Examination Modules

The Master's programme in Computer Science consists of a total of 120 credits and, according to the current examination regulations for 2018, comprises the following assessment areas:
 

• Theoretical Computer Science (at least 5 credits)
• Practical Computer Science (at least 5 credits)
• Technical Computer Science (at least 5 credits)
• Elective Area (from theoretical, practical, and technical computer science: 61 credits)
• Seminar (4 credits, exactly one seminar)
• Scientific Project Work (10 credits, exactly one project module)
• Master's Thesis (30 credits)

Core Structure
 

Specialisations in Computer Science
 

Research and Projects
 

1. Semester

2. Semester

3. Semester

4. Semester

Admission is possible for students with B.Sc. in Computer Science that is equivalent to the one issued by University of Augsburg.

The decision on the equivalence is made by the admission committee based on the materials submitted with the application. As a guideline, other degrees need to cover all competences taught by a typical Computer Science degree at a German university, including but not limited to practical, technical and theoretical aspects of Computer Science and the necessary foundations in Mathematics and Logic. Students need to understand the formal foundations and be able to validate their work against them; a purely application-oriented approach is not sufficient.

Degrees that are not Computer Science do typically not contain all the requirements. If the previous degree combines Computer Science with an application domain, the difference to a full Computer Science degree needs to covered before applying.

• At least 77 % of the required credit points of your B.Sc. programme completed
• All Requirements on language and knowledge are covered
• The overall grade is sufficient when treating all missing credits as the worst possible passing grade

The programme can be begun in both winter and summer terms; the regular deadlines are August 10th and February 15th. Due to visa issues, we strongly encourage non-EU citizens to apply well ahead of the deadline (suggested: May 1st for winter, December 1st for summer). Early admission is granted to allow sufficient time for visa processing. 

To help make the start of your studies as smooth as possible, we've gathered all essential information for new Computer Science students in one place:
Here, you'll find everything you need for a successful beginning to your academic journey.

Course Catalogue

All the courses offered in the current semester, including lecturers, rooms, and times, can be found in Digicampus. These are also compiled here in accordance with your degree programme and examination regulations.

At the turn of the semester, the courses for the following semester are usually available around four weeks before the start of term.

Timetables

For the compulsory and core courses of the degree programme, the faculty prepares a timetable, which also includes some elective courses. Please note that there is no distinction made between different examination regulations.

→ Timetables

Exam Schedule

The faculty maintains a central exam schedule, where lecturers register the exams. You will also find links to the exam schedules of other faculties, such as for minor subjects or interdisciplinary degree programmes.

→ Exam Schedule - Institute of Computer Science

Exam dates for the Institute of Computer Science are listed here.

For most examination-related issues, the → Examinations Office is your primary point of contact, including:
 

• Problems with exam registration in "Studis"
• Registration of final theses
• Issuance of certificates and transcripts

→ FAQs from the Examinations Office
 

For more complex issues, the → Examination Board is responsible. Applications are also submitted through the Examinations Office. Common topics include:
 

• Deadline extensions (e.g., for "Orientierungsprüfung", overall study time, final theses)
• Compensation for disadvantages
• Recognition of prior study and examination achievements

Examination Regulations

The examination regulations establish the guidelines for the degree programme, such as:
 

• Scope and content of module groups
• Mandatory and optional courses within the module groups
• Scope of examinations
• Deadlines, such as for orientation exams or the maximum duration of study
• Types and progression of examinations

Examination regulations are divided by area of application and build on each other. Over time, the examination regulations are modified to develop the degree programme further. The version that applies to you is the one in force at the time of your enrolment in its consolidated form. You can check this information in the "Studis" system.

→ Subject-specific Examination Regulations MSc Computer Science (all valid regulations)

→ Faculty Examination Regulations of the Faculty of Informatics
→ General Examination Regulations of the University of Augsburg

 

Module Handbook

The module handbook lists a catalogue of potential courses and provides details on these courses. The specific courses you are required or allowed to take are determined by the examination regulations. Not every course is offered every semester; please refer to the timetable and Digicampus for more information.
The information provided includes, among other things:
 

• The person responsible for the module
• Course content
• Learning objectives
• Examination format
• Allocation to the module group (see examination regulations)
• Contact hours/Workload
• Recommended semester

The module handbook changes slightly from semester to semester and depends on the degree programme and examination regulations. The information in the module handbook can also be found on Digicampus.

The University of Augsburg and the Faculty of Applied Computer Science offer numerous support services:

Central Student Advisory Service

The Central Student Advisory Service provides a broad range of support on non-subject-specific topics such as learning advice, self- and time management, psychological and systemic counselling, studying with disabilities, studying with a family, social and legal advice ("Studentenwerk"), career entry and orientation (Career Service), studying abroad and support for international students (International Office).

→ Student Advise and Counselling Service
 

Dean of Studies

The Dean of Studies at the FAI offers advice on teaching, examinations, support services, and teaching evaluations. However, the Dean of Studies is not responsible for individual study counselling or planning.

Examination Board

For more complex queries related to exams, recognitions, and applications, it may be helpful to consult directly with the chair of the Examination Board.

Subject-Specific Counselling and Other Contacts

The subject-specific advisors for each degree programme provide individual feedback on study-related questions such as course progression, choosing minor subjects/specialisations/internships, and preparing applications.

Once all academic requirements have been completed, you must apply for your degree certificate. You can find details on this process on the → Examinations Office website.

Here you will find information on doctoral studies at the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Augsburg.

A Master's degree in Computer Science is an advanced qualification for roles in private companies, public institutions, and both academic and non-academic research, opening up a broad range of career opportunities:
 

Core Computer Science
 

Other Sectors
 

Do you want to stay in touch with your fellow students and meet them again at a variety of network events? Then join the → University of Augsburg's alumni network.

Students gain an in-depth understanding of theoretical and mathematical foundations relevant to computer science.

By participating in seminars and research projects, students acquire advanced knowledge in various areas of computer science and enhance their ability to work and conduct research independently.

Graduates are well-prepared for demanding careers in companies, public institutions, and both academic and non-academic research. They can pursue roles across diverse fields, including production and logistics, software development, systems administration, research, and consulting.

The examination and admission regulations require a degree that is equivalent to a typical Computer Science degree from a German university. While other degrees often contain considerable computer science parts, they do not cover all relevant aspects and do not lead to an admission.

If the previous degree combines Computer Science with an application area, the difference to a full Computer Science degree needs to be covered before applying

In general, we do not accept practical knowledge such as work experience or projects to fulfil the admission requirements, as they lack a rigorous quality assessment.

The programme can be studied completely in English. For a transition period, a limited number of electives or exercise groups may be taught in German; students may also choose to write their theses/report in German. For everyday life and the interaction with public institutions, some basic German will be helpful. German knowledge at A2 level is a mandatory admission requirement, as defined by the examination guidelines.

The university maintains a list of recognized certificates: Admission Requirements. No other test certificates will be accepted. 

The latest moment to submit a certificate is the end of the application period (mid-February/mid-August respectively), but be aware that no admission can be granted before a certificate has been submitted.

We require English language skills at B2 level, but no German language certificates.

The university maintains a list of recognized certificiates: Admission requirements. No other test certificates will be accepted.

If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, a statement from your University with the Medium of Instruction (MOI) also fulfills the requirements.

For our M.Sc. programmes, no VPD are required - this is only necessary for our B.Sc. programmes. The assessment will directly be performed on your degree certificates, transcripts and module description.

There are two exceptions, however, where different kind of certificates are needed:

1. If your degree is from China, India or Vietnam, you will need an APS certificate. There is a separate FAQ item on this
2. If your university is not fully recognized according to Anabin as H+, your degree certificate will need to be validated by the " Zeugnisbewertung der ZAB" for statement of comparability.

Please apply for this statement of comparability as soon as possible, as processing may take weeks to months. When you receive the statement, please include it with your degree at application time.

When applying, you will be asked to provide the number of credits / contact hours of your previous degree, as well as its duration. One year of full-time study corresponds to 60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.

Therefore, a three-year Bachelor’s program in Europe is equivalent to 180 ECTS. 

Please provide your "original" CP contact hours in the application, as stated in your transcript / module description. The application committee will then convert and check those numbers.

You may estimate the converted value as follows:  If you have 8 "original" credits in a three-year program worth N "original" credits, you can convert them to ECTS by multiplying 8 by 180 divided by N.  If you participated in a four-year program, you need to replace 180 with 240.

The German grading system assigns grades from 1.0 (very good, maximum grade) to 5.0 (failed, minimum grade), where 4.0 is the minimum passing grade.

During your application you need to provide the best possible grade and minimum passing grade of your grading system and provide proof for this information (e.g., as part of your transcript). 

Based on this information, we will compute your equivalent German grade and determine if it meets the requirements (2.7 or better). Your (numerical) grade will be scaled using the modified Bavarian Formula. 

University of Augsburg provides a converter for initial guidance so that you can perform a self-assessment before applying, but please note that the provided information is not binding and that the application forms should be filled with the original grade as it is written on the transcript.

Applications for the winter term will be processed starting from the following dates:  

• Applications received March 10th - May 1st: May 1st

• Applications received May 1st - July 1st: July 1st

• Applications received July 1st - August 10th: August 10th

Applications for the summer term will be processed starting from the following dates:  

• Applications received November 6th - December 1st: December 1st
• Applications received December 1st - February 15th: February 15th

Providing a strong guarantee on the processing duration is not possible, but we aim for 3 - 6 weeks after the start for each group 

The notification is sent to you by mail, you may find details in the VIBS portal or as attachment.
Due to legal reasons, the decision document (“Bescheid”) is issued in German only. 

An acceptance document provides information on enrollment and the beginning of the semester. We will soon send you more information.

The notice of rejection contains the main reason why you were not accepted on the second page, while the first page lists the requirements (again for legal reasons).

Common reasons are:

1. Note (Grade)

   dass Ihre Durchschnittsnote in «previous degree» an 
   der «previous university» [...]
   nicht die erforderliche Gesamtnote von 2,70 ergeben hat

   The grade you entered or was shown on your transcript did not fulfill the required minimum grade for our study programme: 2.7 or better in the German system, where 1.0 is the best possible grade and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade.
2. Fehlende Unterlagen (Missing documentation)

    dass die geforderten Bewerbungsunterlagen nicht vollständig eingegangen sind 

   The documents you submitted did not provide proof of the necessary courses and their contents. Besides missing or unrelated documents, this also covers significant inconsistencies among your documents. In particular, the title of a course from a transcript alone is insufficient to provide the necessary detail on the contents.
3. Fehlende Gleichwertigkeit (lack of equivalence)

   dass Ihr Studium in «previous degree» an «previous university» nicht als 
       gleichwertig [...] angesehen werden kann

   The courses you listed did not contain contents equivalent to those required. This could mean that 

• the courses have no or little relation to the required subject, 
• the methods utilized do not align, 
• your course covers only part of the relevant material or 
• the course contents do not reach the necessary amount

Please note that all these criteria had to be fulfilled when submitting your application. Due to the large number of applications, we cannot provide individual feedback. 

If your application was rejected, you may reapply in a later semester. You will have to re-register in the VIBS submission system, as account data is reset between application rounds.

Please be aware that sending the same application again will not change the outcome. Missing documentation or a miscalculated grade can be corrected, whereas a lack of equivalence is hard to overcome.

Late arrival is only possible until the beginning of the second week of lectures (typically around October 20th/April 20th). Any later arrivals would lead to significant challenges with the course materials, so that students will not be able to achieve a meaningful amount of credits in their first semester.

As admissions can only be issued for a single semester, we offer fast track readmission that will provide you with much more time to obtain a visa for the following semester. In case that you will not be able to obtain a visa or fulfill admission conditions on time, you can simply go to VIBS once the admission period for the next semester starts and reapply while uploading your earlier admission letter. You will receive a fast response with a new admission letter for the coming semester. For readmission, only unconditional admissions are provided, therefore, you have to fulfill any conditions first.

The first step after receiving the acceptance letter should be your visa, as this takes most of the time and is least predictable.  In parallel, please attend the online information session provided by the university. Once you have a reliable estimate of your visa processing time and know that you will be able to come for a specific semester, follow the instructions by our International Office regarding housing, enrolment, registration, etc. 
https://www.uni-augsburg.de/en/portal/internationals/abschluss/first-steps-first-semester-students/ 

Since the is no single lecture that is taken by everybody, a specific Q&A session with the professors is offered in the first week. 

For all programmes, there will be an informal get-together with other incoming students, current students, tutors and staff members. 

The department publishes a programme- and semester-specific course catalogue (https://www.uni-augsburg.de/de/fakultaet/fai/informatik/im-studium/lehre/msc-inf2018/), which is usually updated about one month before the semester starts and may receive minor updates later. From this catalogue you can access the Digicampus entries of each course to see detailed information and register. Directly searching Digicampus is also possible but is often less intuitive.

Registering for a course on Digicampus does not mean one is registered for the exam. To register for the exam there is a separate registration period and a different portal (called STUDIS) is used. You will get an email notification when the registration period is approaching.

To plan ahead: The future exam registration periods are posted on the website https://www.uni-augsburg.de/en/studium/organisation-beratung/pruefungen/. There you will also find a link to the STUDIS portal mentioned above.