Courses are held in English (100%).
Application period (Germans)
15 April – enrolment deadline (for winter semester)
15 October – enrolment deadline (for summer semester)
Application platform
Application period (EU citizens)
15 April – enrolment deadline (for winter semester)
15 October – enrolment deadline (for summer semester)
Application platform
Application period (non-EU citizens)
15 April – 15 July (for winter semester)
15 October – 15 January (for summer semester)
Application platform
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.
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.)
In Germany, students at all higher education institutions pay a semester contribution. This payment (University of Bayreuth: 142.85 EUR per semester) has nothing to do with tuition fees; rather, it covers your contributions to student services and the student government. At the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach), it includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transport in the region.
The cost of living in Germany, e.g. accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, is about average compared to other European countries. Living expenses are significantly lower than in countries like Denmark, Luxembourg or Switzerland, but they are rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy. Compared to other large German cities, such as Munich, Berlin or Hamburg, Bayreuth's low cost of living and affordable housing make the city and the region particularly attractive to young people and families. The DAAD website will tell you what living expenses to expect in Germany: https://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/voraussetzungen/en/9198-financing/.
Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply to the International Office for a study grant. 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.
Qualification
A degree with a grade of “good” (2.5) or better in the Bachelor's programme in Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth or in the Bachelor's programme in 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 under way. For this reason, no information can be provided in advance.
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 paragraph two).
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: level A1
Application period (Germans)
15 April – enrolment deadline (for winter semester)
15 October – enrolment deadline (for summer semester)
Application platform
Application period (EU citizens)
15 April – enrolment deadline (for winter semester)
15 October – enrolment deadline (for summer semester)
Application platform
Application period (non-EU citizens)
15 April – 15 July (for winter semester)
15 October – 15 January (for summer semester)
Application platform
Online application via CAMPUSonline. You can find further details here.
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.
For information regarding the Corona virus, please visit our website and also see https://www.daad.de/en/coronavirus/.
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.uni-bayreuth.de/en/studies/accomodation/index.html. 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.
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
International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching
Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.
The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 13,000 students. Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.
We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools are conducted in English. There are presently around 1,770 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.
Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2021 THE ranking of “475 under 50”, the University of Bayreuth once again achieved a top position among the best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.
Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.
Coronavirus
Be sure that there is a comprehensive and high-quality range of courses in all degree programmes that will enable students to successfully begin and continue their studies – on campus or online.
Welcome to Bavaria!
Seventy-six thousand people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 13,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.
Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.
A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.
Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a fast variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two-and-a-half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.
Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!
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