are currently enrolled at the university. The specific strength of the RWTH engineering departments is the combination of education and advanced research.
RWTH Aachen University has a long history of close and wide-ranging cooperation with national and international industries and research centres and contributes effectively to the success and development of the German economy with an increasing extension of this role with regard to the European Union.

About Town

Aachen, Germany's westernmost city, is located on the borders to Belgium and the Netherlands. Its population is about 258,000 (2005). Aachen's historic centre around the distinctive cathedral (UNESCO world heritage) is characterised by a students' lifestyle. On the city's doorsteps, the hilly Eifel landscape with its rivers, lakes, and forests offers a picturesque countryside.