New Master in Heidelberg: Data science for the future!

New Master in Heidelberg: Data science for the future!

Heidelberg University is introducing a new master's degree program entitled “Mathematics of Machine Learning and Data Science”. This research-oriented course of study starts in the winter semester 2025/2026 and is offered in English. The target group is primarily graduates of mathematical bachelor's degree programs. The program is organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, in particular the Institute of Mathematics, and cooperates closely with the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing.

The application deadline for the master's degree program ends on May 15, 2025. The program extends over four semesters and teaches students in-depth mathematical and methodological fundamentals that are necessary for machine learning and scientific data analysis. A central focus is on understanding the interactions between pure and applied mathematics. The curriculum includes content such as topology, differential geometry, dynamic systems, statistics, optimization, numerical analysis and functional analysis.

Interdisciplinary orientation and course content

Compared to the regular master's degree program in mathematics, this new degree program offers an interdisciplinary orientation. In the first semester there is a lecture series that gives students an overview of the core mathematical areas. In addition, a data science lab will be set up to practically apply and implement concepts from the lectures. The opportunity to spend a semester abroad promotes international teamwork and broadens the students' horizons.

The specializations offered over the two years of study aim to optimally prepare students for their master's thesis. The acquisition of skills such as analytical and structural thinking, scientific problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration is central. This qualifies graduates for doctoral positions at home and abroad as well as for research-oriented positions in industry, particularly in method development for machine learning and scientific data analysis.

Additional study options

In parallel to this new degree program, the university also offers a master's degree program in Data and Computer Science, which focuses on deepening the concepts, models and techniques of computer science. Here, students have the opportunity to acquire additional scientific and practical skills and to specialize in areas such as machine learning, data analysis, visualization and complex software systems. The focus is also heavily on data science concepts and their application in various areas.

Another relevant course of study in this context is the Master's program in Mathematical Data Science, the module handbook of which is expected to be available from April 2025. The program contains a compulsory area as well as elective modules, which offer students flexibility in choosing topics. An important module is the “Mathematical Data Science and Machine Learning” module, which comprises 10 ECTS, while modules specific to computer science, such as “Machine Learning”, are offered with 5 ECTS.

During the course of their studies, students must complete a master's thesis, which is the last major examination. The processing time is six months, and the topic of the master's thesis usually comes from seminars or working groups. It is necessary to contact a mathematics lecturer to determine the topic. With these new degree programs, Heidelberg University is responding to the increasing demands in the areas of mathematics, computer science and data science.

For detailed information about these new programs and the specific requirements, please visit the website University of Heidelberg, the Computer science at the University of Heidelberg and the Mathematics at the University of Würzburg.