Curriculum
The following sections provide an overview of the content and organization of the Master's course of study. Further details can be found the Master's course of study examination regulations.
Computer Science Electives
The computer science elective component is divided into the four following thematic sections:
- Theoretical computer sicence
- Software and communication
- Data and information management
- Applied computer science
Students must complete 72 to 76 credits in these sections in a variety of course formats:
- Computer science modules encompassing 57 to 63 credits
- A seminar encompassing 4 credits
- A practical encompassing 7 credits
- An oral focus colloquium encompassing 3 credits
Lectures, seminars, and the practical can be freely selected from the courses offered – see courses in RWTHonline. However there are two restrictive rules:
- Students cannot complete more than 35 credits per elective area.
- Students must complete at least 12 credits in the area of theoretical computer science.
You can find an overview, regardless of semester, of all the electives offered in the computer science Master's course of study in the exam regulations. Further information on all modules listed in the exam regulations can be found in the module manuals.
Focus Colloquium
The focus colloquium is an oral exam, in which lectures totaling 12 to 18 credits are tested together. The lecture content of the different courses should be related. You can also take separate exams for the lectures and receive credit for part of the 54 lecture credits needed in the elective area. The results will be calculated in your final grade. The focus colloquium accounts for three of the 120 total credits, but counts four times as much in the calculation of the final grade.
Master's Thesis
The Master's thesis is a written work, in which the student independently investigates a problem in computer science using scientific methods under instruction. Six months are reserved for writing the thesis. Students must also give a final presentation, in which they present the results.
Application Subjects
Every Master's student in computer science must select an application subject and complete 14 to 18 credits in that subject. For most application subjects, it is predefined how many credits you have to complete. You can find details about the application subjects here.
Electives
The examination regulation allows students to complete additional voluntary exams. These exams appear on the transcript but are not included in the final calculation of the grade.
Course Descriptions
The course descriptions can be found in RWTHonline as well, see courses in RWTHonline.