Computer Science

The accredited, internationally oriented Master's programme in Computer Science is a two-year programme that has been designed for highly qualified international and German graduate students.
The programme is intended for students holding a Bachelor's degree in computer science, informatics, computer engineering, information technology, or similar. The aim of the programme is to develop both practical and theoretical skills. Mathematical analyses and proofs play an important part in the curriculum. Also, true mastery of the practical sides of computer science requires mastery of its theoretical foundations. A profound knowledge in theoretical computer science (formal languages, automata theory) is therefore one of the most important prerequisites for admission. Applicants who do not fulfil this requirement might be asked to participate in the bridging course in theoretical computer science.
Apart from that, the curriculum is very flexible. The students can choose to specialise in cyber-physical systems, information systems or cognitive technical systems. In each of these specialisation areas, several courses, seminars and projects are offered every semester. The large variety of elective courses gives students the opportunity to shape their individual profile while building the basis for a successful international career, whether in academia or in industry.
Although a few elective courses are held in German, the Master's programme can be studied without any German language skills.

Educational organisation

The curriculum
First of all, students have to choose one or two key courses. Key courses are courses which introduce the students to the research areas represented at the Department of Computer Science. The following key courses are offered:

• Algorithm Theory
• Pattern Recognition
• Databases and Information Systems
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture

After that, students can specialise in one of the following three areas:

• Cyber-Physical Systems
• Information Systems
• Cognitive Technical Systems

Here are some examples of subjects offered in the three specialisation areas:
Cyber-Physical Systems:

• Cyber-Physical Systems - Discrete Models
• Cyber-Physical Systems - Hybrid Control
• Real-Time Operation Systems and Reliability
• Verification of Embedded Systems
• Test and Reliability
• Decision Procedures
• Software Design, Modelling and Analysis in UML
• Formal Methods for Java
• Concurrency: Theory and Practice
• Compiler Construction
• Distributed Systems
• Constraint Satisfaction Problems
• Static Programme Analysis
• Functional Programming

Information Systems:

• Information Retrieval
• Distributed Systems
• Data Models and Query Languages
• Distributed Storage
• Software Design, Modelling and Analysis in UML
• Security in Large-Scale Distributed Enterprises
• Machine Learning
• Efficient Route Planning
• Bioinformatics I and II
• RNA Bioinformatics
• Randomised Algorithms
• Network Algorithms
• Game Theory
• Knowledge Representation

Cognitive Technical Systems:

• Computer Vision I and II
• Statistical Pattern Recognition
• Mobile Robotics I and II
• Human-oriented Robotics
• Simulation in Computer Graphics
• Advanced Computer Graphics
• AI Planning
• Game Theory
• Knowledge Representation
• Constraint Satisfaction Problems
• Reinforcement Learning
• Machine Learning
• Multiagent Systems
• Statistical Pattern Recognition

We believe that it is important for computer science students to acquire basic knowledge in a field in which they might work after graduation. Therefore, our students have the opportunity to complete several courses and/or a project in one of the following application areas:

• bioinformatics
• biology
• economics
• microsystems engineering

In the last semester, students work on their Master's thesis. The topic is usually part of a current research project of one of our professors. Thus, students will be directly involved in cutting-edge research activities.

Forms of assessment

Most of the courses are assessed by written or oral exams. Some require submission and presentation of a paper or of a piece of project work.

Course objectives

The goal of the programme is to teach the theoretical and practical skills needed to develop computer-based solutions to a given problem. To do so, it is more important to understand how programming languages work than to learn to apply as many programming languages as possible. In this sense, our programme is rather method-oriented and research-oriented than application-oriented.

Language requirements

English proficiency: TOEFL 100 (internet-based), IELTS 7.0, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

Academic requirements

All applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in computer science or in a closely related field with an excellent CGPA or final grade.
To apply, please register for the online application portal on the website, enter your data, and send the printed PDF form by mail along with the following documents:

• a certified and (if necessary) translated copy (German or English) of your undergraduate diploma. If you have not yet completed your undergraduate studies, a certified transcript of records is sufficient.
• a certified and (if necessary) translated copy (German or English) of your grade transcript showing all courses taken and marks obtained, as well as the current average grade
• a certified and (if necessary) translated copy of your higher secondary certificate
• proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate)
• GRE test (strongly recommended)
• curriculum vitae or résumé
• APS certificate (for Chinese and Vietnamese applicants only)

All materials submitted must be in English. All original documents that are not in English or German must be accompanied by an authenticated English or German translation. Please note that only hard copy (paper) applications will be accepted; electronic or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester, including student fee, administration fee, and contribution to student representation

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

Outstanding students may easily find opportunities for research and teaching assistantships within the Department of Computer Science.

Funding opportunities within the university

Each year, the Faculty of Engineering offers performance-based, partial scholarships of 2,400 EUR per year to five of the best applicants for the Master's programmes.
http://www.tf.uni-freiburg.de/studies/services/financialaid/crs-en

Arrival support

Orientation week
The orientation week helps new Master's students to find their way around the campus and local surroundings. Tutors accompany students to the immigration office and help them with all administrative matters. Guided tours of the campus and other important facilities are also offered.
Programme coordinator:
Once you have applied to the programme, the coordinator will get in touch with you to help you prepare for your stay in Germany, find accommodation, register at the university and find answers to any questions you may have.

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at the University of Freiburg for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de/wohnen-en).