We offer an excellent Master’s program in computer science in a world-leading research institute. With currently 1300 students enrolled in our computer science degree program and a scientific staff of 25 professors, the university provides an attractive environment for your studies, based upon a close cooperation of students and teaching staff. The Department of Computer Science regularly acquires top ranks in Germany and has developed a high international reputation.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Paderborn University or in an equivalent or comparable degree program at another university with a final grade of 3.0 or better.
Academic Prerequisits
The degree must have
Language Prerequisits
English language skills, proven by certificates or other documents , showing proof of
International students
A foreign student applicant who is not treated as a German student by or on the basis of international treaties must prove his/her eligibility to study by one of the following means:
Applicants with a German university entrance qualification are exempt from providing proof of eligibility to study.
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
International applicants can find all relevant information on the pages of the International Office and on this page under "Contact - Application and Enrollment of international students".
Please check the admission requirements in advance and also consult our departmental website.
The Master program is a consecutive continuation of the Bachelor program. Based on their undergraduate experience the students earn additional formal, algorithmic, and mathematical competences as they
During the master study program the students acquire competences on methods and project management, which enable them to
Based on this program, the Master students are in the end able to work in high-level professional positions, as well as continue their qualification with a PhD dissertation.
All modules of the Master Degree Program are assigned to one or more Focus Areas. There are 5 following Focus Areas:
One of the Focus Areas is to be selected as the “Specialisation Area”. All in all, eight compulsory elective modules (each 6 credit points) of the Focus Areas have to be successfully completed, in doing so, three modules must be completed in the Specialisation Area and modules of at least two different Focus Areas must be completed. Otherwise, there are no restrictions for the eight modules of the Focus Areas. These soft rules allow the student´s to build up their area of expertise rather freely from the modules. Highly specialised studies as well as a broad education are possible.
The Project group (20 credit points), which stretches over two semesters and is occupied by 8 – 16 students, is of particular importance. Over a period of one year, the group works as a self-organised team on a project, which is typically connected to a current research topic of the project team operator. By this, team-orientated working methods, which are common in the professional life are learned and practised.
Furthermore, there are two seminar modules (each 5 credit points) and the Master´s Thesis with 30 credits, which takes up a time frame of about one semester.
Are you planning to study in our Master program in Computer Science? Or did you already apply or have even already been accepted? Then this live stream is for you! We try to give useful information here and you can ask your questions – we'll do our best to answer them or tell you where to find answers. Which requirements do I need to meet to qualify? What about the language, do I need to know German? What does the Master program look like? Which areas can I specialize in? What is a seminar, and what is a project group? These might be some of the questions we can discuss here. However, you will be asking – and maybe your questions are totally different ones. We'll give our best to provide the answers.
The Department of Computer Science has a number of exchange programmes with foreign universities (among others in the US, Australia, Chine and India). We will also be happy to support you in organising your own stay abroad.
Further information:
Institutsseite zu Auslandskontakten
International Office
With a Master's degree in Computer Science you will have excellent career prospects. Computer scientists work in areas as diverse as embedded systems, medicine or multimedia. Team-oriented work with partners from all over the world is a characteristic of today's computer science jobs. With our Master's program you will acquire skills that are highly valued in industry. Our program also provides a solid foundation for research work, later culminating in a PhD degree. Paderborn offers numerous opportunities for jobs both in the IT sector and in the engineering industry in international companies.
With a master degree in computer science you will have multiple options for your career within the IT-industry as well as in alternative areas (e.g. public administration, insurances, banks, commercial business). Possible occupational areas include:
Throughout the course of your degree, you may have some questions regarding vocational guidance and goal-setting. As the gateway between university and working life, the Career Service is on hand to answer all your career planning questions. Want to find out about potential careers, forge contacts with employers, identify your personal strengths and interests or clarify specific questions about starting out in a given career? Then make sure that you take advantage of the university’s comprehensive range of talks and workshops, practical projects, job and career portal and vocational preparation certificate upb+.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
On completion of your degree, you can also choose to continue your studies with a PhD programme, thereby gaining the experience and qualifications you’ll need to subsequently take up a research position at a university or non-university research institution.
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
Stay up to date?
Social media
https://www.instagram.com/einblick_mentoring_perspektive
https://www.facebook.com/EinblickMentoringPerspektive
Contact us at any time: perspektivem@eim.upb.de
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
To make the best of your start at the University of Paderborn we offer the Orientation Days (also called "O-Phase"), which takes place before the lecture period starts. Here, you will get the necessary support to be able to orient yourself at the University and in your studies. Take the time to participate actively in the offered events to have all the necessary tools for a good start into your studies!
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
Campus life
There’s far more to studying at Paderborn University than just your degree course. Those thirsty for knowledge, those seeking discussion and debate and all those looking for something new can, for example, benefit from the opportunity to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills at the university’s Centre for Language Studies or brush up their software skills on a doIT course. IMT:Media offers dedicated media workstations on which you can give your creativity free reign, while the university’s wide and varied sports programme ranges from Aikido to Zumba. Or why not get involved with the university’s radio station L’UniCo or its “universal” magazine or join one of our multitude of project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular programme of plays and shows performed by our University Drama Group, poetry slams and readings, our big band and university choir are just a few examples of the diverse cultural activities and events on offer at Paderborn University. One particular highlight is our AStA (German General Students’ Committee) summer festival: Up to 15,000 people each year attend what is probably Germany’s largest outdoor campus festival, to enjoy the summer party vibes to the beats of a host of local student bands, plus well-known headliners on a number of stages.
Campus
Almost all of Paderborn University’s buildings are located on campus, with ample green spaces for relaxing and plenty of places to eat: “Mensa Academica”, “Mensa Forum”, “Grill | Café” and “Caféte”, as well as “Lädchen”, our small campus kiosk. Everything is within easy reach, within just a short walking distance. Our library is also centrally located, and a great place to study, thanks to its handy opening hours.
Accommodation
If you’d like to live on or close to campus, you can apply to Paderborn University’s Student Union for a place in university accommodation. You can also find private accommodation to rent, both near the university and city centre and in Paderborn’s various residential areas though the usual housing portals.
Finance
Students who need or wish to work alongside their degree should easily be able to fit a part-time job around their studies. A scholarship or BAföG federal student grant or loan are further options to help you fund your course and living expenses.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every question and concern. Our advice and service centres, for example, are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your academic or research work, applying for your dream job, funding options and much more.
Our university is a cosmopolitan university, with a clear gender and diversity policy. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender and family-friendly work and study culture for a number of years now. This includes helping students achieve a better study-life balance and supporting students with health issues.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Students Council Mathematics/Computer Science/Informatics
Registrar’s Office
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Examination Office
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.