Computer Science, M.Sc.
Master's in Computer Science (M.Sc.) at Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany — a broad, research-oriented program in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with optional focus areas in Data Science, Human-Centered Computing, and systems-level computing. Coursework and thesis can draw on faculty research in machine learning, IT security, databases, and human-computer interaction. A double degree with TU Wien in Theoretical Computer Science and Foundations of AI is also available.
Programme facts
| Degree | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
| Language of instruction | German, English |
| Required German | C1 |
| Required English | C1 |
| Study mode | Full-Time, Part-Time, Double Degree |
| Start | Winter semester, summer semester |
| Application | Via uni-assist, winter semester until 31.05, summer semester until 30.11 |
| Admission | Admission restriction (NC): a competition of school grades |
| Tuition fee | €0 per semester for international students |
| Semester contribution | €453.16 per semester |
What the tuition fee consists of
Will I get in
The programme has an admission restriction: the average grade of your certificate, converted to the German scale, decides. The cut-off changes every year — last year's value shows the order of magnitude, not a promise.
- ✓People who want to deepen a computer science bachelor's rather than switch fields, whether it was in Informatik, Technische Informatik, Digital Business or something similar.
- ✓Those interested in data-driven topics such as data science, machine learning or natural language processing, or in how people interact with computing systems.
- ✓Those drawn to the lower layers of computing: system and computer architecture, dependable and scalable software.
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- ✓Students with a theoretical bent who may want the TU Wien double degree in theoretical computer science and AI foundations.
- ✓Those who see themselves in industry roles with responsibility, or who are considering a later doctorate.
- ✓Students who want the option of studying part-time or spending a semester abroad.
- —The programme is broad and the research areas are numerous, so you should decide early which focus (for example Data Science, Human-Centered Computing or systems-level computing) fits your thesis and career plans.
- —Admission is competitive, so a strong, subject-relevant bachelor's profile matters.
- —Applicants without a German university entrance qualification or a German bachelor's degree need advanced German or, for this master's, advanced English. Check which of the two you can document before applying.
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- —The TU Wien double degree is a separate track with its own application step, and English proficiency has to be proven when applying for it.
- —A semester abroad and internships are optional. If you want them, you need to plan them yourself within your study schedule.
- —The part-time option exists, but it extends your time in Hannover and should be planned around your visa and financial situation.
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 Computer Science master's at Leibniz Universität Hannover is run by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. It is a broad, research-oriented programme that builds on a bachelor's in computer science or a related field. It aims to qualify graduates for independent scientific work and for leading roles in industry and business.
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Structure and thematic focus
Students can build a profile around optional thematic focus areas:
- Data Science
- Human-Centered Computing
- Systemnahe Informatik (systems-level computing)
Because these focuses are optional, students who prefer a broader path can follow it as well.
Research environment
The programme draws on the faculty's research areas, which include:
- machine learning and natural language processing
- databases and information systems
- IT security
- software engineering
- theoretical computer science
- human-computer interaction
- computational health informatics
- scientific data management
- visual analytics
- knowledge-based systems
- system and computer architecture
- dependable and scalable software systems
This range lets students align their later coursework and thesis with a specific research direction.
Study formats and international options
The programme can be studied full-time or part-time. A separate Double Degree track with TU Wien (Vienna) concentrates on theoretical computer science and the foundations of artificial intelligence. A semester abroad is optional. An internship is possible but not compulsory.
Orientation
The degree prepares students for professional work in industry and business and trains independent scientific work. It also serves as a foundation for doctoral studies.
What you study
Core and focus phase
- Advanced computer science coursework, with elective work shaped by one of the optional focus areas: Data Science, Human-Centered Computing or Systemnahe Informatik.
- Students who prefer a broader profile can follow the programme without choosing a formal focus.
- Electives can be chosen to match one of the faculty's research areas, such as machine learning, natural language processing, IT security, software engineering, databases and information systems, theoretical computer science, human-computer interaction, visual analytics or computer architecture.
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
The master's prepares graduates for professional work in industry and business. It qualifies them for leading positions and for independent scientific work, and it can serve as preparation for a doctorate. Graduates work in the areas the programme covers, such as data science, software engineering, IT security, systems development and human-computer interaction. No specific employment outcome can be guaranteed.
Cost of study
| Tuition fee of the federal state (Lower Saxony), international students | €0 |
|---|---|
| Semester contribution | €453.16 |
Requirements and application
| Previous education | A completed undergraduate degree in a subject-relevant field. |
|---|---|
| Language | German C1, English C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | Via uni-assist, winter semester until 31.05, summer semester until 30.11 |
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.
- 2German up to C1 and a certificateDSH or TestDaF has to be passed before you apply.
- 3Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 4Application via uni-assist until 30.11uni-assist checks documents for 4–6 weeks — send them well before the deadline.
- 5Admission, 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.
If your level is not enough yet
The two most common stoppers are a language level below the requirement and a certificate without direct admission. Both can be solved, but they take months — plan them now, not after a rejection.
Video about the programme
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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 30.11.2026 (38 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.