• An affinity for mathematics at the academic level is an important prerequisite.
• You should enjoy applying methods of computer science and mathematics to issues in the natural sciences and also be prepared to think in an interdisciplinary manner when approaching physics, chemistry or geosciences.
• Perseverance and the ability to solve problems will prove useful when systematically dealing with complex scientific issues.

• You must provide proof of having completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or in a selected major from the natural sciences. Alternatively, you may present an equivalent higher education degree from a higher education institution.
• Proof of the successful completion of a programming course with an advanced programming language from which 4 credit points were earned, or comparable achievements.
• Proof of having successfully completed mathematics courses that, in total, amount to 20 credit points, or comparable achievements.
• Proof of successfully completed courses in the natural sciences that amount to 20 credit points in accordance with the offered specializations, or comparable achievements.

Should a maximum of 14 credit points be missing by the time of the application, you are still able to apply under the condition that the required remaining credits be subsequently acquired by the end of the first academic year.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

The examination regulations for this master’s degree program can be found here.

Prior to your admission to the degree program, you must select a major from amongst the natural sciences to be your specialization. You have the following options:

• Geosciences
• Atmospheric Physics
• Physics of Condensed Matter
• Theoretical Chemistry

1st−3rd semester

Mathematics

• Remedial module in numerical analysis or specialization module in mathematics
• Scientific computing (numerical analysis and an internship in mathematical modeling)

Computer science

• Two computer science modules (lectures, practice classes, and internships) from the possible specializations, which are software development / software engineering / computer graphics / databases / simulation

Natural sciences

• Remedial module or specialization module in the selected natural science
• Major in the selected natural science

Examples of possible program structures for each of the individual natural science majors can be found on the web pages of the degree program.

3rd−4th semester

Research phase/final module

• Thematic specialization (graduate seminar)
• Preparation and completion of the master’s thesis
• Final examination (oral examination)

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Internships

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

You will apply your skills to model complex problems with mathematical precision − developing numerical algorithms and implementing them efficiently using modern programming techniques.

As a graduate of the master’s degree program in Computational Sciences – Computer-Aided Natural Sciences (M.Sc.), you will be best prepared for the demands of an increasingly data- and technology-driven job market. As a result of your interdisciplinary skills, you will be a sought-after expert in research, industry, and technological development. Depending on your selected specialization, you will be particularly well-suited for various lines of work, e.g.:

• Deutscher Wetterdienst (German Meteorological Service)
• Engineering geology companies
• The chemical industry
• The materials science sector
• The pharmaceutical industry
• The automotive industry

You are, however, not restricted to the natural science or technical sectors. Graduates of this degree program also work in other professional fields, e.g. in the financial market, at major logistics companies or in German air traffic control.

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.