Web Science

The objective of Web Science is to understand how the Web evolves and to understand how we can make the Web into a better tool for our individual needs, for society, and for our organisations. For this purpose, we look at the Web from an interdisciplinary perspective. We need

• computer science to understand how it is built, how to improve its engineering and how to search and analyse it
• social science to understand how the Web influences social groups and society as a whole - for better or worse
• economics to understand the incentives on which the Web is built, including rewards such as money and/or reputation
• studies of law to understand how legal constraints shape the Web or to understand how new laws should help us to leverage the Web of the future
• linguistics, semiotics, and communication studies to understand the content we find on the Web and the communication led by its participants
• mathematics as a language to provide concise models for all of the above, for describing interesting patterns of how the Web evolves and for making predictions about the future behaviour of individuals, of groups or of the Web as a whole

Educational organisation

The Web Science curriculum at the University of Koblenz-Landau is the first of its kind at a German university. It places a strong emphasis on computer science, but builds bridges especially to economics and the social sciences. The study elements split up between the various disciplines are as follows:
Interdisciplinary foundations of the Web crossing between computer science, mathematics, social science and economics: 12%
Computer science: 30%
Elective courses in economics, social science, linguistics, etc.: 20%
Seminars, research work and Master's thesis in any of the above subjects: 38%

Study abroad unit(s)

The Institute WeST - Web Science & Technologies - is a founding member of the Web Science Trust Network of research labs, which includes prestigious labs in the USA (MIT, USC, etc.), Brazil, Korea, China and several European countries (Oxford/UK, Southampton/UK, Galway/Ireland, etc.). You may benefit by completing parts of your studies at one of these partner institutions.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, course achievements, research work, Master's thesis and colloquium

Course objectives

Graduates from Institute WeST have found lucrative positions at Google, Ernst & Young, Software AG or Bosch, to name but a few companies, or they have started their own companies (e.g. Kreuzverweis, Alperion), or they have continued with a PhD abroad or in Koblenz. Institute WeST has a limited number of places available each year for candidates to pursue a PhD in computer science with a focus on Web Science. Admission to the doctoral programme is possible with an excellent Master's degree in Web Science or computer science or in a closely related discipline. If you excel in earning a Master's degree in Web Science, you will be in pole position for embarking on your doctoral studies.

Language requirements

English language skills at level B2, demonstrated by

• a TOEFL result of 550 (paper-based)/213 (computer-based)/79-80 (Internet-based)
• IELTS 6.5 points

or higher are mandatory
For daily life we recommend that you learn some basic German. Attendance at a German class may be required in order to obtain a visa.
Please find some additional tips at http://www.study-in-germany.de about language courses at the Goethe-Institut or free online courses offered by "Deutsche Welle".

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computational visualistics or business informatics or any Bachelor's degree with computer science as a minor (minimum of 60 ECTS)

Enrolment fees

Currently approx. 214 EUR per semester, covering contributions to the student body, the student union, and local public transport

Costs of living

We estimate that you need around 600-800 EUR per month for rent, food, books, clothes, phone, health insurance, semester contribution, and recreational activities.

Job opportunities

A limited number of jobs are available at the university (i.e. as study assistants). Students who speak good German can also find part-time jobs outside the university.
Please note: Due to the intensive nature of the programme, students might find it difficult to work while studying.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university has a limited number of scholarships to support excellent international students in our international Master's programmes during their first semester. The scholarship covers 400 EUR per month during the first semester at the University of Koblenz-Landau.
http://www.uni-koblenz-landau.de/en/international-en/incomings/scholarship/weco-scholarship

Arrival support

Prior to their arrival, international students are already in contact with the Welcome Center and the programme adviser.
The student body offers an orientation week. In addition, buddies assist international students with administrative matters and help them to settle in and feel comfortable at the university.

Services and support for international students

The Welcome Center on campus is the main point of contact for students regarding administrative matters. Intensive support is also provided by the advisory service, lecturers, and professors of the Master's programmes.
Buddies (older or graduate students) are paired with incoming students and offer support in everyday situations.
Furthermore, due to the small number of students, direct contact and communication between students of different semesters is easy.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in student residences or on the private housing market. A certain number of rooms in student residences is reserved for incoming international students.
Students can contact the Welcome Center of the university for further information on the application process or the search for private housing.
E-mail: welcome@uni-koblenz-landau.de