What you can expect in your master's program

The English-language master’s degree program in Computational and Data Science at KIT is interdisciplinary and offers flexible course options. The unique combination of data science and computational science, along with its interdisciplinary focus, gives this program a distinctive profile within the German higher education landscape. It thus provides optimal preparation for the challenges of the digital age. In addition to mathematics and computer science, you’ll choose a field of application from various departments that aligns with your future professional or academic career. Within the program’s curriculum, most modules are freely selectable, and in some cases, you can even tailor the course load to your needs. The focus is on research-oriented teaching. The standard period of study is 4 semesters and you will earn 120 ECTS credit points (CP).

A distinctive feature of the program is the inclusion of a hackathon, during which you’ll work intensively on a project as part of a team and develop a creative technical solution.

The degree program is divided into compulsory courses that you must take, but within which you have some flexibility in choosing modules. In addition, you’ll select two courses from the compulsory electives - your individual profile in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics (SEE) and a specialization.

The required courses are as follows:

• Mathematics for Computational and Data Science (16-32 CP)
• Computer Science (16-32 CP)
• Hackathon, High Performance Computing and Research Data Management (6 CP)
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications (4 CP)

In addition, you'll strengthen your academic profile through the compulsory elective courses:

• Sciences, Engineering, Economics (16-32 CP): in this course, you will choose one of the following profiles as your area of application:
  • Business and Economics
  • Computational Chemistry (this profile is available exclusively in German; a very good command of German is required)
  • Computational Earth System Sciences
  • Computational Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  • Computational Physics
  • Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
  • Process Engineering
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Specialization (16-32 CP): in this course, you can either deepen your knowledge of computer science or mathematics, or you can choose to supplement your chosen SEE profile. Accordingly, there are three possible specializations to choose from:
  • Specialization Mathematics for Computational and Data Science
  • Specialization Computer Science
  • Specialization Sciences, Engineering, Economics

There are many elective modules available within each subject area. You can find out which ones these are in the module handbook. You’ll also find sample study plans there, depending on the individual SEE profiles.

Important: when planning your coursework, keep in mind that the total credit hours for the courses Mathematics for Computational and Data Science, Computer Science, your SEE profile and your specialization must add up to 80 CP.

Program structure

Master's thesis

At the end of your studies, you will complete your master’s thesis (30 CP), an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It addresses a specific topic in mathematics, computer science or your SEE profile - typically in the subject you studied in your specialization - and requires independent research, analysis and the preparation of a written thesis. The thesis takes 6 months to complete. You may begin it as soon as you have earned 70 CP. The master’s thesis may also be completed at another KIT Department or, upon request, at a company.

Internship

The study program does not include a compulsory internship. You can complete a voluntary internship during your studies. If it serves the objectives of your studies and covers at least half of the lecture period, you can apply for a semester off (leave of absence). Such an internship offers you valuable experience outside the university and can make it easier for you to start your career later on.

Make your studies international

You have various options for integrating a stay abroad into your master's degree program. For example, you can study at a foreign university of your choice for one or two semesters via Erasmus+ or as a freemover. You can also do an internship abroad. In addition, selective mobility is possible via Eucor - The European Campus: KIT students can flexibly attend individual courses in addition to courses at KIT or study full-time for an entire semester or year at an Eucor partner university.

Additional information can be obtained from the contact persons responsible for stays abroad at the KIT Department or at the International Students Office.

The master’s degree program in Computational and Data Science opens up exciting career opportunities in a model- and data-driven world.

You can work in a variety of industries, including engineering, finance, and marketing.
As a computational scientist, risk modeler or machine learning engineer, you’ll be in high demand to develop and apply mathematical models, generate accurate predictions and analyze large volumes of data that deliver valuable insights.

The demand for skilled professionals in this field is growing constantly, offering you attractive salaries and diverse opportunities for professional development. You’ll 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 within companies.

With the right skills and a passion both for mathematical modelling and data, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful career in the field of computational and data science. Of course, with your master’s degree, you can also pursue a doctorate and possibly a career in academia.

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

• master’s orientation phase to support you the start of your studies
  
• an interdisciplinary mathematics program that combines computer science and an applied discipline from the natural sciences, engineering or business with mathematics
  
• extensive freedom of choice regarding course scope and module selection
  
• the applied discipline (SEE major) is studied directly at the respective KIT Department
  
• integrated hackathon as part of the degree program
  
• study abroad through EUCOR, EPICUR, ERASMUS+ or your Department’s overseas programs (if part of EPICUR)
  
• interdisciplinary master's thesis with cross-departmental supervision at a KIT Department in the chosen SEE subject; upon request, also possible at a company 
  
• support for academic planning provided by the Student Advisory Services and your academic advisor
  
• study rooms in the department building
  
• cafeteria in the department building
• library in the department building

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• 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
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• Lernraum app
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network
  

Admission requirements

The requirements for admisstion to the master's degree program in Computational and Data Science are based on the admission regulations:

• bachelor's degree abschluss
  a bachelor’s degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Computational and Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science (or a program with essentially the same content) or a bachelor’s program in the fields of Economics, Chemistry, Earth System Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Robotics at a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university. The degree program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the fields of
  • Fundamentals of Mathematics (Linear Algebra and Calculus or Advanced Mathematics) 20 CP
  • at least 40 CP from one area and at least 12 CP from each of the two remaining areas:
    • Applied Mathematics or Mathematics for Computational and Data Science
    • Computer Science
    • Natural Sciences, Engineering or Economics (specifically: 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).
• a bachelor's thesis (or a comparable independent academic paper) worth at least 6 CP

Hinweis: Fehlen Mindestleistungen im Umfang von bis zu 12 LP, kann die Zugangskommission eine Zulassung unter Vorbehalt aussprechen. In diesem Fall sind fehlende Leistungen innerhalb der ersten drei Semester des Masterstudiengangs nachzuholen (Auflagen). Es besteht kein Anspruch auf eine Zulassung unter Auflagen. Die Entscheidung liegt im Ermessen der Zugangskommission. 

Note: if a student is missing coursework totaling up to 12 CP, the admission commission may grant conditional admission. In this case, the missing coursework must be completed within the first three semesters of the master’s degree program (conditions). There is no guarantee of conditional admission. The decision is at the discretion of the admission commission.

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Computational and Data Science, you need sufficient knowledge of the English language. Your English language skills must correspond to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Important: you must provide proof of the required language skills regardless of your citizenship and by the end of the enrollment period at the latest, but preferably at the time of application.

In what form do I have to provide the language certificates? Please read the following chapters on this website carefully. If you have any further questions, please contact

• Students Office if you are applying as a German national or a person with German equivalent status
• the International Students Office if you are a non-EU national

Proof of sufficient knowledge of English

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

• your university entrance qualification, if
  • it certifies English language proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher or
  • it shows that you have studied English for at least five years up to graduation and your final grade or average grade of the last two years of English lessons corresponds to at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least 5 grade points or
• a university degree with English as the sole language of instruction and examination in the completed degree program - this must be clearly stated in the Diploma Supplement, Transcript of Records or in the degree certificate.

Otherwise, only the following English tests listed in the KIT admission and enrollment regulations are accepted as proof of English proficiency:

• TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with at least 90 points
• IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5, no section below 5.5
• TOEIC with at least 400 points in Listening, 385 in Reading, 160 in Speaking, 150 in Writing
• Cambridge Certificate C1 Advanced (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate C2 Proficiency (CPE)
• Cambridge Certificate B2 First (FCE)
• UNIcert, at least level II
• Pearson PTE Academic with at least 58.5 points overall and at least 56.8 in Listening, 60.6 in Reading, 53.5 in Speaking, 74.1 in Writing

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable B2 proof of English at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the B2 certificates listed above demonstrating your English language skills by the application deadline, you may still be admitted if you can provisionally demonstrate that you have already acquired English language skills.

But please don't forget: you will still have to submit the actual B2 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take one of the recognized language tests.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extension can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Students Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

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