Study Computer Science in Heidelberg
The Computer Science program at Heidelberg University is characterized by its current areas of focus as well as a close ties to applications and research in the natural sciences and humanities. Thanks to the many large and medium-sized companies in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region as well as the department's cooperation with industrial partners, Computer Science graduates from Heidelberg University can benefit from above-average career opportunities in our region as well as from professional networking during their studies.
Structure of a Degree in Computer Science at Heidelberg University
This study program in Heidelberg offers a sound education in computer science, with a focus on applications in the natural sciences and technology, but also in the humanities. At the same time, our graduates can expect outstanding career opportunities in the region.
In the bachelor's program students are taught a broad basic knowledge, which in particular enables them to create complex applications. This includes the development process as well as the handling of data and the development of automatic procedures. In this context, students learn how to make optimal use of complex computer structures or develop their own computer architectures within the framework of technical computer science.
Heidelberg University offers the possibility to study computer science at either 100% or 50%. With the 50% option, students can combine their studies with another 50% study program. Furthermore, with the 50% variant, the student can also choose to take on the teaching option. In this way, students can continue their studies with a Master of Education to become a teacher at a Gymnasium. Due to the close proximity in terms of content and the partially large synergy effects, a combination of the Bachelor of Computer Science and the Bachelor of Mathematics is worthwhile, as both study programs can benefit from each other. This is made possible by studying both programs at 50%.
A Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for the Master's program, which allows students to specialize in individual applications of computer science. The program benefits greatly from the close cooperation with the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, particularly in the optimization and simulation of complex phenomena in science and technology. Subsequently, the broad research spectrum of the university offers a variety of opportunities for doctoral studies.
Students who wish to become teachers at a Gymnasium must complete the Master of Education with two teaching-related subjects. The prerequisite for admission is the successful completion of a bachelor's degree in computer science and an application submitted in time. Students of the Master of Education can add computer science as a so-called "third subject" to their two main subjects. This is designed as a separate study program, the so-called Extension Subject.
Bachelor Computer Science 100 % or 50 %
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) |
| Type of Study | Undergraduate |
| Begin of Study | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters |
| Language(s) | German, some English |
| Application Procedure | Entrance examination |
Master Data and Computer Science
| Degree | Master of Science (M. Sc.) |
| Type of study | Consecutive |
| Begin of study | Winter and summer semester |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Language(s) | German, some English |
| Application procedure | Access restriction |
Core Contents and Areas of Application of the Computer Science Study Programs
Complementing the courses on the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics, we offer students in the bachelor's and master's programs a broad selection of modules related to the current research of our research groups. In addition to numerous seminars and specialised lectures, the following areas form the core of our content focus:
- Data Management, Data Analysis and Machine Learning
- Scientific Computing including High Performance Computing and Image Analysis
- Visualization and Computer Graphics
- Computer Engineering and Robotics
After completing the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, graduates can choose from three in-house Master's programs at the faculty:
- Master Data and Computer Science: the "classic" version with electable specializations in one or more of the fields such as Data Analysis, Image Analysis, Visualization, Parallel Computing and Simulations, Distributed Systems/Cloud Computing, Complexity/Computability, Algorithms and Optimization ...
- Master Scientific Computing: this program focuses on Mathematical Simulations, Image Analysis and Parallel Computing with Applications
- Master Computer Engineering: this program is designed for those interested in computer architecture and hardware-related software and components such as memory, sensors, networks and robotics, in combination with applications from the natural sciences and medical technology
Heidelberg University is one of the most renowned research institutions in Germany in numerous disciplines of the natural sciences and humanities, including physics, medicine, and life sciences. Through the close cooperation of the computer science groups with other sciences, we are able to offer our students the chance to gain first-hand experience of the applications of computer science in other sciences and to participate in research.
In addition to these offerings, in many cases in the form of theses and research assistantships at the departments, our students learn the fundamentals of other subjects in the context of application areas ("minor subjects"). They can choose from a diverse portfolio here. The areas of application offered include the disciplines of astronomy, life sciences, chemistry, computational linguistics, geography, earth sciences, mathematics, medical informatics, medical technology, philosophy, physics, and economics.