Simulation Sciences

The Master's programme Simulation Sciences consists of mandatory and elective courses.
In the mandatory courses, students will obtain basic knowledge which will enable them to work on problems in the field of simulation sciences and their applications. To effectively prepare them for research work, students have the choice to focus on simulations in engineering or simulations in physics after the first semester.
The elective courses contain modules from mathematics, computer science, engineering, and the natural sciences. By individually selecting elective courses, the student - with the help of a supervisor - determines the main focus of her/his curriculum; this might be methods-oriented, expert-oriented in a certain field or interdisciplinary.
Elective courses can be chosen from the following fields: energy/process/control/biomedical/production/communication engineering, fluid/structural mechanics, materials/computer science, physics, chemistry, geoscience, mathematics.

Educational organisation

Semester 1

• Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
• From Molecular to Continuum Physics I
• Data Analysis and Visualisation
• Parallel Programming I
• Applied Quantum Mechanics

(30 CP in total)

Semester 2

• Fast Iterative Solvers
• Parallel Computing in Simulation Sciences
• From Molecular to Continuum Physics II OR Computational Many-Body Theory
• Model-Based Estimation Methods OR Quantum Theory of Materials

(20 CP in total)

• elective courses

(10 CP in total)

Semester 3

• Simulation Sciences Laboratory (6 CP)
• elective courses (24 CP in total)

Semester 4

• Master's thesis and colloquium (30 CP)

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examinations are generally planned. The Master's thesis is a written document. The topic will be presented in a colloquium.

Course objectives

This Master's programme is meant to impart knowledge, principles, concepts and methods of simulation sciences (e.g. numerical analysis). Future degree holders will be in a position to work on tasks in various application fields in natural and engineering sciences which require high-performance computing.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills (e.g. TOEFL 90 Internet-based or 577 paper-based, IELTS 5.5, Cambridge Test - Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)).

Academic requirements

A prerequisite for admission is a first university degree that documents the necessary academic background.
The Master's programme in Simulation Sciences is targeted at excellent graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering or natural sciences as well as mathematics or computer sciences who wish to specialise in simulation sciences.
Knowledge of the following fields will be assessed:
Basic principles of mechanical or electrical engineering, basic mathematical and physical principles, scientific knowledge of chemistry or physics, basic principles of computer science, basic principles of simulation techniques, and knowledge in one or more fields of application.
Furthermore, sequential programming knowledge is required, in particular in imperative languages such as C or Fortran.
Sufficient English skills are required.
The excellent qualification of the applicant must be confirmed by two references.

---

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

There is no application fee at RWTH Aachen University. All students are subject to a student service fee of currently approx. 240 EUR per semester.

Costs of living

The average cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 700-900 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

International students may take up work in the private sector during the semester or the semester break for up to three months without having obtained a work permit. Students thus may take up full-time work for 120 days or part-time positions (up to four hours per day) for 240 days. This regulation is also stated on the residence permit. During the semester, students are allowed to take up jobs with working hours of up to 19 hours a week. During the semester break, students may work full-time but only for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks.
Student assistants are more flexible as regards working hours as the 120/240 full and part-time regulations do not apply. As a student assistant, you are allowed to work up to 19 hours per week throughout the year.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships from various organisations is available to help students finance their studies. Please see the following website for a list of exchange programmes, scholarships, and grants, together with their specific application requirements and conditions, and/or contact the International Office directly for advice and assistance.
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/scholarships

Arrival support

The German Research School for Simulation Sciences will assist you upon arrival and encourages other Master's students to help you settle in.
The International Office Info Service Center provides information and services for international students and visiting scientists at RWTH Aachen University upon their arrival in Aachen. RWTH Aachen University considers the integration of international visiting scientists and students an important task and, in order to reach this goal, offers the following assistance for international students and scientists:

• accommodation information
• assisting students during admission procedures
• registering your address with local authorities
• opening a bank account
• insurance matters
• locating pertinent university and city offices
• tips for finding a job in Aachen

These services are offered to students during the orientation phase at the beginning of each semester. The Info Service Center offers a social programme called "Leisure and Pleasure" and publishes a monthly newsletter for international students and scientists.

Services and support for international students

A dedicated service team will provide you with support.
The university offers German language course (starting in August), intensive course guidance and counselling, sports and social activities.
See "Arrival Support".

Accommodation

Availability of university accommodation in Aachen is limited. Thus, participation in individual allocation procedures is usually required. Because of the high demand for university accommodation, it may be necessary to resort to the private accommodation market.
As apartments for families and couples are particularly high in demand, applicants interested in this type of accommodation will almost definitely need to draw on the private market. The majority of RWTH Aachen University's students rely on the private accommodation market.
There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen; the International Office can provide students with information before or upon their arrival.
Prices for university accommodation vary between 200 EUR and 330 EUR per month, and accommodation on the private market is priced between 290 EUR and 550 EUR per month, depending on the size and the number of rooms.
For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels, a few youth hostels and a boarding house located in and around Aachen (reservation is recommended).