Data Engineering and Analytics

The Department of Informatics of Technische Universität München (TUM) is one of the biggest and most renowned informatics departments in Germany. With more than 30 professors, students can find a competent contact partner for any subject related to computer science.
Handling and analysing very large amounts of data is an urgent problem in many areas of science and industry, one that requires novel approaches and techniques. The trend towards "Big Data" is caused by a host of developments. Firstly, the creation and storage of large data sets becomes feasible and economically viable, for example, due to price decreases in storage space, sensors, smart devices, social networks, and other factors. Secondly, technical advances, for example, in multi-core systems and cloud computing, make it possible to examine data sets on a large scale. And thirdly, such amounts of data not only have their origin in the "classical" domains like business data, but are now created in many areas of life. Consider vehicles that create sensor data and share information via intelligent networking, or consider data that is created by intelligent energy grids.
The Master's programme Data Engineering and Analytics steps up to these developments and provides an education that on the one hand enables graduates to design and plan industry grade solutions in the area of Big Data and on the other hand creates a solid starting point for ventures into research.

The programme is divided into three areas of study: Data Analysis, Data Engineering and Analytics, and Data Engineering.

• Data Analysis is concerned with fundamentals of understanding and modelling data and the underlying relationships therein. It is also concerned with topics that require solid mathematical foundations, including the following: Fundamentals of Convex Optimisation, Computational Statistics, and more.
• Data Engineering consists of lectures about the construction of systems that perform efficient and scalable data processing, thus enable the methods of data analysis on large data sets. This are of study also contains lectures about distributes systems, distributed databases, query optimisation, database systems on modern CPU architectures and high performance computing. The curriculum comprises mandatory courses on Data Analysis and Data Engineering.
• Data Engineering and Analytics offers lectures about machine learning, business analytics, computer vision, and scientific visualisation.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme in Data Engineering and Analytics is a two-year programme divided into four semesters.
Although it has a strong focus on the management (acquiring, storing, retrieving, sharing, analysing, visualising) of very big data, it is nevertheless a quite flexible programme that allows you to structure your studies towards your preferred sub-areas of interest.
You will attend lectures, practical courses, and seminars, and you will carry out research.
The curriculum also includes aspects of the social and ethical impact of managing big data, both within the technical courses and also in specialised support electives.
The Master's thesis is written in the fourth semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

It is possible to spend one or two semesters at one of our partner universities or to take intensive courses at 21 European partner universities within the framework of the ATHENS programme (Advanced Technology Higher Education Network Socrates).

Internships

• Not mandatory, but good possibilities during lecture-free periods
• Career service offered
• Support for business creation offered

Forms of assessment

Assignments during the semester, exams at the end of the semester

Course objectives

A Master's degree in Data Engineering and Analytics from TUM will enable you to work in executive positions in industry and will qualify you for a career in research (PhD).

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills by taking one of the following tests:
TOEFL: iBT 88; CBT 234; PBT 605
IELTS: 6.5 (Academic Module)
Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in informatics/computer science or in mathematics with a minor in informatics (or equivalent).
Applicants must provide a letter of motivation and an essay and may be invited for a selection interview by telephone.
GRE or Gate Test for applicants with a degree from Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, or Pakistan
For further information, see: http://www.in.tum.de/en/for-prospective-students/apply-for-admission/masters-programs.html

Enrolment fees

Approx. 115 EUR per semester
The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Munich.

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Munich, we recommend a budget of at least 800 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

There are various job opportunities as teaching and research assistants at the university.
Munich is also a very good place to find internships and jobs at software companies.

Arrival support

TUM's International Center offers a special programme tailored for international students, TUMinternational (TUMi). The TUMi programme provides help and advice for new students as well as a cultural programme with events scheduled both prior to and during the academic periods.
The service desk of the Student Service Center is the first contact point for international students. We are here to help you with issues such as applications, enrolment, student ID cards, etc. Furthermore, we offer various three- to six-week summer schools combining academics with a rich menu of educational and social activities as a foretaste of university life. For international students who have been admitted to a degree programme, the Student Service Center offers a four-week pre-study course designed to help you get started at the TUM. Students new to TUM are invited to the service fair "Fit for TUM", which takes place before the semester officially starts, to get an overview of the various offerings of support services at TUM. See: http://www.tum.de/en/studies/international-students/.
Learning German: While the language of instruction for many of TUM's postgraduate programmes is English, learning German and thus being able to participate in daily German life at a deeper level enriches the experience of studying and living in Munich. TUM's Language Centre offers language classes for students at all levels, both prior to and during the semester: See: http://www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/startseite/.

Services and support for international students

Support for international students at TUM:
http://www.tum.de/en/studies/internationale-studierende/living-in-munich/

International student adviser at the department:
http://www.in.tum.de/en/international-affairs/international-degree-students.html

The department's "International Café" hosts regular events:
http://www.in.tum.de/en/current-students/student-life/international-events.html

The department's mentoring programme matches incoming international students withvcurrent TUM students:
http://www.in.tum.de/en/current-students/student-life/minga-international-student-mentor-program.html

Accommodation

It is not easy to find a place to live in Munich - but it is not impossible either! TUM supports students and employees in their search for accommodation, providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own. See: http://www.tum.de/en/university-life/accommodations/.
With high rents and not enough rooms in halls of residence, the Munich rental market is one of the most competitive in Germany - especially for students. The city boasts over 1.4 million inhabitants, with more people moving to Munich every year - many of them attracted by the excellent study opportunities that Munich has to offer.
Student halls of residence usually offer affordable accommodation for students. The Munich Student Union runs most of these halls of residence. For more information, see: http://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de