Computer Science (Informatik)
Master's in Computer Science (M.Sc.) at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany — a broad yet depth-oriented program spanning six thematic fields: data and software engineering, embedded systems, theoretical foundations, cognitive systems, media technology and human-machine interaction, and distributed systems and networks. Students specialize through a structured Tracks system, earning a faculty certificate upon completing a defined module combination in their chosen area. The curriculum also includes an interdisciplinary elective component drawing from TU Berlin and partner universities. Taught in English.
Programme facts
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
|---|---|
| Language of instruction | English |
| Required English | B2 |
| Study mode | Full-Time |
| Start | Winter semester, summer semester |
| Admission | Aptitude assessment: the university evaluates how well your previous education fits the programme |
Will I get in
Admission goes through an aptitude assessment: the university checks how well the subjects, credits and grades of your previous education fit the programme. There is no fixed cut-off — the assessment is comparative.
- ✓Those with a solid undergraduate background in computer science who want to deepen their expertise rather than simply repeat concepts from a bachelor's degree
- ✓Those drawn to a specific sub-field — whether that is the mathematics of computation, building intelligent systems, designing embedded hardware-software interfaces, or engineering large-scale networked systems
- ✓Those who appreciate the flexibility to shape their own curriculum while still having a clear thematic framework to work within
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- ✓Those who value having their specialisation formally recognised — the Tracks certificate is a concrete addition to the degree transcript
- ✓Those who want to operate in a research environment and are considering a doctoral path or a role in industry R&D
- ✓Those comfortable with a high degree of academic self-direction, where the balance between structured coursework and independent work increases significantly by the final semester
- ✓Those who want to study in a major European technology hub with access to a wide range of industry, startup, and research environments
- —The program's open admission structure means entry is based on meeting the formal academic prerequisites rather than a competitive ranking — applicants who satisfy the requirements and language threshold are admitted without a selective numerus clausus.
- —Berlin is one of Germany's most expensive cities for accommodation and daily living; the cost of living is noticeably higher than in many other German university cities, and students should budget accordingly.
- —The curriculum is heavily elective-driven: students who thrive with structure may find the need to plan their own module combinations across three semesters demanding, especially at the outset.
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- —No German language skills are required for admission or study, but everyday life in Berlin is substantially easier with at least basic German; the surrounding administrative and social environment is largely German-speaking.
- —The Tracks certificate requires deliberate planning from early in the program — students who decide to pursue one must align their module choices from the first semester; changing direction mid-program may not leave enough room to fulfil the Track requirements.
- —The master's thesis in the fourth semester is a substantial independent research project; students who have not previously engaged with academic research (literature review, hypothesis formulation, written academic argumentation) may find the transition from coursework to thesis more abrupt than expected.
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 program in Computer Science at Technische Universität Berlin is structured to give students both breadth across the discipline and the opportunity to develop genuine depth in a chosen area. The curriculum is built around a main study area from which students select compulsory elective modules across the first three semesters, drawing on six thematic fields: data and software engineering, embedded systems, fundamentals of computer science, cognitive systems, media technology and human-machine interaction, and distributed systems and networks.
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Beyond the core computer science modules, the program includes an elective component that encourages students to explore topics outside the immediate subject area — including socially relevant and interdisciplinary themes — either from TU Berlin's own offerings or from other universities. This design reflects a conviction that technically excellent computer scientists benefit from broader intellectual engagement.
A distinctive structural feature is the Tracks system: students who complete a defined combination of modules in a specific thematic area receive an additional faculty certificate confirming their specialisation. This is awarded independently of and in addition to the M.Sc. degree, providing a documented record of focused expertise that can be valuable in the job market or for further study.
The fourth semester is dedicated to the master's thesis, during which students conduct an independent research project under faculty supervision. The thesis represents the culmination of the program's research orientation and demonstrates the student's ability to work at the frontier of a chosen computer science sub-field.
The program is delivered entirely in English, making it accessible to international students, while being embedded within one of Germany's leading technical universities — a research institution with strong ties to the Berlin technology ecosystem.
What you study
Semesters 1–3: Main Study Area and Electives
The first three semesters are structured around compulsory elective modules drawn from the six study fields. Students choose their modules to build depth in a primary area while retaining some flexibility across the broader curriculum.
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
Graduates of this program are equipped for roles across the full spectrum of computer science practice and research. Typical directions include software architecture and engineering at scale, systems and embedded software development, research positions in academia or industry laboratories, data engineering and analysis, and specialist roles in human-computer interaction or distributed infrastructure.
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Berlin's concentration of technology companies — ranging from international corporations to early-stage startups — means graduates are well-placed to find employment locally, while the M.Sc. from TU Berlin is recognised across Germany and internationally. Graduates who develop a strong research focus during the program are also well-positioned to pursue doctoral studies at TU Berlin or elsewhere.
Requirements and application
| Previous education | Applicants must hold a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) that qualifies them for professional work in computer science or a closely related discipline. |
|---|---|
| Language | English B2 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
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.
- 3Admission, 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.