Computational Engineering (CE) (M.Sc.)
Computational Engineering (CE) (M.Sc.)
Bridging the gap between the disciplines
Technical developments are becoming increasingly complex and are based to a large extent on mathematical principles. Engineers are therefore dependent on powerful hardware and software and mastery of computer science methods as key skills. This is the only way they can successfully develop new products, compare technical solutions or predict the effects of design decisions. Computational Engineering was developed on the basis of these insights and combines computer science, mathematics and engineering as interdisciplinary, equal teaching content in one course of study. The field is a globally recognized discipline that deals with solving physical problems in science and technology using mathematical models, computer and software systems.
Fact Sheet
- Degree
- Master of Science
- Admission
- Qualification assessment
- Duration of studies
- 4 semesters
- Teaching language
- German or English
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Number of students
- 250-600
- Special ways to study
- International degree program, Double degree program
Program overview
What is the degree program about?
The Master’s degree program is designed to allow students to pursue studies both in computer science and in an engineering field of their choice. For this reason, applicants are required to have knowledge in both of these areas. Ideally, students should have either a Bachelorʼs degree in Computational Engineering or an engineering degree with a strong computer science component. A good mathematical background is essential. The program requires a minimum of 2 years of engineering mathematics at the university level. Additionally, knowledge in numerical mathematics is strongly recommended. The Master’s degree program takes a minimum of four semesters. The last semester focuses on preparation of the Masterʼs thesis. The thesis is intended to introduce students to research work at the university.
As the degree program has an international perspective, both German and English modules are offered. Examinations may be taken in either English or German and the Master’s thesis may be written in English. This means that international students may complete the degree program entirely in English.
Candidates must choose a technical application field (TAF) when they apply. We strongly advise that you contact the program coordinator or the TAF coordinator for more information about the technical application fields. A description of all TAFs available in the current academic year is available here.
The Master’s degree program in Computational Engineering, along with two partner programs at Technische Universität München, forms the basis for the Bavarian Graduate School of Computational Engineering (BGCE) Elite degree program. Students may apply for this after completing the first semester of the regular Master’s degree program. The highly project-specific and research-oriented modules offered in the Elite program add even more possibilities to those already available in the regular program. In addition to collaboration between partner programs, shared soft skills courses are also held regularly.
The components of the Master’s degree program in Computational Engineering are one seminar, modules in the three main areas – mathematics, computer science and the technical application field (TAF) – and the Master’s thesis (overall 120 ECTS).
There is a standard study plan for each TAF, although all modules in the Master’s degree program are elective. Students can choose their modules from the CE module catalogue for the different master studies in the Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Physics departments. In order to participate in the Elite degree program students must complete 30 additional ECTS credits.
Elective modules in mathematics [min 20 ECTS]
Mathematics modules can be chosen from the applied mathematics module catalogs or from the Faculty of Engineering. The modules must be mathematics based.
Elective modules in computer science [min 20 ECTS]
Students can choose modules offered by the Department of Computer Science for the Master’s degree program in Computer Science.
Elective modules in the technical application field, TAF [min 20 ECTS]
In this area students can choose modules from all Master’s degree programs at the Faculty of Engineering, with the exception of modules offered by the Department of Computer Science.
Seminar [5 ECTS]
The seminar is part of one of the elective subjects listed above. Students can therefore choose a seminar from a Master’s degree program at the Department of Computer Science, applied mathematics or another module from the Faculty of Engineering that is related to the TAF.
Master’s thesis [30 ECTS]
Students can register for the Master’s thesis at the Examinations Office as soon as they have successfully completed 70 ECTS credits. This rule applies to all students who enrolled before the winter semester 2025/26. New enrolments starting in the winter semester 2025/26 can already register their Master’s thesis with 60 ECTS. The thesis requires approximately 810 hours of work and must be completed within six months after registration. The topic of the thesis must be related to the subjects that the student has studied over the course of the Master’s degree program. All students are usually assigned one supervisor for their thesis. The Master’s thesis may involve regular meetings with the supervisor and/or members of a larger research group. It may be written in English. An oral presentation of the results lasting 30 minutes with a subsequent discussion form part of the assessment.
Elite program [30 ECTS]
‘Do more – get more!’ is the motto of the BGCE Elite degree program. This means that students must complete an extra 30 ECTS credits within the standard duration of studies. These credits are divided into three groups, with 10 ECTS credits each for different subject-related modules, soft skills and an additional project. The subject-related modules include specific summer schools, compact courses and the regular workshop where participants take part in discussions with students from the partner programs (research day). Soft skills modules include management skills, teaching and academic writing. For the project, students generally develop software to solve a specific practical problem as a team.
Application for a Degree Program
Admission Requirements and Application
Admission
- Master: Qualification assessment
Application deadline
- Winter semester: 15.07.
- Summer semester: nicht möglich
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants: No DSH, English (level B2, CEFR)
Content related master requirements
Application documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- letter of motivation (reasons why you choos the Master CE at the FAUand why you choos your specific TAF)
- secondary school’s leaving certificate (and English translation; High school certificate)
- university entrace exam (if available)
- Update for WiSe 2025 / 2026: Applicants with first degrees from non-EU states, who do not (or cannot) submit their first degree as part of their application for the Master’s degree programm, must submit it at the latest when enrolling!
- university certificates (and English translation): In case you don’t have your Bachelor certificate at the time of applying to the FAU we need a confirmation of your university, that you’ll get the certificate soon.
- international transcript (grades sheet) of the courses you have attended
- TOEFL score report (or equivalent as a proof of you English skills; if your Bachelor has been in English a confirmation of your university is sufficient)
- ASP-certificate: required for applicants from China and Vietnam, applicant from India have to present it for the enrollment
- Students who have completed their Bachelor’s degree at another university must submit their module manual.
Applicant criteria
- Comletion of an excellent Bachelors degree or an corresponding qualification in Computer Science, in a related scientific or technical field, or in Mathematics:
- Programming and Algorithmics with 20 ECTS credits
- Computer Engineering with 5 ECTS credits
- Mathematics (fundamentals fo analysis, linear algebra, stochastics) of at least 20 ECTS credits and
- Engineering Scienes in the sense of the technical application subject choosen for the application, with a total of 20 ECTS credits
- International Students
- Solid command of English language: TOEFL score of at least 560 credits or equivalent qualification
- Optional: possibility to submit the „Graduate Record Examination“ (GRE) in the form of the „subject test physics“, the „subject test mathematics“ and / or the „General Test“, or a „Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering“ (GATE)
- students should be interested in a stay in Germany for at leas two years
- Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (and Engineering) or similar – without a special engineering subject – are requested to apply for the TAF Medical Engineering
Details and notes
15.04. Deadline for non-EU-applicants with Visa
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