The international Master's programme in Data Science was jointly initiated by the Department of Mathematics, where it is mainly rooted, and the Department of Computer Science at the Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) of Erlangen-Nürnberg.
The main goal of the Master's programme is to deepen the students' understanding of subjects related to data science. The students receive a broad education in core topics from both mathematics and computer science and can choose to specialise in theoretical or applied data science.
At the beginning of the Master's programme, students meet with their respective supervisor to pick a major study focus from the following list:
Statistical Data Analysis
Data-Oriented Optimisation
Numerical Mathematics
Mathematical Theory of Data Sciences
Databases and Knowledge Representation
Artificial Intelligence
In the course of this Master's programme, the students can choose from different modules in a major field of study (30 ECTS) and a minor field of study (20 ECTS). These modules are completed by acquiring technical key qualifications (5 ECTS). At the end of this programme, the students participate in a Master's seminar, which is typically the basis of the final Master's thesis.
The interdisciplinary Master's programme in Data Science aims to prepare students for specialist and research positions in industry and academia. Due to the proximity of the two involved departments (two minutes by foot) and the strong cooperation with local industry partners, e.g. Siemens AG, the FAU offers ideal study conditions for data science in Germany.
Aims of the International Master's Programme in Data Science
Provide a comprehensive education in the field of data science at the interface between mathematics and computer science
Train international students with very good supervision, including small group teaching, and modern teaching concepts such as problem-based learning
Provide a research-oriented education that comprises both theoretical and applied data science
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Relevant Bachelor's degree with a grade of 2.5 or better (or equivalent international grade) in Mathematics or Computer Science
Applicants with an academic degree from outside of Germany will be invited to take an oral examination to test their suitability for the MSc Data Science. The examination can be conducted via video conference call (Skype, Zoom, etc.). The duration of the test is 20 minutes. The topics of this examination include basic knowledge in pure mathematics (analysis/algebra) and applied mathematics (numerical mathematics/probability theory) as well as data structures and algorithms. Furthermore, knowledge in a field of specialisation in data science (as chosen by the applicant) will be examined.
The examination will be administered by the admissions committee of the MSc programme. The examination date will be announced at least one week in advance.
Fee Information
How to Apply
Please note that this course of study will begin for the first time in the 2021/2022 winter semester.
First step: Online application via www.campo.fau.de
Second step: Send application documents to:
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
Referat L4 – Masterbüro
Schlossplatz 4
91054 Erlangen
Germany