International Programmes 2023/2024

Master of Science Mathematics Münster MSc Mathematics Münster

University of Münster • Münster

Degree
Master of Science
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The degree programme can by studied and finished with English language skills, as (almost) all mathematical courses are held in English. However, optional minor subjects are currently taught in German.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

Winter semester: Application period from 1 May to 15 July
First admission round: beginning of June, second admission round: 15 July

Summer semester: Application period from 2 November to 15 January
We recommend applying as early as possible.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The MSc Mathematics Münster at the Cluster of Excellence is a research-oriented programme that puts a strong focus on in-depth studies in a broad spectrum of pure and applied mathematical subjects.

Our highly diverse range of courses provides a broad and well-founded training in all areas of mathematics, giving you a lot of flexibility and academic freedom. More than 40 professors offer a very comprehensive range of courses in the following major mathematical areas:

The University of Münster has a long standing tradition in mathematical education and is a stronghold of mathematical research. Mathematics Münster is one of the biggest mathematics departments in Germany, with around 45 professors covering almost all major mathematical fields. As a student in Münster, you will benefit from broad and intensive mathematical training, internationally recognised experts – Münster's mathematicians have been awarded four Leibniz Prizes, two Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, two ERC Grants and a Max Planck Research Award – and the Cluster of Excellence Mathematics Münster: Dynamics – Geometry – Structure. Our cluster intensifies the exchange between traditionally specialised mathematical disciplines. As a Master’s student, you can experience our clusters and Mathematics Münster Graduate School's unique and vibrant research atmosphere, and you can benefit from an international network of renowned researchers.

This excellent starting point is also reflected in international rankings. In the Shanghai Ranking 2021, our Mathematics Münster ranked 49-75 – which means that we are among the top 50 mathematics departments worldwide and among the top two in Germany!

Course organisation

MSc Mathematics Münster is a two-year programme consisting of foundational and advanced modules you can choose from a broad variety of major mathematical fields. The huge variety of courses and the flexibility offered enable you to create a study plan according to your interests and career plans. The programme is completed with a Master’s thesis, which you will prepare and write under the guidance of a department member in the last semesters.

Our modules are divided into the following groups:

  • broadening courses
  • specialisation modules
  • modules for personal enrichment
  • a supplementary module
  • optional minor subject modules
  • the Master's thesis

You can fill your study plan with exclusively mathematical courses. You may also substitute one specialisation with one of our minor subjects (taught in German).

Here is a typical study plan:

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Language training provided
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements
  • Lecture notes in English and German
  • Exchange semesters, conference participation at a partner university/institution (within the EU and worldwide)
Integrated internships

An internship can be included in the curriculum.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Students must pay a semester contribution fee of 316.98 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml

Costs of living

We recommend that students budget at least 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (accommodation, living expenses, health insurance).

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

The Cluster of Excellence offers three annual full grant scholarships. While applying for admission, applicants for the scholarship are asked to send a letter of motivation plus two regular, informal letters of recommendation directly from their university lecturers to mm.scholarships@wwu.de. The deadline for application is 15 May. If you have any requests, please do not hesitate to contact us.

WWU ProTalent scholarship: The scholarship programme "ProTalent" of the University of Münster awards scholarships of 300 EUR per month to particularly outstanding and socially committed students. Enrolled and future WWU students can apply once a year, usually in June.

Academic admission requirements
  • A university entrance qualification valid in Germany (e.g., Abitur, high school diploma, national test for university entrance, etc.)
  • A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in mathematics with a standard period of study of at least six semesters, completed with a minimum of 180 ECTS points. (Of these points, 120 ECTS points must have been achieved in mathematical subjects. The selection committee decides in exceptional cases.) Your Bachelor’s final grade / GPA should at least be 3.0 according to the German grading system. If you don’t get an overall final grade, you should belong to the best 40% of your class.
  • English language skills at level B2

Applying with a preliminary Bachelor’s degree certificate or a transcript of records giving a preliminary grade is possible, given that you will complete your Bachelor’s degree by the start of your studies at the WWU.

Language requirements

A good command of English (B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR]) is required. It is possible to prove this by submitting TOEFL test results (iBT, 72 points or higher), IELTS test results (overall band score of 6.0 or higher) or a Bachelor's degree from a programme completed in English.

For more possibilities and information, please check our homepage: www.uni-muenster.de/FB10/mscmathematics/application/.

Application deadline

Winter semester: Application period from 1 May to 15 July
First admission round: beginning of June, second admission round: 15 July

Summer semester: Application period from 2 November to 15 January
We recommend applying as early as possible.

Submit application to

https://studienbewerbung.uni-muenster.de/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

There are many job opportunities for students in Münster (in the department, the central administration, and at various institutions in Münster). A lot of students work in part-time jobs while pursuing their studies – but please note that is it extremely difficult to finance your studies by only working! Make sure to have sufficient means to cover most of your costs.

If you need a residence permit for studying in Germany, please note that you are allowed to work 120 full days or 280 half days a year during your studies. These restrictions do not apply for student jobs at the university.

Accommodation

As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!

Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the WWU Graduate Centre (doctoral candidates) for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.

Career advisory service

Mathematics Münster offers various information events on career related topics:

  • Information meetings on possible future careers at the department: "Working at the department – from student assistant to doctorate”
  • "Maths and Computer Science offer perspectives", which is organised by the department’s student council
  • MINT mentoring programme for female Master's students, including reflections on career perspectives after the completion of the Master's degree programme

Our central Careers Service also offers a comprehensive careers service for all students. The Careers Service team helps you to give your studies a job-related focus, develop your own professional profile, gain necessary experience in the world of work, learn strategies and techniques relating to applications and build up contacts to employers.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The University of Münster’s International Office / International Centre offers extensive support and help for international students:

  • general advice on application processes
  • advice regarding your studies as well as general questions and problems
  • help with administrative procedures (contact with authorities, filling in forms, etc.)
  • social support
  • advice on scholarships and short term financial aid

Our International Centre also is a meeting venue for international and German students, and it offers various cultural and social events such as concerts, international round tables, exhibitions, country-specific events, excursions, trips and much more.

Supervisor-student ratio
Approx. 1:5

University of Münster

Content Bild
University of Münster © WWU / Nikolaus Urban

With about 45,000 students and 5,500 academics, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. It enjoys an outstanding reputation in the region and far beyond for its excellent research opportunities, high-quality teaching and promotion of junior researchers. Fifteen faculties with 120 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the university. Besides its academic opportunities, the University of Münster offers a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities. Pursue your interests by participating in student societies, university theatre, choirs, orchestras, bands, and sports courses. Additionally, make sure to visit the university's museums and gardens to further enrich your experience.

University location

Münster is located in north-west Germany, close to the border with the Netherlands. The city is a lively student town, famous for its bicycle-friendly atmosphere and student pubs. Of Münster's total population of approx. 316,400 inhabitants, over 61,800 are students at the different universities. Münster is a thriving centre of science and academia. It is a great place to live, learn and teach.

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