Program structure

A characteristic feature of the master's degree course in Computer Science is that there are no compulsory courses, but rather a high degree of freedom of choice throughout the program. The modules of the master's degree program are core modules, specialization modules, complementary subject modules and interdisciplinary modules. All core modules and specialization modules can be assigned to either a specialization subject or an elective subject. The specialization modules include all English-language advanced courses offered by the KIT-Department of Informatics as well as some German-language courses. This also includes seminars and internships.

Two specialization subjects are chosen. Specialization subjects can be

• Theoretical Foundations
• Algorithm Engineering
• Cryptography and Security
• System Architecture
• Parallel Computing
• Design of Embedded Systems and Computer Architectures
• Telematics
• Robotics and Automation
• Anthropomatics and Cognitive Systems

Core modules teach advanced fundamentals from very specific areas of computer science. Four core modules must be taken. The following core modules are available:

• Algorithms II
• Computer Graphics
• Formal Systems
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Machine Interaction
• Computer Structures
• Robotics I - Introduction to Robotics
• IT Security
• Software Engineering II
• Telematics

The complementary subject prepares you in the best possible way for a possible professional application by acquiring knowledge from a subject area outside of computer science. Possible complementary subjects are

• Mathematics
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Business Economics
• Economics
• Biologically Inspired Robotics

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.

After completing the English-language master's degree in Computer Science, you will be able to work flexibly on the international job market. During your master's degree, you will acquire strong analytical skills and a highly structured approach to complex issues. The knowledge you acquire during your studies will provide you with a broad foundation for working in a wide range of specialist areas and sectors - in industry as well as in the service sector. With your master's degree or doctorate, you will also be in demand in (interdisciplinary) research or on the management floors of national and international companies. By acquiring one of the nine master's profiles on offer, you can underline your specialization and thus become even more attractive to companies in the high-tech sector. You will have top-class expertise in highly topical subjects such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, robotics, IT security, big data and much more. Last but not least, you can start your own business with a creative business idea. KIT will support you in this.

Characteristics features of Computer Science M.Sc. at KIT

• variable subject sizes allow you to concentrate on individual specializations or a broad-based course of study
  

• master's thesis possible at another KIT-Department or in cooperation with companies
  

• additional certificates from different study profiles possible
  

• in addition to English-language courses, you can also choose German-language courses during your studies, which may provide you with additional language skills
  

• integration into the Eucor university network enables you to integrate course content from other universities into your studies
  

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 admission to the master's degree program in Computer Science are based on the current admission regulations:

• bachelor's degree
  A bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Computer Science (or a degree program with essentially the same content) from a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university. The program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements
  You must provide evidence of minimum achievements in the following areas from your bachelor's degree or other degree programs:
  • Theoretical Computer Science: 15 credit points
  • Practical Computer Science: 30 credit points
  • Computer Engineering: 8 credit points
  • Mathematics: 25 credit points

If you do not meet the above requirements, you can still be enrolled in the master's degree program in Computer Science if you are one of the top 10 percent of graduates in your year and successfully take part in an aptitude interview. A prerequisite for participation is that your proven knowledge and achievements must not fall below the following requirements in three of the four areas mentioned:

• Theoretical Computer Science: 15 credit points
• Practical Computer Science: 20 credit points
• Computer Engineering: 6 credit points
• Mathematics: 20 credit points

The selection interview can be conducted online (Zoom) in exceptional cases and within the scope of the available slots.

The allocation of modules to the above-mentioned subject areas is generally carried out by the selection commission. If you need advice on making up credits, please contact the KIT Student Advisory Services (ZSB) first.

Language requirements and certificates

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

Proof of sufficient English language skills

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

• your Abitur certificate, if you have taken English for at least five years up to graduation and your final or average grade of the last two years of English lessons corresponds to at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least 5 points or
• a degree from a university with English as the sole language of instruction and examination, whereby English must be the only and official language of the completed degree program noted in the diploma supplement, the transcript of records or the degree certificate
  

Otherwise, only the internationally recognized English tests listed in the KIT admission and enrollment regulations are accepted as proof. These are

• Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with at least 90 points in the internet-based test or

• IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no section below 5.5 or

• University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or

• University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or

• UNIcert at least level II

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.

There are 100 places available each year. These are allocated on the basis of a ranking list of applicants who meet the admission requirements. The ranking list is based on a maximum of 190 achievable points. Your place on the ranking list in the selection process is determined by the sum of the following achievements:

• a maximum of 70 points will be awarded for the overall grade of the final academic examination.
  
• in addition:
  • up to 20 points for credit points from Theoretical Computer Science
  • up to 50 points for credit points from Practical Computer Science
  • up to 10 points for achievements in Computer Engineering and
  • up to 40 points for achievements in Mathematics
    

The admission and selection commission decides on the allocation and equivalence of the achievements as part of the selection procedure.

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