Master's Program Mathematics - Profile
The Master's degree program in Mathematics at the University of Bonn is internationally oriented and has a research-oriented profile. It is designed for 2 years (4 semesters) and can be started either in the winter semester (in October) or in the summer semester (in April). The language of instruction is English.
Students benefit from the international and high-ranking staff of the Mathematics Department in Bonn. All important mathematical fields are represented here, from the classical core areas of pure and applied mathematics to mathematical methods in the development of new technologies. This opens up a wide range of possible specializations for students. A large number of experts from a wide range of mathematical disciplines create a climate of fruitful discussions in which students can always find contacts for their mathematical interests. In addition, mathematics in Bonn is characterized by excellent research in special areas.
The courses of the Master's degree program Mathematics are offered in the form of modules (lectures, seminars and practical trainings). They each last one semester and are completed with an examination.
Curriculum
Lecture Courses
Each lecture course module is assigned to one of the six study areas A to F. Each area offers several lectures per semester, from the Foundations to in-depth lectures and special lectures. A total of three areas must be covered with lectures.
There are three types of lecture course modules in the Master's degree program, for which different numbers of credit points (CP) are awarded:
- F4/V4..: weekly 4 hours lecture plus 2 hours problem sessions - 9 CP
- V5.. Advanced Topics: weekly 4 hours lecture - 7 CP
- V5.. Selected Topics: weekly 2 hours lecture - 5 CP
According to the examination regulations, you must cover 3 of the 6 areas with 23/16/9 CP. You can include all three types of lectures, there is only one restriction concerning the foundations.
The foundations are part of the four-hour lectures with two-hour exercises for which 9 credit points (CP) are awarded.
In each study area there are two to five foundations which are offered in a certain rotation. You can attend all of them without restriction, but only one from each area can be included in your Master's degree. You only have to make the selection once you have completed the degree program and your certificate is to be issued.
Graduate Seminars
Various graduate seminars from all areas of study are offered each semester. You must complete at least two seminars to graduate. In seminars, participation in the discussion of the topics presented is an essential element, which is why attendance is compulsory.
You can choose freely from the seminars on offer, you are not bound to your specialization. However, it is advisable to complete at least one graduate seminar in the area in which you would like to find a supervisor for your Master's thesis.
The topics for the seminars are assigned at the end of the lecture period of the previous semester at a preliminary meeting. As the number of places in seminars is limited, it is advisable to attend several preliminary meetings in order to be sure of a place in the desired semester.
There are three additional modules available:
- F5X1 Additional Graduate Seminar (6 LP)
- F5X2 Additional Advanced Topics (7 LP)
- F5X3 Additional Selected Topics (5 LP)
Each of these three modules may be chosen no more than once in the Master's degree program.
- You can fill an additional module with any module of the same type.
- In an additional module, you can take a total of 4 examination attempts in 2 different modules of the relevant type.
- Example:
1st and 2nd examination attempt in Add. Adv. Top. in Algebra - failed
3rd examination attempt in Add. Adv. Top. in Topology - passed
This means that F5X2 has been passed.
You can choose from
- a Practical Teaching Course in which you lead an exercise group for a lecture and then reflect on your didactic work in a portfolio,
- an External Internship in which you complete a practical activity with mathematical relevance in a company of your choice,
- a programming lab:
- Practical Project in Mathematical Logic
- Algorithms for Chip Design
- Combinatorial Algorithms
- Practical Lab Numerical Simulation
- Practical Lab Mathematical Biology and Data Science.
You can include up to 24 CP from modules in a secondary subject in your degree.
- The standard secondary subjects are physics, computer science and economics. A secondary subject that differs from these must be approved by the Bachelor-Master Office Mathematics before you can take examinations in it.
- In general, the rules of the department offering the module apply to all modules in your secondary subject, not those of mathematics! The registration deadlines and modalities for secondary subject modules therefore differ from each other in the various departments and from those of mathematics.
You can find more information on some subjects and on the approval of extraordinary secondary subjects at Secondary Subject.
Master's Thesis and Thesis Seminar
The only compulsory modules of the Master's degree program Mathematics are the Master's thesis and the accompanying thesis seminar. Typically, they are started in the 3rd semester.
The working time for the Master's thesis is 12 months. The progress and finally the results of the thesis are presented in the thesis seminar.
In preparation for the Master's thesis, it is advisable to
- attend (further) lectures in your chosen area of specialization,
- complete at least one graduate seminar in your area of specialization,
- contact a lecturer early enough to determine a topic for your thesis.
The seminar accompanying the Master's thesis includes a total of three presentations. Only the last of these is graded. This final presentation on the topic and results of your Master's thesis should take place between four weeks before and four weeks after the submission of your Master's thesis.
The Master's examination is passed as soon as the following requirements are met:
Credit points (CP)
- Lectures from specialization area I (including a maximum of one foundation lecture) worth at least 23 CP have been passed.
≥ 23 CP
- Lectures from specialization area II (including a maximum of one foundation lecture) worth at least 16 CP have been passed.
≥ 16 CP
- Lectures from specialization area III worth at least 9 CP have been passed.
≥ 9 CP
- Two graduate seminars have been passed.
2 · 6 = 12 CP
- The Master's thesis and the thesis seminar have been passed.
30 + 6 = 36 CP
- Further modules of the free electives (lectures, seminars, practical trainings or secondary subject modules) have been passed.
≤ 24 CP
- A total of 120 credit points have been earned.
= 120 CP
The examination regulations contain all the legally binding regulations for your degree program. Please note the date of the examination regulations that apply to you.
The module handbook lists the modules that belong to or are permitted in your degree program. Here you will find information on the content of the modules, the admission requirements, the type and scope of the examinations and the credit points with which the module is assessed.
You can find expired examination regulations in our document archive.
Sample Study Plans
Your individual study plan depends on your choice of specialization, possibly a secondary subject or a practical training, and - of course - your own aptitude and motivation. The following table shows a typical general study plan.
red = lecture modules from one of the areas A to F, at least 23 CP in total
orange = lecture modules from another area A to F, at least 16 CP in total
yellow = lecture modules from a third area A to F, at least 9 CP in total
green = graduate seminars
grey = Master's thesis and thesis seminar (compulsory)
blue = elective modules, at most 24 CP in total
The numbers in brackets indicate the number of credit points (CP).
Specific Sample Study Plans with a Focus on the Respective Area:
Getting Started
- What do I need to consider when starting my studies?
- What challenges can I expect at the beginning of the degree program?
- What support options do I have for the study start?
Getting Organized
- How can I take part in a course?
- How do I register for an exam?
- Which important dates and deadlines should I not miss?
- What do I do if I am sick on the day of an exam?
Internships and Jobs
- Where can I do an internship outside the university?
- How can I prepare for starting a career?
- Where can I come into contact with employers and find possible job opportunities?
Contact Us
