The University of Cologne is a university in Cologne, Germany. It was established in the year 1388 and is one of the most prestigious and research intensive universities in Germany. It was the sixth university to be established in Central Europe. It closed in 1798 before being re-established in 1919. The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. Due to its outstanding scientific achievements and the high quality and diversity of its degree programmes, it enjoys an excellent international reputation.

Whereas many universities owe their founding to important religious figures or secular regents, the University of Cologne was founded by citizens of the city. That explains why the University of Cologne is still regarded as a city university: not only was it founded by the citizens of Cologne, but its campus is located right in the city center.

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Course description The M.Sc. Computational Sciences is an interdisciplinary program offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Its aim is to prepare students to answer a new class of questions in natural sciences with the help of advanced computational methods. Therefore, the students will simultaneously learn the scientific knowledge of one area of specialization in natural sciences and new techniques in simulation and modelling, data science (e.g., machine learning), applied mathematics, and computer science. The five areas of specialization are: Computational Astro- and Space Physics Computational Biology Earth System Sciences Theoretical Chemistry Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics Within the first two semesters, the students attend courses and lectures to gain expertise in computational sciences as well as their area of specialization. The last two semesters of the studies focus on the research project of the master thesis within the chosen area of specialization. Structure Simulation and Modeling 1 and 2 will provide the necessary basis ranging from numerical modeling to machine learning which is needed in the areas of specialization. These two modules are specifically designed for the Master Program Computational Sciences. Both modules employ practical examples from all areas of specialization where the students will apply the learned computational methods. Simulation and Modeling 1 and 2 give 9 CP each and are intended for the first and second semester, respectively. The Elective Mathematics and Computer Science Area allows the students to widen their knowledge in more specific topics of mathematics and computer science. In agreement with the respective mentor, students choose modules that benefit them in their area of specialization and especially in their future research work. Therefore, students can choose from a range of modules offered by the different Departments of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The Area consists of a total of 18 CP and may range from the first to third semester. The study in the Area of Specialization, consists of class work in the Specialization Area with 30 CP that may go from first to third semester, the Literature Seminar with 6 CP, the Project Work with 12 CP intended for the third semester (both in preparation for the Master thesis) and the Master Thesis with 30 CP in the fourth semester. In the Specialization Area, students have to study courses from their chosen area of specialization. In four areas of specialization, the students have to attend two compulsory modules that form the basis for their studies. The combination of the two modules consists of either 12 or 15 CP (depending on the area of specialization). The remaining Credit Points may be chosen from a catalogue of modules in the respective specialization. The area of specialization Earth System Sciences has no compulsory modules due to the diversity of the research area within this specialization. Therefore, the students have to elect courses with a total of 30 CP from basic and advanced modules. The choices in the elective area should reflect the personal interest of the student in certain research fields and may be chosen together with the respective mentor. The research part of the Master program, i.e., the Literature Seminar, the Project Work and the Master Thesis, is compulsory for all students and deals with a research topic where the students conduct their own research in one of the research groups of their area of specialization. The Supplementary Module consists of 6 CP and can be placed freely in the first three semesters of the master’s course. The students are allowed to choose freely from a wide range of modules including courses offered by Excellence Startup Center Gateway, the Digital Humanities, or the area of Mathematics and Computer Science and any area of specialization. Required Documents: ●School leaving certificate/proof of having passed a university entrance exam ●Degree certificate (if already available), if not, please upload a preliminary degree overview ●Overview of subjects and grades (transcript of records) ●University grading system ●An officially certified translation if the original documents were not issued in German or English Language ●Applicants from China and Vietnam are required to also submit a current APS certificate. (for India: As of the winter semester 2023/24) ●English Language Certificate: Level B2/C1 (TOEFL Internet-based 93; IELTS average 6,5 - each single component 6,0; Cambridge qualifications 175; TOEIC 460-425-175; Abitur incl. 6 years) Show less

On the occasion of its 600th anniversary in 1988, the university published an extensive history of the University of Cologne in three volumes, which appeared with Böhlau. Erich Meuthen wrote the first volume, and in a short overview he first described the history of the old university (1388–1798), celebrating the height of its prosperity in the 15th century. More than a century after the French government closed the old Universitas coloniensis in 1798, a long-cherished dream of the people of Cologne came true: in 1919 a new university was built. In 2019 the university celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The UoC’s mission is to create, preserve and impart knowledge, to offer its students and early-career academics outstanding academic education, to qualify them for both academic and professional  careers, to promote cutting-edge research and to drive innovation while focusing on the constantly changing needs and challenges of today’s society.

The University of Cologne’s six Faculties are the institutional framework for its research activities. The Faculties offer more than a hundred degree programmes and support 16 cross-Faculty research and teaching centres. Moreover, the UoC has several large, internationally competitive research areas: mechanisms of aging-associated diseases; behavioral economic engineering and social cognition, quantum matter and materials, socio-economic, cultural and political transformations in the global south, plant sciences and skills and structures in language and cognition.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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