Computer Science, M.Sc.
Master's in Computer Science at Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH), Germany — an English-taught program balancing theoretical foundations with applied research across areas including intelligent systems and machine learning, distributed systems and software engineering, algorithms, and data science. Students tailor their studies through elective coursework before pursuing independent thesis research, with direct access to TUHH faculty groups working in AI, autonomous systems, and large-scale software architecture within Hamburg's technology and engineering ecosystem.
Programme facts
| Degree | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Required English | C1 |
| Study mode | Full-Time, Dual Study |
| Start | Winter semester, summer semester |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 15.01, summer semester until 15.07 |
| Admission | No admission restriction: every eligible applicant is admitted |
| Tuition fee | €0 per semester for international students |
| Semester contribution | €332.10 per semester |
What the tuition fee consists of
Will I get in
Every applicant who meets the formal requirements is admitted — but places can run out before the deadline, so apply at the start of the window.
- ✓Those who want to move beyond application-level computing into a deeper understanding of algorithms, systems, and the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline
- ✓Those who enjoy working at the intersection of formal methods and practical engineering challenges
- ✓Those who are drawn to a research-oriented environment and want the option to pursue a doctoral path after graduation
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- ✓Those interested in the dual-study format — combining university study with employment at a technology company in Hamburg
- ✓Those who are comfortable working and studying entirely in English within an international academic setting
- ✓Those who appreciate the focused environment of a technical university, where computer science sits alongside mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering rather than in a large arts-and-sciences faculty
- —Hamburg is one of Germany's most expensive cities; cost of living — particularly housing — is significantly higher than in smaller German university cities, and students should budget accordingly
- —The program is taught entirely in English, which is an advantage for international students but means there is no German-language fallback for course content or assessments
- —The dual-study option requires finding and contracting with a participating employer independently — this path suits those who are proactive in their job search before or shortly after admission
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- —The thesis phase in the final semester involves a high degree of self-directed research; students who prefer structured, taught environments may find this transition demanding
- —TUHH is a specialised technical university, not a comprehensive research university — the humanities and social science electives available at larger universities are not part of this environment
How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.
Programme selection →About the programme
The Master's in Computer Science at Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH) is a full-time, English-taught program designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of computing at both theoretical and applied levels. Situated within a technical university with strong ties to Hamburg's thriving technology and engineering ecosystem, the program offers a rigorous curriculum that balances foundational computer science concepts with current research directions.
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The program is structured across four semesters. The first two semesters combine compulsory core modules with a substantial selection of elective coursework, allowing students to tailor their studies toward areas of personal academic interest — whether in software systems, algorithms, data science, intelligent systems, or distributed computing. The third semester is typically dedicated to advanced specialisation modules and project work, often with a research or applied engineering character. The fourth semester culminates in the master's thesis, in which students pursue an independent research contribution under faculty supervision.
TUHH's compact, campus-based structure means students have direct access to research groups and faculty members, which supports close supervision during the thesis phase. The program is offered in full-time format as well as a dual-study mode, which allows students to combine academic study with structured employment at a partner company — an option that bridges theoretical learning with professional practice from the outset.
The program places strong emphasis on analytical problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and the ability to work within both independent and collaborative research settings. Teaching is conducted entirely in English, reflecting the program's international orientation and the global nature of the computer science field.
What you study
Semester 1
- Core compulsory modules: Foundational graduate-level content covering advanced algorithms, theoretical computer science, and software systems design. These modules establish the analytical and methodological baseline for the program.
- Elective modules (first selection): Students begin selecting from the thematic elective pool. Depending on orientation, options span intelligent systems, distributed systems, data engineering, embedded systems, or algorithms and complexity.
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
Graduates are equipped for roles across software engineering, systems architecture, data engineering, research and development, and technology consulting. Hamburg's economy includes major logistics and shipping technology firms, aviation and aerospace companies (Airbus presence), financial technology, and a growing startup scene — all active employers of computer science graduates. The TUHH Career Center facilitates company contact through fairs and the PraxisPlus internship program, providing structured pathways into the regional job market. Graduates who complete the dual-study track typically have an employment relationship already established at graduation.
Cost of study
| Tuition fee of the federal state (Hamburg), international students | €0 |
|---|---|
| Semester contribution | €332.10 |
Requirements and application
| Previous education | Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field. |
|---|---|
| Language | English C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 15.01, summer semester until 15.07 |
The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.
Check the requirementsHow to get into this programme
- 1Check your certificate and its recognitionDirect admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
- 2Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 3Application directly to the university until 15.01Send the documents well before the deadline — an incomplete application cannot be completed after it.
- 4Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.
How to apply
You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.
Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:
- ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
- ×a wrong set of documents
- ×the application submitted the wrong way
- ×errors or gaps in the application form
- ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late
An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.
StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.
Questions about this programme
How much does the programme cost?
What language level do I need?
When do I need to apply?
Don't postpone the application
The deadline is 15.01.2027 (93 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.