Structure of the master's program (new; in effect since Oct 1st 2022)

As a two-year master program at Heidelberg University, the master program scientific computing consists of a work load of 120 ECTS points. As this amounts to 900 hours of education, reading, exercises and learning per term, students have to make sure to use both the reading term and the lecture-free part of the term to complete assignments etc.

The program consists of five blocks:

Core area mathematics and computer science (total 48 ECTS)

  • at least 16 ECTS from lecture modules in mathematics
  • at least 16 ECTS from lecture modules in computer science

Seminars and practicals (total 14 ECTS)

  • one seminar in mathematics
  • one advanved software practical in computer science

Application Area (total 16 ECTS)

Thesis area (total 36 ECTS)

  • thesis on the research about a scientific topic (30 ECTS)
  • thesis defense (6 ECTS)

Key competence area (6 ECTS; ungraded)

  • specific key competence modules
  • language class
  • term abroad
  • internship for ÜK
  • lectures, seminars, practicals in an area not covered in your master studies.

Note: All lectures, seminars and practicals must come from the area of this master's program. For an outline consult the module handbook and use the LSF system for updated latest information. 

Sample study plan

Year 1 (total 60 ECTS)

  • Mathematics (selection from elective mandatory program) - 16 ECTS
  • Computer Science (selection from elective mandatory program) - 16 ECTS
  • Application area - 16 ECTS
  • Mathematics Seminar - 6 ECTS
  • Key competence training - 6 ECTS

Year 2 (total 58 ECTS)

  • Advanced software practical in computer science - 8 ECTS
  • Lectures from mathematics and computer science - 16 ECTS
  • Master Thesis - 30 ECTS
  • Thesis defense - 6 ECTS

The first year consists of teaching in the three areas of this master course: Mathematics, Computer Science and a Field of Application. In the second year students prepare and conduct their research project. This phase is started with two lectures and leads to a master project.

To this end, students should choose a combination of courses in terms 1, 2 and 3 leading to personal focus within the master course. We list the three core tracks of  the program in a separate area on this web site.