Mathematics (M.Sc.)
Mathematics is a science that deals with problems ranging from ancient number theory to very modern computational problems that go beyond the capacity limits of current computers. The master’s degree program introduces students to mathematical research and opens up excellent prospects for later work. Mathematicians are very flexible in their work and are therefore among the most sought-after university graduates today and in the future.
Fact Sheet
- Degree
- Master of Science
- Admission
- Qualification assessment
- Duration of studies
- 4 semesters
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Faculty
- Faculty of Sciences
- Start of degree program
- Summer semester, Winter semester
- Number of students
- 1-50
Program overview
What is the degree program about?
In the master’s degree program in Mathematics, you will acquire competencies that are necessary for independent and autonomous scientific work. The courses offered in the Master of Mathematics reflect the research spectrum of the Department of Mathematics. Theoretical mathematics focuses on the pillars of algebra and geometry as well as on mathematics in the natural sciences, which is represented by analysis, mathematical physics and stochastics. Applied mathematics offers within its pillar modeling, simulation and optimization research areas with great proximity to technical, industrial and economic fields of application. Analysis and numerics of partial differential equations are also research areas of the department with direct relation to natural sciences or engineering.
The master’s degree program in Mathematics is a 4-semester program with a total of 120 ECTS credits. 35 ECTS must be taken at least from modules of the chosen field of study, 25 must be taken at least from the modules of the other two fields of study and at least another 20 ECTS from the entire range of courses offered by FAU (with the exception of the Department of Mathematics). In addition, there is a free elective module (5 ECTS) and the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
The different semesters are structured as follows:
- 1st-3rd semester: In-depth study and setting of priorities: The courses in the master’s degree program can be chosen relatively freely. In your field of study, you will take core modules in which basic knowledge is taught at the Master’s level, as well as specialized research modules. You will also take additional mathematical elective modules. Extra-mathematical elective modules usually deepen the minor subject from the bachelor’s degree program.
- 4th semester: Master thesis: In a period of 6 months you will work on your own scientific project and write a paper about it.
In the master’s degree program, you will choose one of the fields of study as your major:
- Algebra and Geometry
- Analysis and Stochastics
- Modeling, Simulation and Optimization
You also choose an extra-mathematical area, usually the minor in your bachelor’s degree program.
A stay abroad is possible during the master’s degree program. There are cooperation agreements with a number of foreign universities within the ERASMUS+ program.
- Rapid entry into current research: modern profile of Erlangen Mathematics with exciting research topics for the master’s degree program and beyond.
- structuring of doctoral training: graduate schools of the department and the university
- Career entry: industrial contacts enable practical work and facilitate entry into the profession.
Mathematicians are among the most sought-after university graduates now and in the future. Due to the mathematical competences deepened in the master’s degree, there are very good career prospects in a variety of occupational fields, for example in the following areas:
- Banks and insurances
- Software industry
- Telecommunications
- Car industry
- Management consulting
- Medical technology
- Automotive engineering
- Energy industry
- Aerospace industry
- Market and opinion research
- Transportation and Logistics
- School and university
Application for a Degree Program
Admission Requirements and Application
Admission
- Master: Qualification assessment
Application deadline
- Winter semester: 15.07.
- Summer semester: 15.01.
Language skills
- Students whose native language is not German must demonstrate sufficient language skills and be able to conduct discussions with mathematical content in German.
Content related master requirements
Applicants for the master’s degree program in Mathematics must undergo a qualification assessment procedure. An admission committee decides on their admission.
The prerequisite for the master’s degree program in mathematics is a successfully completed bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a closely related subject. Applicants are admitted up to a grade point average of 3.0 or after successfully passing an aptitude interview.
A bachelor’s or diploma degree in mathematics, engineering mathematics or business mathematics is considered a subject-related degree. A Bachelor’s degree in physics or computer science in particular is recognized as a related degree. Applicants with a degree in a related subject must also pass an oral entrance examination.
