The programme is designed to be completed entirely in English. It is possible, however, to take additional mandatory elective classes in German if one wishes.
In 1987, a famous British statistician, George Box, proclaimed, “Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful”. Today, companies like OpenAI or Google don’t fiddle with models that might give bad predictions, they simply extract relevant information from abundant data with no use for models at all. And yet, data science is far more than just curve fitting for those who are too lazy to do the “real” science. It is real science! It is likely that physical models for numerical weather prediction or protein folding will still be needed in the future and that the natural sciences will not cease to exist. What we are currently seeing is only the beginning of the integration of data mining and powerful large language models with models from physics, chemistry or biology, with no end in sight!
The MSc programme in Mathematical Data Science features comprehensive training in the mathematical foundation of Data Science algorithms. This includes courses in non-convex optimisation and numerical simulation, numerical linear algebra, stochastic processes, high-dimensional statistics, or graph theory, but also courses that provide the computer science fundamentals, such as neural networks, distributed computing, cryptography, or information retrieval. The core curriculum is accompanied by numerous courses from related application fields, such as AI, computational neuroscience, control engineering, cybersecurity, or bioinformatics, where you will learn how to apply data science algorithms.
Studying at a small technical university, with many courses shared between different study programmes, you will quickly get in touch with students from other disciplines (e.g. engineering, economics). You will also learn about their projects and the numerous opportunities at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg to apply data science methods to do cutting-edge research in energy systems, neuroscience, or sustainable technologies.
If you are an international student, you will have the opportunity to take German language courses, which gears you up for a future career in industry or the public sector. (German speaking students may learn another language.)
The rewards for studying Mathematical Data Science are excellent career opportunities in academics, industry or the public sector, with application fields ranging from IT and technology to health care, finance, consulting, or resource management.
For more information, please visit our page: https://www.b-tu.de/en/math-data-science-ms.
The degree programme comprises four semesters with a total of 120 credit points.
The degree programme consists of:
Mathematical Compulsory Modules: 46 credits
Mandatory Elective Modules from three complexes: 68 credits
General Studies Module: 6 credits
PDF DownloadApart from a few degree programmes, education offered at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is without tuition fees. However, the university does charge a semester fee each semester (currently: winter semester 2026/27: 391.80 EUR). This covers costs for student services organisation, the Student Council as well as the semester ticket.
Studies abroad often have different types of expenses from the ones you know from your home country. You are responsible for covering your own living expenses. Accommodation and other essential living expenses will amount to around 780 to 1,000 EUR per month. Of course, this amount depends entirely on individual lifestyle. The following list gives you an idea of some fixed and variable costs that you should take into account for your stay in Germany.
Monthly costs:
Total: 780 to 1,000 EUR
The so-called "Deutschlandticket" included in the semester ticket allows you to travel using all local public means of transportation throughout Germany.
Studying at BTU is mostly free of (tuition) fees. Because of this, there are only limited scholarship opportunities for international students. The International Relations Office is nonetheless pleased to be able to award a limited number of scholarships to international students already enrolled at BTU. You can find more information on BTU scholarship opportunities on our websites.
Enrolment in the Master's programme in Mathematical Data Science requires proof of a Bachelor's degree with at least 180 credit points in a mathematical or mathematics-related degree programme, particularly in the fields of Mathematics or Business Mathematics. The degree is sufficiently close in content if the courses have a comparable scope to the Bachelor's degree programmes in Mathematics or Business Mathematics at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.
There are job opportunities both in town and on campus. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is high, it is not always easy to find a part-time job and you will need at least basic German skills for many of the available jobs. Students from non-European countries are allowed to work either 120 whole days or 240 half days annually. The 120-day rule is not affected by mandatory internships or student assistance jobs at university. Students from EU member countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can work without restrictions during their studies in Germany.
BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is a university with three locations where numerous student dormitories are provided. Students can choose between different room types. The room capacities in our dormitories are limited, thus we recommend to apply as early as you receive your admission letter for an apartment in the dormitories.
In Germany, it is also very common for students to live alone or with friends. If three or more people share an apartment together, this is called a "WG" in German ("Wohngemeinschaft", which means a shared flat). A comprehensive list on student accommodation and housing options at BTU's three locations can be found on our websites, as well as a video about how students live in both Cottbus and Senftenberg.
The BTU Career Center offers extensive support to international students and graduates, ensuring that students experience a smooth transition into the job market. We help students on their journey to a successful career path by offering seminars, workshops and career advisory services to ensure that students succeed in their job application processes and land great positions.
Our offers include:
BTU offers a wide range of support during your preparation for your stay in Germany, your first days on campus and throughout your whole study programme.
Among others, the International Relations Office offers the following services:
Located on three campuses and with over 70 study programmes, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg offers a broad spectrum of market-oriented programmes as well as traditional degree programmes.
From the natural sciences and engineering to economics, cultural studies, and even health sciences, BTU offers a wide range of courses. Our 21 study programmes taught exclusively in English are very popular among both German and international students from all over the world.
BTU is partnered with over 220 universities throughout the world, which provides students with a multitude of excellent opportunities to spend part of their time studying or conducting research abroad. Furthermore, in cooperation with our international partner universities, BTU offers a wide range of double degree and joint degree programmes.
Cottbus is located in the northeast of Germany, between the country’s capital, Berlin (100 km), and Dresden (120 km). With a population of approx. 100,000 inhabitants, Cottbus is the second largest city after Potsdam in the federal state of Brandenburg. The Polish border is only approx. 30 km away. The location of Cottbus offers a convenient starting point for trips into the picturesque region of Lower Lusatia. The landscape of Lower Lusatia is characterised by the Spreewald with its small canals and waterways as well as by the Slavonic minority called Sorbs or Wends. Their language, similar to Polish, is still used and spoken in Lower Lusatia. For this reason, many of the road signs and informational boards in Cottbus and the surrounding region are written in both Sorbian and German.
Cottbus gained importance as a trade centre in the 12th century. Parts of the original city wall from the 14th century as well as the beautiful townhouses around the old market square are proof of the city’s early splendour. Additionally, the city is characterised by buildings from the "Wilhelminian" times of rapid industrial growth in Germany, which occurred towards the end of the 19th century. The city that first rose to prominence with its cloth and linen weaving industry soon evolved into a growing centre of brown coal mining. Today, Cottbus is in the midst of a structural transformation. BTU supports this development with its engagement in the Lausitz Science Park megaproject, which aims to build an appealing innovation landscape.
Senftenberg is the centre of the Lusatia Lake District. Former excavation and mining pits have been flooded in order to create the largest artificial lake system in Europe, with a total of 23 large lakes. The water sports area "Senftenberger See", with its water surface of 1,300 hectares, offers exceptional sailing and surfing opportunities, and it is suitable for all kinds of water sports. Senftenberg has thus become a tourist attraction within the region.
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