The new full-time and part-time international Master's degree programmes "Computer Science", "Data Science"and "Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence" will start at the Faculty of Informatics and Data Science (FIDS for short) at the University of Regensburg in the winter semester 2025/26. Applications for the degree programmes are open until 1 June. Prospective students can clarify their questions about the new degree programmes in advance. 

Computer Science

The new consecutive Master's degree programme in Computer Science at the University of Regensburg enables future students to specialise in core topics of computer science and to choose a specialisation in the areas of "Core Computer Science", "Bioinformatics", "Human-Centred Computing" or "Information Systems"."Our degree programme combines an in-depth education in computer scientists with a particularly close connection to current research," explains Meike Klettke, Professor of Data Engineering and Dean of Research at FIDS.

"The study specialisations correspond to the research focuses of our faculty. Students can already work on current research projects in the departments during their studies and experience innovations at first hand." In addition, the degree programme aims to allow students to develop their own profile through a high degree of freedom of choice: "Computer scientists have developed into a very versatile subject area. Students can therefore expect an extensive and broad range of courses in the core and application areas of computer scientists," reports Professor Klettke.

Data Science

The international Master's degree programme inData Science starts at the same time as the Computer Science degree programme.Data Science graduates are highly sought-after: they can combine methods from mathematics, statistics and computer scientists to make data-driven decisions in various areas such as business, healthcare or finance. "Data science is an interdisciplinary subject because data always has a context from which it originates. In order to derive real benefits from data sets, data science skills are just as necessary as specialist knowledge about the background of the data," emphasises Florian Erhard, dean of studies at FIDS and responsible for the development of the Master's degree programme.

In addition to advanced methods in the field of machine learning and statistics, students therefore acquire specific specialist and application skills in a specialisation of their choice: "Computational Life Sciences", "Human-Centred Data Science", "Information Systems" or "Machine Learning and Statistics".

Like the Master's degree programme in Computer Science, the Data Science degree programme builds on a previous degree. "Due to the interdisciplinary nature of data science, we also want to enable committed career changers from fields such as mathematics, biology, psychology or economics to take up the programme if they have the necessary prior knowledge of data science," explains Professor Erhard. In future, it will be possible to start the two Master's degree programmes inData ScienceandComputer Science in both the winter and summer semesters.

Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence

With the new international Master's degree programme "Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence" (HCAI), the faculty is setting a strong example for the ethically reflected development of artificial intelligence. The degree programme combines advanced concepts of artificial intelligence with a human-centred approach. "In an increasingly AI-driven world, it is of central importance that the development and use of artificial intelligence is in harmony with human values and society's needs," says Udo Kruschwitz, Professor of Information Science and committee of faculty representatives for international affairs. "Our students are put in a position to master both technical and ethical challenges in the development of AI applications while always keeping people as users in mind."

Such applications range from search engines and chatbots to automatically recognising fake news or hate comments using natural language processing methods. The degree programme teaches skills from computer scientists, data science, human-machine interaction and psychology. Graduates are in high demand in all areas where artificial intelligence is used, especially where human-machine interfaces are developed. This includes companies that develop entertainment components for the smart home or the automotive industry as well as companies and public administration where information systems are designed and optimised.

Optimum compatibility of studies and career

"Our three new international Master's degree programmes can be completed full-time or part-time ," emphasises Professor Christian Wolff, Dean of FIDS. "Our Master's students are sought-after specialists in almost all sectors. Students no longer have to choose between starting a career after their Bachelor's degree and a Master's programme, but can combine the two." So that students can combine their studies and their professional activities as flexibly as possible, it is even possible to switch between full-time and part-time studies up to twice.

Attractive study environment with an international focus

In addition to the excellent career prospects, the Dean of FIDS also emphasises the international and attractive study environment of the three new Master's degree programmes. The young faculty, which will only open in 2022, offers its students a very good student-to-staff ratio - made possible by 15 additional professorships, which will be made permanently available to the university with funds from the High-Tech Agenda of the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern).

"So far, there have already been numerous reasons for prospective students to come to Regensburg to study at FIDS," enthuses Professor Wolff. In addition to the excellent supervision, the research-based teaching, the close cooperation between science and industry and the AI-orientated corporate landscape with attractive part-time jobs for students, these include the historic old town with its idyllic beer gardens and lively cultural life. "The international focus of the three new Master's degree programmes is another huge plus point and is the wish of all researchers and teaching staff at the faculty," emphasises Professor Wolff.

It strengthens international academic cooperation, increases the attractiveness for excellent international academics and is in line with the university's self-image as an institution of diversity and a cosmopolitan campus. From his many years of experience as a university lecturer, the Dean knows what advantages internationality has for students: "Our students benefit from a wide range of international exchange opportunities, the international networking of lecturers and their experience in working in international teams offers them optimal career opportunities - both nationally and internationally."