What is it all about?

The Computational and Data Science degree program combines the strengths of computational science and data science and offers an interdisciplinary profile from mathematics, computer science and natural science, engineering or economics. While data science focuses on recognizing patterns and developing models by analyzing data, computational science uses existing models to simulate data and make predictions. The combination of these approaches makes it possible to effectively combine data-driven and model-based methods and develop innovative solutions for complex problems in science, industry and business.

Program structure

During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.

The bachelor's degree program is divided into a compulsory area, which equips you with methods that you can use to classify and solve application problems from the natural sciences, engineering and economics, and a compulsory elective area.

The compulsory section includes the following subjects:

• Basic Mathematical Structures (32-36 CP) from the fields of analysis and linear algebra provide you with a sound and important basic mathematical knowledge
  
• Mathematics for Computational and Data Science (33 CP) provides you with knowledge of applied mathematics, e.g. stochastics and numerics
• Informatics (33 CP) contains the fundamentals of computer science that are important to you, in particular algorithms, software technology and the fundamentals of artificial intelligence
  
• in two one-week hackathons (4 CP), you will immerse yourself in real issues from science and industry. Together with your fellow students, you will work in a team to develop innovative solutions to the challenges posed. The focus is not only on creativity and specialist knowledge, but also on team spirit and the ability to present results convincingly.
  
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications (6 CP) round off your qualification profile according to your wishes. Be it language courses, presentation techniques or a course on work-life balance. The KIT has a lot to offer you, you decide
  

In the compulsory elective area, you take the subject Sciences, Engineering, Economics ("SEE subject") with a scope of 32-35 CP and a specialization subject with a scope of 21-28 CP.

• In the SEE subject, you choose one of eight profiles. Each profile represents an application discipline. You will learn the basics of this discipline so that you can understand the problems and issues of this subject and solve them quantitatively using your methodological knowledge of mathematics and computer science. The following profiles are available:
  • Business and Economics
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Computational Earth System Sciences
  • Computational Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  • Computational Physics
  • Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
  • Process Engineering
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• In the specialization subject, you can choose between three subject areas:
  • Specialization in Mathematics for Computational and Data Science
  • Specialization in Informatics
    
  • Specialization in Sciences, Engineering, Economics (here the modules depend on your previously selected profile in the SEE subject).

Stays abroad

KIT offers a wide range of options for stays abroad, from individual courses to a year abroad. Especially if you are interested in a longer stay abroad, it is advisable to contact the International Students Office early on.

Bachelor's thesis

At the end of your bachelor's degree, you will complete your bachelor's thesis, an academic paper from your chosen specialization that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It requires independent research, analysis and the composition of a written paper. The maximum processing time is six months.

The Computational and Data Science degree program opens up exciting career prospects in a data-driven world. You can work in various industries: where large amounts of data are collected and analyzed, where complex relationships with many unknown factors are modeled, where processes and products are developed and optimized - you will be in demand everywhere. Thanks to your sound mathematical training, you will also find a solution to complex problems in your day-to-day work.

Big data and artificial intelligence are conquering all industries, products and areas: from the insurance industry to autonomous vehicles or resilient power grids to climate and weather forecasts and much more. As a data scientist, data analyst, AI specialist or machine learning engineer, you analyze large amounts of data, program software and gain valuable insights from data simulations.

The demand for specialists in this field is constantly growing, offering you attractive salaries and a wide range of development opportunities. You will also have the chance to work on innovative projects that shape the future. Interdisciplinary teams value your expertise and you can actively contribute to decision-making in companies. With the right skills and a passion for modeling and big data, you are ideally equipped for a successful career in computational and data science.

Of course, you can also pursue a doctorate at KIT after your master's degree.

Characteristic features of Computational and Data Science B.Sc. at KIT

• with its combination of computational science and data science, the bachelor's degree program is unique in the German university landscape
  
• you will take many modules together with students from the bachelor's degree program in Informatics or the degree program from which your chosen profile originates. This guarantees a high level of professional quality.
  
• the choice of profiles and specializations allows you to design your studies very individually
  
• the location at the KIT Department of Mathematics ensures a sound mathematical education
  

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• orientation week before the start of lectures
  
• 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  
• wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  
• numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  
• study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  
• excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  
• comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  
• extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  
• Lernraum app
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Higher education entrance qualification (HZB)

Germans and persons of equal status to Germans (i.e. EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals with a German higher education entrance qualification) are entitled to study at KIT if they have one of the following qualifications:

1. General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
2. (relevant) subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (not Fachhochschulreife)
3. Delta examination of the University of Mannheim (for holders of a Fachhochschulreife)
4. recognized advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftsperson) or vocational training, professional experience and aptitude test for those with professional qualifications

For further options, see §58 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act).

Please note: German nationals with a foreign school-leaving qualification must have the relevant "Regierungspräsidium" (regional authority) certify that their qualification is equivalent to the German Abitur.

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a foreign school-leaving certificate (hereinafter also referred to simply as non-EU/EEA nationals), the school-leaving certificate from some countries is recognized as a direct university entrance qualification in Germany. In many cases, however, in addition to the school-leaving certificate, a university entrance examination and/or a successful year of study in the home country and/or the "Feststellungsprüfung" must be proven with valid documents in order to be allowed to study a bachelor's degree in Germany. You can find the country-specific regulations in the DAAD admissions database or on the Anabin website (in German only) of the "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen" (Central Office for Foreign Education). Further information is available from the International Students Office.

Language requirements and certificates

For the bachelor's degree program in Computational and Data Science, you need sufficient knowledge of the German language. Your German language skills must correspond to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof of sufficient German language skills

Your higher education entrance qualification (HZB) is sufficient proof of your German language skills,

• if you obtained it at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,

• if you are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB) or

• if you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country on the recognition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany.

A complete list of foreign school-leaving qualifications and language certificates that are recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the website of the Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany).

If you did not obtain your higher education entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution, you must provide a separate language certificate - regardless of your nationality. Only the following are accepted

• the passed „Prüfungsteil Deutsch“ of the Feststellungsprüfung,
• the passed DSH with the overall result DSH-2,
• the passed TestDaF level 4 in all four parts of the exam (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, oral expression) or
• a comparable, recognized certificate of sufficient German language skills.

To find out which other recognized certificates can be accepted as comparable by KIT, please contact

• as a German or German-equivalent applicant: Studierendenservice
• as an applicant with non-EU citizenship: International Students Office

Please note:
Language certificates are extremely important application documents that can prevent your enrollment if you do not submit them on time. Therefore, check early on in the application process whether you have the necessary language certificates for your degree program and, if necessary, plan to take one of the language tests mentioned above. The deadline by which you must submit language certificates corresponds to the enrollment deadline stated in your admission offer. In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of this deadline. The extension can be granted until the start of the lecture period at the latest.

Additional necessary requirements for enrollment

For Germans and those with German equivalent status, an additional necessary requirement for enrollment is proof of participation in a study orientation test (e.g. www.was-studiere-ich.de) or a study orientation consultation in accordance with §7 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act), e.g. by the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) of KIT. Non-EU/EEA nationals do not have to provide this proof.

• all year round Information events of the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) on your desired degree programs, application and admission as well as starting your studies
  
• Try out KIT - clarify your interests and support your study decision by taking advantage of the diverse summer offers or participating in taster lectures.
  
• Campus Day: experience the campus live (together with your family) in spring and make your first personal contacts with the departments and their students
  
• Studieninformationtag: visit KIT on the state-wide study information day in November and experience the lecture hall feeling for the first time
  
• topMINT: you don't know yet what you want to study and need to bridge the summer? Take advantage of our orientation semester before you start your studies.
  
• Use our central online portal studienstart.kit.edu with all the important information and services you need to prepare for your studies and your first semester at KIT. Be it preparatory courses, study-related courses or mentoring programs.
  
• Orientation phase before the start of lectures - from students for students to get to know KIT, your fellow students and your student council. You will receive specific information on this when you enrol.
  
• You will be welcomed by KIT with a colorful supporting program at the welcome event for first semester students. You will receive the invitation after your enrollment.
  

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

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• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs