Mathematics - Master

This degree program is free of admission, i.e. you will receive a study place if you meet the admission requirements. Nevertheless, an application is required to check these prerequisites. Students may begin their studies in either the winter or summer semester.

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (or a comparable undergraduate degree) with a German grade of 2.5 or better (or international equivalent).

The language of study and examination is German. Individual courses may be held in English. A good knowledge of English is expected for the study of literature. Therefore, knowledge of English is required. However, formal proof of English proficiency is not required. German language skills to the extent of DSH-2 (Testdaf4) are required for foreign students.
International applicants *without* a German-language university entrance qualification must have German language skills according to the Immatriculation Regulations of the University (see also Information on proof of linguistic study ability / DSH language test).

It is a so-called "mono-master", i.e. the study is done in one scientific subject.

The combination possibilities of the M.Sc. program Mathematics in the elective area are not subject to any restrictions. More or less all foreign subject modules that are offered at the University of Tübingen and that are not subject to an admission restriction or were already completed in the Bachelor's program can be credited in the free elective area up to a total of 30 ECTS credits. Affirmative commitments for the admission of mathematics master's students have been received from the departments of biology, chemistry, earth sciences, computer science, philosophy and history, physics, psychology, and economics. However, the degree may also be taken entirely in mathematics.

The Master of Science Mathematics study program is a scientific research-oriented programme that prepares students equally for work in research and university teaching as well as for work in business and industry. In the Master's program in Mathematics, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of special mathematical theories and structures as well as the ability to independently develop and appropriately apply mathematical methods and models.

A specialty of the master's program is the combination of a broad range of mathematics with simultaneous deepening in a selected mathematical field. Graduates acquire in-depth knowledge of several different areas of mathematics and mathematical modeling, and they specialise in a selected area to the extent that they can deal with current research questions. For this purpose, the department offers a wide range of courses in the following five majors, which are derived naturally from the research priorities represented in the department:

• Algebra and Geometry

• Analysis and Differential Geometry

• Mathematical Physics

• Numerical Mathematics

• Stochastics

From the very beginning, the students are accompanied by a personal mentor from the departments's faculty, who are available to help them organise their studies with an individual study and examination plan.

The master’s program is divided into four sections: Specialization, Advanced Knowledge in Mathematics, Elective Specialization and Scientific Work.

The Specialization (21 credit points) consists of in-depth lectures with associated exercises and a seminar. The modules in the Scientific Work section, especially the master’s thesis, will also deal with topics from the area of ​​specialization. In this area of ​​mathematics you will be introduced to current research questions.

In the section Advanced Knowledge in Mathematics, 30–33 credit points have to be achieved in at least 2 other study areas of the department, whereby on the one hand the entry into a new mathematical field is made possible, but on the other hand the desired depth is ensured.

In the Elective Specialization, you can contribute very individually courses from degree programs in other departments and thus expand the expertise you may have acquired in the bachelor’s degree in a minor subject or deepen your competencies in certain areas of mathematics, possibly also in your personal specialization, by taking additional modules from the master’s degree program.

Information can be found on the website of the M.Sc. Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics runs a large number of student exchange programs with partner universities in a wide variety of European countries. Further information can be found on the website Studies Abroad.

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

In the winter semester 2023/24, approximately 800 students will be studying at the Department of Mathematics:

The module handbook describes the objectives and the structure of a study program. You will find more detailed information on the type and scope of all modules as well as their courses, requirements and examinations in the module handbook of the M.Sc. Mathematics program. An ideal course plan in the module handbook helps you to plan your studies. The module handbook and the examination regulations help you to understand the framework of your studies and to select the right modules/courses.

The study and examination regulations of the M.Sc. Mathematics contain legally binding regulations for a study program. Among other things, they specify which modules of a study program must be completed and which examinations must be taken in order to successfully complete the study program. The study and examination regulations also regulate how often examinations can be repeated, which deadlines apply to the examinations of a study program and how the final grade is calculated. The examination regulations and the module handbook will help you to understand the framework of your studies and to select the right modules/courses.

Graduates will find varied and interesting jobs in all areas of application in computer and communication technology, in research and development departments, in management consultancies, in banks and insurance companies, as well as in many other promising economic growth segments. You are highly sought-after in the job market: mathematicians can be put to use flexibly because they are trained in thinking in terms of structures, in formation of models, and in solving difficulty abstract problems. In addition, a permanently low number of graduates generally leads to first-class market opportunities for mathematicians.

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.

The master program qualifies for doctoral studies in Mathematics. For further information see the website Faculty of Science - Doctoral Studies.

Information about the Alumni of Tübingen.