Program overview
Digitalization is increasingly altering our lives today - our working lives, our leisure time, and our daily routines. Future generations will be operating in an environment even more influenced by IT than our own. The master’s program in Computer Science at TU Berlin equips graduates with the skills required to actively and consciously contribute in their professional lives to the shaping of this environment. The range of modules offered in the professionally oriented master’s program is particularly broad and addresses current and innovative issues of computer science, enabling students to focus on a wide range of areas of specialization. English is now not only the technical language but also very much the working language of IT. The Faculty has therefore decided to offer this master’s program in English to help students prepare for a career in an international environment in the age of globalization. Our international perspective also attracts many students from abroad, creating a cosmopolitan environment in which to study.
| Degree | Master of Science |
|---|---|
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Program start | Summer and winter semester |
| Admission | Open admission |
| Language of instruction | English |
Admission requirements
As for every other master’s degree program at TU Berlin, applicants to the Computer Science master’s program must possess a first university degree qualifying them for professional work. For the Computer Science program this should be a first university degree qualifying you for professional worktaken in a subject within the field of computer science or a closely related program. The minimum requirements are that a program contains the following elements:
A total of 36 credit points in the fundamentals of computer science, with
- 12 credit points in theoretical computer science,
- 12 credit points in computer engineeringor information technology,
- 12 credit points in methodological-practical computer science.
18 credit points in mathematics, with a minimum of 30 further credit points in computer science. The bachelor’s thesis may not be used to make up these 30 credit points.
Full details, including the subject-specific and language level requirements which you need to prove when applying, are available in the application regulations.
The master’s program is taught in English. Applicants are therefore required to provide proof of English skills at CEFR level B2. Please see here under "Proof of the level of English for master programs at Faculty IV" for a list of accepted proofs and certificates.
You can also find important information on the admission requirements on the program's website.
Program structure
The four-semester master’s program is made up of a main area, elective modules, and a master’s thesis. The program structure as well as the regulations regarding the selection of modules are laid out in the program’s study and examination regulations.
The advanced stages of the program equip you with knowledge concerning the methods and approaches involved in key areas of computer science as well as current technologies in this field. During the first three semesters you can choose compulsory elective modules from a number of study fields (currently in German) which you can combine to create a thematic focus. A study field combines modules offered by a number of chairs into a single area of thematic focus enabling students to specialize in a technical area and thus develop a professional profile.
You can choose from the following study fields:
- Data and software engineering
- Embedded systems
- Fundamentals of computer science
- Cognitive systems
- Media technology and human-machine interaction
- Distributed systems and networks
The elective component provides you the opportunity to learn about other issues, including socially relevant topics, by taking modules outside your subject area. You can choose from courses offered at TU Berlin as well as other universities with equal status in Germany or abroad. The fourth semester is reserved for writing your master’s thesis. Upon successful completion of the master’s degree you will be awarded a Master of Science, which is an internationally recognized higher degree qualifying you for professional work.
The Tracks system (currently in German) provides you with the option of a certified specialization in a particular field. A track is a recommended course schedule which groups together modules focusing on a specific thematic area or area of specialization. Upon successful completion of a track, you are awarded an additional qualification within the master’s program with a certificate issued by the Faculty.
There is also a proposed course schedule for the program in general which serves as a recommendation for students and helps clarify the structure of the master’s program. You can find the proposed course schedule in the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.
Study and examination regulations:
Content and modules
The master’s program is divided into individual modules, usually consisting of several thematically linked courses.
Modules often include a variety of different study and teaching formats, such as lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. Modules are assigned credit points (LP) reflecting the amount of time a student is required to invest to successfully complete a module. One credit point corresponds to thirty hours and a module can be spread over a maximum of two semesters. As a rule, it is necessary to pass an examination or an assessed assignment to successfully complete a module.
A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The module catalogue contains all available modules, with the exception of elective modules, which can be selected from the University's programs. Detailed module descriptions provide information on the content, learning outcomes, participation requirements, workload, assessment methods, and much more.
Questions concerning a specific module can be addressed to the module supervisor or the contact person listed in the module description.
Internships
You are not formally required to do an internship either before or during the program, but we recommend you do so. An internship enables you to gain an understanding of potential career areas. Doing an internship during your studies also helps you to build up networks with potential employers. However, credits are not awarded for internships completed during the program.
Stays abroad
You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of a semester abroad or internships. A stay abroad can easily be integrated into the program, though we recommend that you pursue this option in the third semester. You are, however, not required to complete a stay abroad.
General information regarding stays abroad can be obtained from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) and from the Career Service (internships abroad).
For details of subject-specific cooperative projects and general support concerning studying abroad, please contact the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science studying abroad section (currently in German). Staff are available to help you prepare for your stay abroad as well as provide support during your time abroad.
The degree offers you the chance to participate in a dual degree program. If you decide for this option, then your program will take place at two universities, TU Berlin and a partner university abroad, and you will be awarded two academic degrees upon successful completion of the program. As a rule, you can only apply for this option once you have been accepted by TU Berlin. Further information can be found at studying abroad.
Acquired skills
Building upon knowledge and skills gained in your bachelor’s program, the master’s degree allows you to develop expertise in the methods, approaches, and technologies of computer science. You deepen your technical knowledge and gain an insight into current research topics in the various fields involved, with seminars, projects, and the master’s thesis all very closely linked to the latest research work.
As a graduate of this program, you possess the core skills of computer science, such as the analysis, abstraction, and formal definition of problems as well as the computer-assisted implementation of solution strategies and the ability to apply these skills to solve specific problems, including the development of algorithms and programs in distributed, networked, and embedded systems, the analysis and manipulation of extremely large data quantities, and the modeling of fundamental aspects of information systems. You also have a thorough knowledge of sub-areas of computer science and are able to adapt existing methods.
However, you also acquire knowledge and skills beyond these technical fields: The program further equips you with the skills to make sense of complex ideas and to present and communicate these effectively, to conduct your work with social responsibility, to participate in interdisciplinary, multi-cultural teams as well as develop outstanding social and communication skills.
After successful completion of the program, you will receive the internationally recognized academic degree "Master of Science" (M. Sc.).
After your studies
Computer science is a wide-ranging profession in terms of the types of industries, company sizes and the specific professions you can work in. The master’s program, which is offered in English, reflects this diversity by preparing you for the quickly changing demands of an increasingly global employment market. As a graduate of the Computer Science master’s program, your professional specialization is developing solutions to problems. The vast majority of our graduates are involved in developing hardware and software systems for businesses, technology, healthcare and administration. The number of purely IT businesses has decreased with the rise of IT-related companies. By IT-related companies we mean manufacturers of technical products (automotive construction, machine construction) but also banks, insurance companies, trading companies, or administrative organizations. With their outstanding analytical and communication skills, university-educated computer scientists are also indispensable for consultancy businesses.
On the other hand, your scientific education particularly qualifies you for fields of activity in research and science, both in governmental institutions and in research departments of industry. Those who do not initially decide to enter the world of business directly can pursue further scientific qualification within the framework of a doctorate.
Another tipp: you could start your own business. Berlin is currently home to the most vibrant start-up scene in Europe. There are a number of institutes and facilities within the University offering you the chance to get some inspiration and to support you with setting up your own business. These include the award winning Career Service and the Centre for Entrpreneurship (CfE). The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science additionally has its own representative for business start ups to provide you with practical advice and to put you in touch with a valuable network.
Further information & downloads
Guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service
Questions about the degree program: Student Advisory Service
General questions: Student Info Services
Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs - Graduate Admissions
Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board (currently in German)
Study program's website
