Computer Science B.Sc.

 

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers," said Thomas John Watson apparently in 1943 as chairman of the board at IBM. We know better now! A life without fast data processing, internet, apps, email, video on demands, and intelligent house technology is practically unthinkable.

As a science of analysis, conception, and the implementatin of information processing systems, computer science has become indispensable. With fundamental concepts such as architecture, algorithm, information, complexity, and efficiency, the statistical structure and dynamic behavior of such systems can be described and investigated. Computer science focuses on both the qualitative and quantitative classification of problems and algorithms and the solution of concrete practial problems.

In this fields between mathematics and engineering computer science has developed into a discipline with its own scientific methods.

Computer science studies at a interdisciplinary technical university particularly accommodate this discipline's special character. There are wide variety of research fields in computer science at RWTH Aachen. However the program also ensures a high degree of interdisciplinary collaboration with the natural and engineering sciences and linguistics and communication studies.

In order to learn the necessary communication with users, students begin an application subject in the third semester (or later). Students can principally combine classes from one or several subjects outside of computer science. Classes from the following subjects are part of the Catalogue of Application Subjects, among others: business administration, mathematics, electrical engineering, biology, mechanical engineering, medicine, philosophy, physics, chemistry, and psychology.

Starting in the third semester the curriculum offers an elective module, which offers students their first opportunity for creating a focus. They can flexibly choose and combine individual modules from theoretical computer science, software and communication, data and information management, and applied computer science. These modules are often offered in English.

 

Characteristics of the Course of Study at RWTH

Computer Science at RWTH Aachen is an outstanding degree program. The Department is involved in over 30 research areas, making it it possible to offer a very broad range of specializations, such as software engineering, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, just to name a few. The Department contributes to research topics of high societal relevance, including international climate and aeronautics research, and it continues to achieve top positions in university rankings. Computer Science in Aachen is highly successful due to its striving for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Its excellent reputation continues to attract numerous students from all over the world. Due to its large number of international students of currently about 22 percent and its excellent contacts to researchers abroad, Computer Science in Aachen has a strongly international character. The Department participates in graduate schools and research training groups, as well as in Collaborative Research Centers funded by the German Research Foundation, DFG for short.

For a number of years now, RWTH Aachen, through its success in Germany's Excellence Initiative, is officially recognized as a university of excellence, and the Department of Computer Science has clearly contributed to this success. Through its high-caliber teaching and research, RWTH Aachen was able to succeed in the nationwide competition and to receive substantial funding for several innovative research projects.

For further information on the Department's research projects, please refer to the websites of the individual Computer Science research groups. Please also check the Department's web page on Who We Are and What Drives Us.

 

Degree Content

Aside from a broad spectrum of fundamental knowledge students also acquire methodological skills and career-related skills during their Bachelor's studies. The teaching is supported with internships or tutorials, in which students profit from intensive mentorship. This is how, for example, they may acquire or expand their programming skills. Previous knowledge of programming languages is recommended but not required. Excellent knowledge of the English language is essential.

Practical Computer Science	Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Data Bases and Information Systems, Introduction to Software Engineering
Technical Computer Science	Introduction to Computer Engineering, Systems Programming Lab Course, Operating Systems and Systems Software, Data Communication
Theoretical Computer Science	Formal Systems, Automata and Processes; Computability and Complexity; Mathematical Logic, Elective: Theory
Mathematics	Discrete Structures, Analysis for Computer Scientists, Linear Algebra, Introduction to Applied Stochastics
Electives	Classes from the Catalogue of Electives
Other Assessments	Mentoring, Basic Seminar, Seminar, Software Project Internship, Non-technical Elective, Bachelor's Colloquium, Bachelor's Thesis
Application Subject	Classes from the wide range of application subjects outside of computer science. Students can take classes from one or several application subjects.

 

Further Details

You can find further information on the contents and structure of the course of study at the Study Center Computer Science .

Programs Abroad

Computer science students at RWTH profit from not only a worldwide network of international university partnerships. The currciulum also offers students the opportunity to shape their curriculum. With the EU mobility program ERASMUS+ students have access to 35 renowned European partner universities, including the Imperial College of London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Gothenburg, and Universitat Politècnica de València. Furthermore in Asia alone – especially in Japan and China – there are over 30 established university partnerships. Additionally there are university partnerships in North and South America and Australia.

All of RWTH's collaborative programs are listed on the webpages about studying abroad. Subject-specific offers are published on the department's website.

Internships

You can start your computer science studies without having completed a pre-internship. During the course of your studies, however, you must complete a software project internship and the system programming internship.

 

Prerequisites

Personal Prerequisites

In computer science, diverse methods are implemented for the structuring, modeling, analysis and solution of problems that extend beyond actual programming. Thus, students should enjoy math, and also possess initial programming knowledge, since these two things are indispensable in the practical implementation of problem solutions. If necessary, students can develop these skills in the bridge course. Throughout the course of study, sufficient knowledge of English will also be necessary, as most of the literature on the subejt is written in English.

Language Requirements

The courses in this degree program are offered partly in German and partly in English. Therefore, before taking up studies, students must prove that they have English language skills at level B2 according to the “Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).” As a rule, this proof is provided by the German Abitur certificate.

Enrollment Prerequisite

RWTH "Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Technical Computer Science" Self Assessment
You need to submit proof that you have taken the self assessment when you enroll. It is not required at the time of application.

 

Decision Aids

If you are trying to figure out if you would enjoy studying computer science, RWTH offers many opportunities to learn more about the subject. You are invited to attend the information events and taster courses hosted by the Department of Computer Science. You can also find computer science lectures for beginners in the Wegweiser Studium für Studieninteressierte (de). You can attend these without registering or contacting anyone in advance. They are both free of charge and non binding. Don't be disappointed if you don't understand everything. Just experience the subject's atmosphere.

 

Media Library

Do you want more insights and impressions? Use the diverse information available! You can find our recommendations in the media library.

 

Career Prospects

Information technology, worldwide interconnection, and the entry of computer-based systems in all social, business, and private spheres pose immense dynamic potential. This results in excellent future career prospects for computer scientists.

A degree from RWTH is a testament of outstanding technical and creative skills, for an interdisciplinary world view, and potential for further technical training. It is also symbol of special technical skills in a certain field of application. Graduates from Aachen are valued experts, who are able to find work in many fields.

Companies in all sectors are constantly looking for holistically trained specialists. Examples include software manufacturers and companies, telecommunications companies, users of administrative systems, the technical industry, multimedia service providers, and consulting firms. Here Bachelor's graduates typically conduct work with instruction, for example in the implementation and operation of new systems. Students with a Master's degree have a wider spectrum of prospects open to them – from research and development to company management.

 

Master's Degree Prospects

The Master's course of study in computer science offers an outstanding variety of electible specializations such as algorithms, complexity, software modelling, programming languages, verification, software engineering, communication, distributed systems, information systems, databases, knowledge-based systems, language processing, pattern recognition, logic, computer graphics, multimedia, machine learning, data management and exploration, learning technologies, media informatics, human-computer interaction, imbedded systems, high performance computing, computer engineering, virtual reality and IT security.

Alternatively, students can transfer to the English-language Master's programs Software Systems Engineering, Media Informatics and Data Science.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Faculty

The Computer Science Bachelor course of study is offered by the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.

The RWTH Department of Computer Science conducts research in more than 30 fields in a broad spectrum of subjects, reflected in the specializations listed above. Computer science in Aachen focuses on research topics that are socially and globally relevant. Its top placement in university ranking confirms that its quality, innovative spirit, and sustainability are not be underestimated or - appreciated.