Description

Contents

This programme focuses on the design and implementation of complex software systems, including their embedding in technical and socio-technical systems. The design of the programme takes full advantage of the environment offered at RWTH as one of the leading universities of technology in Europe.

A student will achieve knowledge in both theoretical and practical computer science, which will allow one to adapt quickly to the changes in this constantly evolving field. In addition, the student will gain the ability to understand the depth and inter-disciplinary skills needed by taking courses and writing a thesis in an area of specialisation. This programme consists of a core curriculum and an area of specialisation.

The core curriculum spans both

Theoretical Computer Science:

* Complexity Theory, Logic,
* Theory of Parallel Processes,
* Compiler Construction and

Practical Computer Science:

* Programming Languages,
* Communication and Distributed Systems,
* Information Systems,
* Artificial Intelligence,
* Speech and Image Processing.

The student is required to cover both subfields, which typically means taking three courses in each of the two subfields. In addition, a mandatory course on the management of large software system engineering projects is also required.

The area of specialisation, which consists of courses combined with a seminar and a master thesis, can be one of the following:

* formal systems engineering,
* software engineering,
* high-performance computing,
* distributed systems engineering,
* information systems engineering,
* or embedded/intelligent system engineering.

Other specialisation, in co-operation with disciplines such as Biology, Medicine, and Engineering, can be arranged. The master thesis typically occupies the final six months of the programme and can be written in industry or at the university.

The course contents will be structured according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Each student will be assigned a professor from the Computer Science Department as a personal mentor. Students are required to take at least three courses in Theoretical and Practical Computer Science as well as the area of specialisation.

Requirements

A candidate should have a recognised first degree (Bachelor of Science or Engineering) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or other closely related discipline, awarded by an internationally recognised university-level institution. Candidates should have also performed above average in their undergraduate studies. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is also strongly recommended.

For English-taught programmes candidates must be able to speak and write fluently in English (TOEFL 550 paper-based /213 computer-based or IELTS 6.0). English-speaking students attend a basic German language course that will start in August, two months prior to the beginning of the master programme.

Special Entrance Requirement

The candidate should have a substantial background in computer science and mathematics. Typically this would include courses in the following areas:

Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics and Logic, Probability Theory, Fundamentals of Computer Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Analysis of Algorithms, Programming Languages, Computability and Complexity Theory.

In addition, an applicant should have at least two advanced undergraduate courses on specialised topics such as Distributed Systems, Information Systems, Operating Systems, and Compilers.