The two-year Master’s programme in Mathematics for Technology and Data Science is a research-oriented course that establishes close links between mathematics, engineering and computer science. When applying for the programme, students choose a profile line (specialisation) from (at least) the following list:

• Complex Data Analysis and AI,
• Modelling for Life Sciences and Biotechnology,
• Simulation and Control of Technological Processes.

In terms of content, the study programme builds on the knowledge and skills acquired during a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Physics leading to a Bachelor of Science (or a comparable subject with a sufficiently broad grounding in mathematics). In particular, it is a prerequisite that, as part of the Bachelor’s degree, mathematical modules totalling at least 45 credit points (CP) have been completed, including at least 8 CP each in foundational lectures on Analysis and Linear Algebra, as well as in two of the four areas: Advanced Analysis, Differential Equations, Numerics and/or Stochastics. Basic programming skills are also required, as well as fundamental knowledge in a technical field relevant to the intended specialisation, and advanced knowledge from one of the modules “Differential Equations: Numerics of ODE & Introduction to PDE” or “Regression and Time Series Analysis”.

The programme is designed, on the one hand, to enable graduates to work successfully as part of a team with engineers or scientists to solve technological problems, whilst effectively applying mathematical methods and models. On the other hand, students are given a targeted introduction to current application-oriented mathematical research within their chosen specialisation.

The curriculum requires students to complete 87–108 credit points (CP) in their chosen specialisation area – including 27–63 CP for modules comprising mathematical lectures, 0-36 CP for modules in technical fields, 8 CP for reading courses, a modelling seminar (7 CP), and the Master’s thesis (30 CP). It also includes supplementary modules in mathematics or technical fields, a further seminar (3 CP), and modules in a free elective area (9–12 CP).

The study programme is flexible. It does not include any compulsory modules, but only requires students to complete a prescribed amount of credits from specific subject catalogues (depending on the chosen profile line). This is intended to enable graduates to enter the field of applied mathematical research in line with their own abilities and interests.

All mathematics courses are held in English. 

Graduates typically find employment in industrial research and development departments, develop software, or work in mathematical research and teaching.

Admission to the Master’s programme is conditional upon the successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Mathematics or Physics or another comparable subject  or at least equivalent academic achievements and examination results, including a professionally qualifying higher education degree (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diploma). As part of the degree, students must have successfully passed examinations in mathematical modules totalling at least 45 ECTS credits (CP), of which at least 8 CP must be from introductory lectures in each of the following areas: analysis, linear algebra, and two of the four areas advanced analysis (functional analysis, vector analysis, differential geometry), differential equations, numerical methods and stochastics.

Depending on the chosen specialisation, applicants must provide evidence of the following specific entry requirements:

1. For admission to the programme with the specialisation ‘Complex Data Analysis and AI’, applicants must have successfully completed the module ‘Regression and Time Series Analysis’ at RPTU or equivalent modules. Alternatively, for this specialisation, successful completion of the modules “Stochastic Methods” and “Differential Equations: Numerics of ODE & Introduction to PDE” must be demonstrated.
2. For admission to the programme with the specialisation ‘Modelling for Life Sciences and Biotechnology’ or ‘Simulation and Control of Technological Processes’, applicants must have successfully completed the module ‘Differential Equations: Numerics of ODE & Introduction to PDE’ at RPTU or equivalent modules.

Further specific entry requirements include basic programming skills and a basic knowledge of a technical field relevant to the intended specialisation. If these are not demonstrated by the aforementioned degree, evidence must be provided in an appropriate form.

• Academic requirements: An applicant is deemed academically suitable for the degree programme if the grade for their qualifying degree is no lower than “2.5” (in terms of the local grading system); an applicant with a grade lower than “3.0” is not deemed academically suitable for the degree programme. If the grade is between “2.6” and “3.0”, the admissions committee will decide on academic suitability on the basis of the documents submitted.
• Language requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a good level of the English language (e.g. TOEFL of 550/213/80 points). Prior knowledge in German is not necessarily required, but international students have to pass a German language test within their first academic year. German language courses are offered, starting in August and March. Students who cannot attend these courses must take part in German language courses in their home country. 

In order to enable students from other Bachelor's or Diploma degree programmes (in particular students with foreign degrees), candidates might be provided with a conditional admission. This means that the candidates might have to attend additional courses (alongside their usual Master's lectures) and pass the corresponding examinations with a sufficient grade within the first academic year. Only those students who have fulfilled these requirements will be allowed to continue with their Master’s degree. 

Application

All applicants are required to submit a filled in application form (check under Documents/Links).

Along with the completed application form, the following documents must be submitted:

• Curriculum vitae (description of the educational and perhaps professional history),
• Evidence of sufficient knowledge of the English language: TOEFL of 550/213/80 points or IELTS (band 6), German high school diploma or proof that the courses and lectures at the former university were taught in English,
• Certified copies of final certificates in German or English (university entrance certificate, Bachelor degree or an equivalent degree certificate)*,
• Academic transcript (list of all previous courses attended with exam results),
• Brief description of the contents of all mathematical lectures attended at university,
• At least two letters of recommendation,
• Letter of motivation,
• Chinese, Vietnamese and Mongolian students must submit an APS certificate.

* If you do not receive your certification before the deadline, please contact us.

Please submit your complete application via email (gradschool@math.rptu.de) and only in PDF form. The size of the email has to be below 5 MB.

Application deadline

Taking into consideration the visa formalities for international applicants, the application deadline at RPTU in Kaiserslautern is April 30 (early bird: November 15) for the winter semester and October 31 for the summer semester.
International students should bear in mind that the application deadlines for scholarships are often earlier.

Application fee

A non-refundable application fee of 60 € must be paid beforehand. After submitting your application, you will be given a registration number and bank details. Your application can only be processed after the fee has been transferred to our account. It is recommended to submit the application early enough as payments take up to one month. Exchange students from partner universities (e.g. ERASMUS students) and students with a degree in mathematics from a German university are exempted from this procedure. The application fee paid by students who are DAAD scholarship recipients will be refunded.